The evening began with warmth and excitement as 250 plus members and guests arrived to attend AWiB Connects @ the Hilton, February’s event titled “Transformative Leaders“, featuring a conversation with Dr. Emebet Melese, President of the Ethiopian Development Bank. The networking session was lively, with thought-provoking discussions surrounding the evening’s timely and relevant topic. The atmosphere was enriched by the exchange of ideas among accomplished businesswomen, corporate leaders, professionals in the finance sector, and representatives from NGOs, all eager to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Following the networking session and a light dinner, Tsion Gebremedin, AWiB Board Member for 2024 & 2025, officially welcomed the audience, expressing appreciation for the event’s sponsors—Enat Bank, Wudassie Diagnostic Center, and Lonadd. She also took the opportunity to introduce AWiB members who were showcasing their businesses, highlighting their innovative products and services. Tsion also highlighted AWiB’s new and unique initiative called Men for AWiB which provides men with the opportunity to become change agents and join women in transforming our society. 

The evening’s moderator, Ato Mesfin Asfaw, Managing Partner of Paradigm Consultancy, took the stage and warmly introduced Dr. Emebet. He shared his admiration for her passion, resilience, and transformative approach to leadership. Dr. Emebet, a mother of three, brings with her over two decades of experience in the banking industry. Her remarkable career trajectory—rising from a Junior Officer to Vice President of Strategic Planning and Transformation at CBE—illustrates her unwavering commitment to excellence. Having successfully implemented several transformational reforms at CBE, she went on to become one of the few female CEOs in the banking sector when she took the helm at NIB Bank in 2024. More recently, she assumed the role of President of the Ethiopian Development Bank, further adding to her reputation as a visionary leader who takes on challenging projects.

Dr. Emebet started the discussion by emphasizing that Ethiopia is at a critical moment that demands transformational leadership. She highlighted key characteristics that define a transformational leader, such as adaptability, innovative thinking, and the ability to maintain a long-term vision while addressing immediate challenges. She underscored that agile leadership is essential in navigating change, as leaders must remain flexible, forward-thinking, and proactive.

She also spoke candidly about the personal growth required for leadership, stating that one must develop a strong and resilient mindset to lead effectively. She noted that many individuals limit themselves by clinging to their comfort zones, often hesitating to embrace new challenges. However, for her, challenges are a source of motivation, fueling her continuous pursuit of growth, learning, and transformation.

During the interactive Q&A session, audience members posed a range of compelling questions. Topics included strategies for motivating teams, fostering a bottom-up approach to transformation, and navigating the differences between leadership in government versus private banks. 

In response, Dr. Emebet shared insights from her extensive experience, detailing how she had to exercise both courage and strategic vision when implementing transformative policies. She emphasized that true leadership is not about making changes alone but about inspiring and empowering teams to take ownership of their work. When employees feel a sense of purpose and responsibility, they are more likely to contribute meaningfully to an organization’s mission.

She also elaborated on the importance of integrating the human element into leadership. A truly transformative leader, she noted, must take the time to understand the challenges faced by their team and actively work toward solutions in collaboration with them. Several attendees shared testimonials about their experiences working with Dr. Emebet, describing how her leadership had inspired them to take ownership of her vision and execute it with dedication.

One audience member particularly praised her efforts in corporate social responsibility, highlighting various initiatives she spearheaded to give back to the community. While Dr. Emebet was described as humble and approachable, she was also widely respected for her boldness and willingness to tackle challenges head-on.

At this point in the discussion, Ato Mesfin posed a thought-provoking question about striking a balance between being an approachable leader and maintaining firm authority. He shared his own experiences of experimenting with different leadership styles and admitted that finding the right balance between friendliness and assertiveness is not always easy. In response, Dr. Emebet explained that the key lies in understanding one’s team and creating an environment where employees feel heard and valued while simultaneously holding them accountable for delivering results. Effective leadership, she noted, is about fostering mutual respect and maintaining clear expectations.

Dr. Emebet also advised aspiring leaders to be intentional in shaping their leadership identities. She encouraged them to reflect on the kind of leader they aspire to become, drawing lessons from both personal experiences and the influential figures who have inspired them.

The discussion then shifted toward personal development, with audience members asking questions about how Dr. Emebet celebrates achievements, maintains work-life balance, and navigates cultural and gender-related challenges in her profession. A young woman in the audience inquired about Dr. Emebet’s student years, to which she responded by reminiscing about her deep passion for learning and academic excellence. She recalled how, even in school, she competed with male peers on equal footing, never doubting her ability to excel. She firmly believes that any woman with ambition and perseverance can break barriers, level the playing field, and achieve remarkable success.

Addressing inquiries about upcoming reforms at the Ethiopian Development Bank, Dr. Emebet shared that, while it was too early to disclose specifics, substantial efforts were underway to implement impactful changes. She emphasized the bank’s renewed commitment to partnering with businesses and organizations that drive meaningful transformation in society.

As the event drew to a close, Ato Mesfin provided a thoughtful recap of the evening’s discussion, summarizing the essential qualities of a transformative leader—assertiveness, team-building, stepping outside one’s comfort zone, embracing challenges, and cultivating a growth-oriented mindset.

Dr. Emebet concluded the session with a powerful message about resilience and transformation. She reminded the audience that Ethiopians have historically demonstrated remarkable adaptability in the face of challenges. She firmly believes that, by tapping into the wisdom embedded in our culture and communities, individuals and organizations alike can drive meaningful change. She also encouraged women to embrace their inner strength and step into leadership roles with boldness, confidence, and determination.

The memorable evening came to an end with AWiB’s cherished tradition of presenting gifts to the speaker and moderator, a gesture of appreciation for their invaluable contributions to the insightful discussion. The event left attendees inspired, motivated, and ready to take on their own transformative leadership journeys.

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