1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Having to work with persons who are not on the same page as me

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I attended a Talk Tank on Disability at my alma mater and informed my past Lecturer that she can call on me to assist with any developments at the university that she may planned. WAs called shortly after to interview for the position of Lecturer, Social Disability Studies but was unsuccessful and was offered the job as a Tutor for the course. Was promoted to Research Assistant shortly after as I started studying for my Ph.D., before completing my studies I was offered the position of Head of a department, and the title was later changed to Manager, Student Life and Development (mid Manager status)

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Wake up at 4:30 a.m. and leave home at 5:00 p.m. to journey to work. May get there around 5:45 - 6:00 a.m. Clean my office and start to work by 6:00 a.m. Work until 4:00 p.m. taking 20 - 30 minutes to eat. Leave the office at 4:00 p.m. to journey back home. Reach home around 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Relax with my partner and talk about the stresses of the day catch up on calls to my son and siblings, or attend a online meeting
Have dinner around 8:00 p.m. and go to bed around 9:00 - 10:00 p.m.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

If you do not have buy-in from your followers, it becomes very hard to complete the project.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

How to make friends and influence people - Dale Carneige
The importance of knowing and accepting self, and having the confidence and heart/empathy to interact with others on any level

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Do not sacrifice your principles even if you are the only one you know is doing the right thing

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

There are times when the leader has to set an example so no job is beneath the leader, you get up and participate to get the job done