In my previous post, Humane Leaders Are Destiny Shapers, I honored leaders who directly shaped my career as line managers. This post is for the ones who may not have managed me directly yet stood as active armor-bearers along my leadership path. Today, I give them their flowers 🌸.

George the Toddler 👶
Meet Madam Rowena Anyanje, my Grade 3 teacher. She remembers me as one of the smallest -but brightest – students in her class. In her words, “I saw something in you beyond a pupil. I saw greatness, and I’ve been intentional about seeing you flourish.” Today, Rowena is someone I still call when parenting gets tough. She espouses that a stable parent often becomes a compassionate leader.

Leadership Lessons from Home 🏡
My mother, Elizabeth Kitisha, shaped my understanding of resilience, responsibility, and resolve. When asked about my leadership journey, my instinctive response is simple: I am a firstborn – what else are we meant to do but lead? She modeled love and compassion, even while entrusting me with responsibilities beyond my age. A mother is the first leader a child ever knows, often teaching by example long before titles exist.

George in the Marketplace & Society 🌍
As my career progressed, I was challenged to give back of my time, talents, and treasures. At just 29, Bob Kikuyu asked me to chair a church board -traditionally a role for the seasoned. Bob has a rare gift: when he sees potential, he gives you wings 🕊️. He has been my mentor, friend, and moral compass – never hesitant to call out the chaff on my journey to greatness.

Kenneth Aluda, BSc Eng, MBA has been that constant friend across both personal and professional spaces. He celebrates my wins 🎉 and helps me confront blind spots. Ken is my go-to for brutal, honest 360° feedback – the kind that fuels growth.

George the Budding Leader 🌱
I spent over half of my professional life at World Vision, where my leadership muscle was truly formed.

Ed Anderson, then CIO, remains someone I’m forever grateful to. When I asked him to coach me, he said yes. For 15 months, he dedicated an hour every month – across time zones and travel – to listen, guide, and stretch me.
He helped sharpen my ability to engage the C-suite and translate business strategy into technology imperatives.

In the same season, John Paul T Makoni taught me the art of negotiation: always go to the table with something to offer, while guarding relentlessly what truly matters. He also ignited my passion for DEI, often reminding me, “If we don’t create the environments now, our daughters will have no place.”

I’m equally grateful to Stephen Omollo for timeless lessons in political diplomacy: “Never engage wearing only your technical hat. Always put on your political hat.” Stephen modeled how to navigate executive spaces with grace while remaining accessible to all.

🙏 Thank you all for investing in me.

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