Name: David Muanda

Title: CEO

Organisation: Friendina College

With a focus on teamwork and confidentiality, I leverage my bilingual skills to provide insightful analysis and actionable recommendations. My passion for knowledge sharing and a client-centric approach drives my success. I consider myself a bridge-builder, connecting businesses with opportunities in Africa.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope David's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

As the CEO of Friendina College, building trust with our employees, customers, and other stakeholders is super important, and to make it happen, I have developed a commitment to transparency, consistency, and effective communication. Doing this has helped me to foster an open and inclusive workplace culture where all our employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute to Friendina College’s mission.

On top of this, I have always maintained clear and honest communication with all our customers, clients, and partners, ensuring that their expectations are met through high-quality services and ethical practices.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

Friendina College's VISION represents the aspirational future we, as a company, strive to create—a world where accessible, high-quality education and training programs empower leaders, transform lives, and drive sustainable development in Africa. Now, MISSION in real-world business embodies our purpose and the actions we take daily to achieve that vision, such as delivering innovative, practical education and training solutions tailored to our communities' unique needs.

As we use both VISION and MISSION in real-world business, we integrate them into every aspect of our decision-making, from setting strategic goals to shaping company culture. This also involves aligning all our team efforts, communication, and partnerships to reflect these guiding principles, ensuring that every initiative contributes to the long-term impact we aim to achieve while staying true to our core purpose.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

A leader empowers their team by fostering an environment of trust, autonomy, and growth. This begins with clearly communicating the organization's vision and goals, ensuring everyone understands their role in achieving them. Empowerment involves delegating responsibilities, giving employees the authority to make decisions, and trusting them to execute tasks effectively. Providing opportunities for professional development, offering constructive feedback, and recognizing achievements build confidence and competence.

Additionally, a leader should actively listen to team members’ ideas, encourage innovation, and create a safe space for taking calculated risks. By supporting their team with resources and guidance while respecting their expertise, a leader inspires ownership, motivation, and a shared commitment to success.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

A colleague of mine has been a great mentor in my life. His name is Ezechiel Kasaka, and he has had a positive influence on my leadership for all our businesses. His extensive professional experience in Africa and the Middle East makes him a well-seasoned business partner anyone would want to have around.

A meaningful story about him is and will always be his leadership in the founding of Friendina College, this institution that has grown into what we have today. He leads by example and always provides enough space for everyone to express themselves and find common ground.

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

I maintain focus as a leader by disciplining myself enough to say no to distractions and tasks that don’t align with our core mission and priorities. Whenever necessary, I delegate responsibilities effectively and trust my team to handle operational details, so I can focus on strategic vision and long-term goals.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

Planning effectively as a leader involves aligning short-term actions with long-term goals while remaining adaptable.

For weekly planning, I focus on immediate priorities by setting clear objectives, organizing my schedule around high-impact tasks, and allocating time for team engagement and problem-solving.

Monthly planning involves reviewing progress against broader organizational goals, identifying any roadblocks, and refining strategies or resources to maintain momentum.

For yearly planning, I evaluate the organization's vision and mission, set strategic milestones, and outline initiatives that will drive growth and innovation, ensuring that each plan has measurable outcomes.

Across all timeframes, I rely on continuous feedback, data analysis, and collaboration with my team to stay aligned, make informed adjustments, and maintain accountability for achieving long-term success.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

For a young leader struggling to delegate effectively, my advice is to start by recognizing that delegation is a strength, not a weakness. Trust your team’s abilities and understand that you don’t have to do everything yourself to be successful. Clearly communicate the goals, expectations, and outcomes for the tasks you assign, and provide the resources and guidance your team needs to succeed.

Start small by delegating less critical tasks to build confidence in your team’s capabilities, and gradually expand their responsibilities as trust grows. Resist the urge to micromanage—focus on results rather than controlling every step. Remember that delegation not only lightens your workload but also empowers your team, fosters their professional growth, and builds a culture of collaboration and accountability.