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Transformative Leaders

February 6 @ 5:30 pm 9:00 pm

Transformative Leaders

Hilton Hotel

February 6, 2025 5:30 – 9 PM

Fully Booked!


“We need leaders!” is a voice that echoes in every corner, but have we ever paused to ask “Why?”. What kind of leaders do we truly need? If we strip away the noise and look at the simple definition of a leader—someone who guides a group, an organization, a nation—it doesn’t tell us where they’re taking us. Then the comprehensive question we should ask ourselves is “What outcomes are we striving for, and who are the leaders capable of leading us there?”

We all seek a nation characterized by social order, where every citizen is valued, feels safe, has growth opportunities, and can easily access basic goods and services. There is a collective desire for a society where individuals experience a sense of belonging and communities share common values. To achieve this vision, the kind of leaders we need are transformative leaders—leaders capable of driving the paradigm shift required to create such a society. 

Transformative leaders inspire others to reach their fullest potential by sharing a powerful vision and guiding each person toward achieving their goals. Known for their compassion, self-awareness, authenticity, enthusiasm, and passion, they lead with genuine care. These leaders prioritize understanding others, focusing on how they can support individuals in fulfilling their purpose. Often, they embody the “five Cs” of compassionate leadership: consciousness, curiosity, compassion, competence, and courage—qualities that empower them to connect, inspire, and drive meaningful change.

Transformative leaders are the ones who light the way, leading by example and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Their followers see them as role models, striving to mirror their behaviors and skills. Through unwavering commitment to trust, transparency, and respect, these leaders create a ripple effect that empowers those around them. With the courage to challenge the status quo, they question long-held beliefs and refuse to blindly accept norms. But they don’t just challenge—they create. Their boundless passion and vision ignite action, sparking movements that fuel social, cultural, and systemic transformation. 

Ethiopia is at a critical juncture, where the need for transformative leaders is more pressing than ever. These leaders can guide the country with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to people’s improvement. However, as a society, we must pause and reflect on the kind of leadership we truly value. Do we support leaders who challenge the status quo, even when it means making tough decisions, or do we shy away from those who are perceived as too different? Alternatively, do we gravitate toward leaders who avoid confrontation, preferring those who go with the flow rather than those pushing for progress? It’s time to examine whether we are ready to embrace such leaders.

Join the conversation to explore transformative leadership, reflect on whether we embody it, support it, and discover how we can all become such leaders.

Talking points 
  • Since leadership begins with self, Am I a transformative leader, if not why not?
  • Who are transformative leaders? In what environments do they thrive? 
  • Does society determine the growth of transformative leaders? 
  • Who/what defines a transformative leader? 

Speakers

Asfaw Alemu is the CEO of Dashen Bank S.C., one of Ethiopia’s largest private banks, a position he has held since 2015. With over 35 years of banking experience, he has held senior roles at Dashen, including Vice President Operations, Credit Department Manager, and Board Secretary for eight years.

Before joining Dashen Bank in 2005, Asfaw worked in government, private, and non-governmental organizations. Notable roles include Project Officer at the Development Bank of Ethiopia, Credit Specialist for Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief, and Vice President for Credit and Risk Management at Wegagen Bank.

Asfaw also served as Vice President for Administration and Business Development at Unity University. He serves on the boards of Nyala Insurance, Ethswitch S.C., Ethiopian Bankers Association, and Debre Markos University. He holds an MA in Economic Policy Management from the University of Ghana, is a Certified Manager, and a proud husband and father of two.

Emebet Melese (PhD) is the newly appointed President of the Ethiopian Development Bank. With a career spanning decades, she began at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), rising swiftly from Junior Officer to leadership roles, including VP of Credit Appraisal, Corporate Quality Assurance, and the Reform and Transformation Project Office. Emebet’s PhD in Leadership in Business focused on the impact of organizational climate and market orientation on banking innovation.

As VP of Strategic Planning and Transformation at CBE, she spearheaded a four-year reform initiative, achieving milestones in digital transformation, customer service, profitability, and branch optimization.

In May 2024, Emebet was appointed CEO of NiB Bank during a challenging period. Her leadership quickly restored trust and strengthened relationships with stakeholders, ensuring stability and growth. Emebet is a mother of three and a role model in Ethiopia’s banking and leadership sectors.

Moderator

Mesfin Asfaw is the Managing Partner of Paradigm consultancy. Mesfin is most sought out for lead trainer and certified management consultant with decades long experience managing big projects. He is also a competent leader and a witty public speaker through his toastmasters journey, winning the 2014 so you think you can speak (SYTYCS 2014) speakers of the year award. Mesfin holds a B.Sc. in Architecture from MANIT India and an MBA in Human Resource Management from IGNOU, India. His major clients include The World Bank, African Development Bank, World Vision and Ethiopia Chamber of Commerce.

SPONSORS

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