In this inspiring episode, Tom Otieno takes us through his remarkable leadership journey in South Sudan, where he has been working in humanitarian aid since 2005. Tom, currently serving as Country Director for Cordaid South Sudan, discusses the challenges and opportunities of overseeing development projects in one of the world’s most fragile regions.

Join us as Tom reflects on his career, from early leadership roles in school to his impactful role in South Sudan. He shares insights into his leadership philosophy, emphasizing a blend of transactional and transformational leadership, mentoring others, and fostering empathy within teams.

Tom also highlights the critical importance of security, innovation, and early planning in the face of ongoing challenges like conflict and climate change. With real-life examples, including managing flood-affected projects, Tom underscores the value of resilience and adaptability in leadership.

This episode offers valuable lessons for young leaders, as Tom discusses the importance of learning from both good and bad leadership, embracing challenges, and understanding that titles mean nothing without substance. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, Tom’s advice on empathy, teamwork, and personal growth is sure to resonate.

In this powerful and insightful episode, Tom Otieno shares his extensive leadership experience working in the humanitarian sector in South Sudan since 2005. As a Country Director, Tom reflects on the challenges, successes, and personal growth that have defined his journey in one of the world’s most complex and volatile regions.

We delve into key topics, including Tom’s leadership philosophy, where he highlights the importance of empathy, resilience, and bottom-up community engagement. He discusses the unique challenges of leading in Africa, emphasizing the role of servant leadership over command-style authority. From handling security risks to navigating climate-induced crises like flooding, Tom’s practical advice on innovation and early planning is invaluable.

Tom also opens up about the lows of leadership, sharing emotional experiences such as the tragic loss of a team member, and the responsibility of keeping teams safe in dangerous environments. Yet, through these challenges, he underscores the joy of witnessing tangible, life-changing impacts in local communities, such as improved access to clean water and reduced disease outbreaks.

The conversation further explores Tom’s leadership influences, from lessons learned as a school leader to mentoring future leaders in the humanitarian field. He offers advice to young leaders on the importance of focusing on substance over titles, continuously learning, and allowing teams to thrive.

Tom’s final reflections center on legacy and mentorship, encouraging the next generation to pursue their dreams, grow through experience, and create lasting change. Whether you’re in leadership, humanitarian work, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is filled with wisdom on navigating challenges and driving meaningful impact.