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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

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Echoes of Influence: Harnessing The Power of Storytelling As A Leadership Strategy by Mimi Kalinda

December 7, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Mimi Kalinda

Book Review

In her new book, Echoes of Influence: Harnessing The Power of Storytelling As A Leadership Strategy, author Mimi Kalinda provides an essential guide to navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of global business, where technological leaps and socio-political shifts redefine traditional leadership paradigms. Mimi is a seasoned expert in global public relations and strategic communications, and her book explores the profound power of storytelling to transform leadership from a mere role into a resonant, impactful presence. Mimi’s insights teach leaders how to deeply connect with their teams, align with evolving organizational values, and navigate the complexities of a dynamic corporate world.


Mimi Kalinda’s book, Echoes of Influence, equips leaders with practical tools to craft compelling stories that inspire trust, drive engagement, and foster a culture of resilience and adaptability. More than just a collection of insights, this book is a vital toolkit for anyone looking to leverage the strategic power of narratives to build a forward-thinking organization and lead with vision in an age of continuous change. As an indispensable resource, Mimi’s guide empowers leaders to not only adapt but thrive by mastering the art of narrative leadership in today’s challenging business environment.

Author Quotes

As a leader, you know the importance of effective communication. It's the foundation of great leadership, driving engagement, inspiring action, and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. That's why storytelling is a must-have business skill.

I want this book to equip leaders with the necessary insights and tools to harness the power of narratives and foster resilient corporate cultures that are adaptable and forward-thinking.

Echoes of Influence empowers leaders to not only adapt but thrive by mastering the art of narrative leadership in today’s challenging business environment.

About the Author

Mimi Kalinda is a multi-award-winning communicator with decades of experience in reputation management, business development, and communications. Known for her expertise in driving corporate and development sector initiatives, she excels in entrepreneurship and strategic storytelling. Mimi has crafted impactful strategies in diverse markets across the globe, including in media, strategic communications, and executive development. A passionate advocate for transformational leadership, Mimi is multilingual, an avid writer, and a committed coach. She loves to travel with her family to engage with various cultures worldwide, enriching her perspective and approach.

www.storytellingandleadership.com


Why LoA loves it…

As women entrepreneurs and business leaders, we all need to learn the art of good communication and proactive engagement with our employees and stakeholders if we are to build sustainable businesses. But becoming a great leader in business requires a great set of engagement skills and experience in storytelling to ensure your brand messages land as you need them to. Developing and refining those storytelling skills as you build your business is key. That’s where Mimi Kalinda’s book comes in, to provide a framework for using storytelling as a powerful tool for getting your leadership messages across. This is a great book to use as a reference point as you build your business. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa

In Essential Tags Books
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


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Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
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Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

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Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
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Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
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Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
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Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc
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Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
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Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho
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Celebratory cake…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
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Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa
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Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
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Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

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Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
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Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country

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