Leading with the internal shift
Before the output, the mindset. The shift happened quietly.
When Cohort 1 of the Impact Leaders Mentorship Programme began, seven mentees arrived focused on outputs, goals and tangible outcomes. 42 sessions later, what emerged was that the most important work had happened internally. One mentee arrived with the ingredients for a strong professional identity but no single sentence to hold them together. Before lasting impact could be created, confidence had to be strengthened and professional identities more fully claimed.
As mentees progressed through the programme, they began to recognise that the challenge was not a lack of skills or experience, but the ability to communicate the value they possessed.
The mentorship programme is grounded in the Mindset-to-Output framework, a practical approach created by its Director, Ms. Margaret Akullo, and one that develops the clarity, discipline and confidence needed to turn mentees’ ideas into finished, real-world outputs. Under the Mindset-to-Output framework, building the mindset of mentees for future impact became the foundation upon which confidence, visibility, professional identity and meaningful outputs began to emerge.
Midterm reflections showed movement in both visible actions and growing self-awareness, particularly in recognising the difference between listing skills and communicating value. That shared experience among mentees created a supportive environment that reduced isolation and normalised common challenges around confidence, visibility and identity.
The cohort’s development was further supported by a positioning and branding masterclass delivered by Ms. Mengting Li, brand architect, creative director and digital strategist supporting the Impact Leaders Initiative. The masterclass helped mentees bridge the gap between having value and communicating it effectively, while strengthening their professional identity and shaping a more intentional digital footprint.
While the programme focuses on structure, accountability and feedback, its deeper impact has been a shift in mindset and perspective. The outputs mattered, but the mindset shift made them possible.
Congratulations to Cohort 1 of the Impact Leaders Mentorship Programme 2026.
Ms. Adedolapo Akingbade, Nigeria
Ms. Deborah Nyarko-Mensah, Ghana
Ms. Hinano Daisy Bull, Japan-Britain
Mr. Kingsley Kobina Koomson, Ghana
Ms. Lujam Okello, Uganda-Britain
Mr. Siyabonga Mazibuko, South Africa
Dr. Vuyelwa Maweni, South Africa