August 16, 2024

Want to lead? Ditch the Comfort Zone!

What lies beyond the comfort zone that we are always encouraged to step out of it? Growth zone, that’s what! For leaders, leaving one’s comfort zone means taking risks, seizing opportunities, and challenging things to create change. Leadership often means stepping outside your comfort zone rather than relying on what you already know.

Meet three trailblazing alumni who are doing just that. Joshua, Class of 2021 – Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at Ashesi University- Ghana. Joshua, a former Head Academic Prefect of his class at St Jude's, now mentors 113 first-year students, helping them launch ventures and excel in their courses. As a peer coach in entrepreneurship and Course Representative for Finance, he advises over 90 business administration students on everything from quizzes to teamwork. Joshua is on track to achieve a 4.0 GPA despite his busy schedule. His secret? Treating leadership roles as part of his learning experience. His dedication inspires classmates to face challenges head-on.

Anastazia, Class of 2020 – Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at United State International University-Kenya. Anastazia proudly represented Tanzania in an election, competing against candidates from Kenya, Congo, India, and Uganda and emerging as second runner-up. Now, she serves as Finance Manager for over 150 Tanzanian students and is a member of the Electoral College, representing 3,200 business students. She manages budgets, ensures smooth class registrations, and facilitates communication between students and advisors.

Anastazia's team also launched the 'Student Enterprise Initiative,' helping student entrepreneurs showcase and sell their products on campus. Fund collected through their efforts went to support fellow students with school.

Daniel, Class of 2021 – Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science at EARTH University- Costa Rica
Daniel began his leadership journey in a foreign country as the elected Mastercard foundation scholar president . He has addressed student challenges, advocated for inclusivity, and empowered future leaders. Daniel's innovative strategies, like anonymous feedback and conflict resolution workshops, have fostered mutual respect and collaboration on campus. He also improved access to the BAOBAB platform, connecting Mastercard alumni and scholars with global opportunities.

Step out of your comfort zone, take on leadership roles, and start initiatives that reflect your passion and vision. Whether you're a mentor with wisdom to share or a community member looking to contribute, you have the power to create change.