African Health Leaders Emphasize Self-Reliance, Trauma-Informed Leadership at CPHIA2025

Recent discussions on leadership emphasize the importance of humility, authenticity, and service over visibility and performance. Effective leaders today are those who embrace vulnerability, foster psychological safety, and prioritize helping others grow rather than seeking fame or attention, as highlighted by McKinsey's research and examples from major corporations like Microsoft. This approach contrasts with the traditional, polished leadership style and instead values connection and trust-building within teams. Additionally, real-world experiences in various sectors, including public health in Africa, demonstrate how hierarchical power dynamics and lack of respect can undermine leadership and organizational health, underscoring the need for more humanized leadership practices. These insights collectively suggest that the future of leadership lies in purpose-driven service and genuine human connection rather than superficial visibility or control.