“Don’t aspire to be called “leader”. Aspire to be a conscious part of your environment.”- Geci Karuri-Sebina

Geci Karuri- Sebina, a 2009 Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow, is a South African urban scholar and practitioner, who is committed to innovating urban development, governance and planning. She is an associate at the South African Cities Network, which works to promote effective management and governance of South African cities. Geci is also a published author and active in a number of roles including as a ministerially-appointed Council Member on the South African Council of Planners. 

Stories Africa asked Geci five questions about her leadership journey and the advice she gives to aspiring leaders.

What motivates you to lead?

I suppose mainly the need that surrounds me as a human being, and the privileges that I have had which I interpret as responsibility. Recognising the platforms and access I hold is a massive motivator to use them wisely, even if reluctantly. Sometimes it is to lead, and sometimes to follow. Often it is both.

What is the best way to prepare for leadership?

To listen, to try following, and to build self and self-awareness.

Who is an example of inspired, values-based leadership (past or present) that you have learned from? 

There are several, many of whom I encounter of no name or stature but are amazing leaders in their domains, no matter how small. If I have to mention one “known” name, I recently told my daughters about why Malcolm X continues to inspire me – not only for all the well-celebrated reasons and recognitions, but also just because he demonstrated and lived out (at great personal loss and fatal risk) the openness to learn and shift trajectory. I hope I will never fossilize into a fixed understanding of, or blind allegiance to anything.

How would you describe your style of leadership and your ambition as a leader?

I am accused of bullying people into things in the nicest possible way, but I hope that is meant as an endearment . I try to encourage people to see the value of participating in something, and I’m always open to them making the idea even better.My ambition is to contribute to building up and supporting great leaders all around me. I like to say that I am Robin, not Batman – just the female, black, non-spandex wearing version. My greatest pride is when I have to follow / serve someone that I helped to build up. It’s happened a few times already, and I really take great pride in it.

What is your message to Africa’s aspiring leaders?  

Don’t aspire to be called “leader.” Aspire to be a conscious part of your environment; whether being part means that you are called to follow or to lead, to support or to resist, to act or not to act, to teach or to learn… You will be many things – play many roles in your lifetime. And if formal leadership should be part of it, then do your best with it and always remember that you are / hold all of those other roles. To lead is to serve, so lead consciously and never be afraid to learn or to share space.