Writing
Yes, AI is Changing Education. Maybe That’s a Good Thing
What is the purpose of education if it is not merely the acquisition of knowledge and the demonstration of knowledge retention through examinations?
Simplifying the Complex: How to Lead a Movement
How does one lead a complex or intricate organisation in a system that has so many leaders and so many moving parts without falling victim to the very same complexity? Between 2022 and 2025, I led the United World Colleges (UWC) movement in shaping a compelling strategy that built on six decades of a powerful legacy to envision the future by 2030.
The Complex Art of Leading (From the Centre)
Leading effectively from the centre requires a unique blend of ownership and stewardship. An owner takes full responsibility for outcomes, while a steward sees themselves as entrusted with a precious resource for a time. A steward is humble, yet an owner acts with decisive purpose. This combination – the mind of an owner and the heart of a steward – is, I believe, the key to leading effectively from the centre.
The Generation That Builds: Macalester College 2023
Don’t dream small dreams. Take on big challenges, and do not sit on the fence when the time comes to defend your values. Be aware of your limitations and be thankful for your opportunities. Be firm in your convictions. And even if you are required to stand alone, stand strong.
Between Nelson Mandela and the Elm Tree
What we see of our heroes in public is fuelled by what we don’t see in private, and Mandela is the prime example of that.
Finding Purpose Through Action: How to Overcome Inertia
It is a common feeling when disaster strikes around the world to feel powerless and incapable of making a difference, but we must be propelled by the values of action and person example, compassion and service, and personal challenge. It is my strong belief that our best response when we feel least hopeful is to take action.
Embracing Plurality and Complexity to Forge Peace
When the world loses its conscience, our best response has always been to act with compassion. During the worst periods of the war in former Yugoslavia, UWC Adriatic opened its doors to welcome their young men and women; and when refugees escaped from the Balkans to neighbouring Slovenia and here in Italy, the college was right there with them. We washed their feet, we enveloped them in a warm embrace, and we listened to their stories.
A Young Person’s Role in Transforming Education
From 1914-1918, the world was embroiled in the first World War, but the question is: did any young person do anything to alter the course of education in the world during this grim period of human history? Best believe the answer is yes!
Five Truths for Those Who Would Change the World
Envision the world not as it is but as it should be. Be sceptical about challenges, especially the ones that look unsolvable. Resist the urge to be overly cynical about the possibility of change. We do not always know for sure how life will turn out, but we can always trust in our own efforts.
Mayday! We're Going Under Water!
No one is immune from the effects of climate change, so why aren’t we taking this more seriously? What does a measured, responsible leadership response look like?
How Not To Lead A Country Through Crisis
When personal opinions become policy decisions, the people suffer needlessly.
Russia Changed My Life
Russia was the backdrop to the internal jostling that I experienced — “will my life amount to much? Will I know exactly what next steps to take? Will I build a truly international community? Will I make any tangible difference in the world?”
Obama Made Me Do It
People always want to know how I found the courage to start an organization while in university, and how I aggregated the resources. My answer is simple — just start.
I'm Glad I Took A Menial Job
No matter what you do, make sure that you are learning something. The one year that I spent working as a photocopy operator and a typist was one of the most defining years of my life.
Connecting the Dots
People often ask "what advice would you give your younger self?" Say less - how about five suggestions?
Kwibuka! A week in Rwanda
How do you make sense of a place that forces you into deep reflection and introspection? Rwanda's story continues to unfold in a way that forces pause.
The Burdens of History, Tradition and Reputation
What do the protracted Cyprus conflict, Syrian war and Paris Climate Agreement have in common? Sometimes the most reasonable solutions are the hardest to reach.
Forget about the African gold
For young Africans in the diaspora, do not sentimentalize returning to Africa as though there were some special prize for returnees
Heartbeat of the African Diaspora
On a hot day in Qatar, a number of random encounters between a young African business visitor and African service personnel ignites deep introspection about the inner thoughts and public perceptions of Africans in the diaspora.
The Power of ONE
Fred Swaniker's audacious mission to transform Africa by identifying, developing and connecting its future leaders has taken flight in African Leadership Academy. Can this bold experiment actually deliver on its promise?
Beauty of the Dark Continent
The global image of Africa has often been negative, but the stories of Africa's leading figures paint a very different picture if we dare to engage respectfully.
Independence or In-Dependence?
On the occasion of Nigeria's 50th anniversary of independence, a deep spiral of thoughts leads to a wellspring of ideas about nation building in complex conditions
The African youth and civic engagement
What inspiration can today's youth draw from the abundant examples of young Africans whose leadership is shaping the future of the continent?