fashano

Three simple yet powerful words: “I see you.” As leaders, this message is essential to communicate regularly. In Zulu culture, the greeting “Sawubona” means “I see you,” and the response “Yebo Sawubona” affirms, “Yes, I see you too.” But this phrase is more than just a greeting—it’s a way of life. It signifies deep recognition, connection, and the shared potential between individuals. As leaders, we can learn from this mindset. People want to be seen, heard, and understood. By asking thoughtful questions, actively listening, and showing genuine care for their goals, challenges, and aspirations, we strengthen our relationships and build trust. Leaders who truly see their people foster a culture of connection and growth. When people feel seen, they’re more willing to follow, collaborate, and thrive. Let’s embrace the spirit of Sawubona—because when we see each other, [...]

As leaders, we live in a glass house—our teams are always watching. Our actions, priorities, and words shape their perceptions and influence their behavior. How we spend our time signals what truly matters. Investing it wisely yields the greatest returns. Our words carry weight, but they must align with our actions—credibility depends on consistency. We are always modeling the way—our values, commitments, and follow-through are on full display. When we engage with our teams, we must be fully present, listen actively, and show genuine interest. At the end of the day, when people look into our glass house, they should see a leader who walks the talk.

If you don't like change. "If you don’t like change, you’ll dislike irrelevance even more." Leaders are agents of change. The "status quo" concept doesn’t belong in a leader’s vocabulary. Change is inevitable. External factors like the economy or unforeseen challenges may be out of our control, but internal change—whether to scale, improve systems, or elevate the business—is within our grasp. Just as cars need tune-ups, businesses benefit from intentional check-ins. Proactively ask your team: What can we improve? What’s holding us back? Those closest to the work often have valuable insights—but you’ll only discover them if you ask. Reflect: Are there issues I’ve tolerated for too long? Am I actively pursuing improvements in critical areas? Do I subscribe to “if it [...]