Dr. Wamuyu Mahinda is the Managing Partner and Convener in Collaborative Value Partners Africa and Chair of the Kenyan Chapter of Catalyst 2030. She’s a socially committed and people-oriented social entrepreneur, determined to make a difference in the realm of youth employment and entrepreneurship. Her current doctoral studies focus on team leadership, exploring the types of interactions and integrated actions within social enterprises that contribute to collaborative value. Her research delves into how teams organize their activities to ensure they can capitalize on opportunities for social development.

“My question always is: If you want to collaborate, what’s the endgame? Because the endgame is what determines how you collaborate.”

In this episode you will hear about:

• Supporting Youth Development: the importance of guiding young individuals to become their best selves. The significance of providing space and opportunities for growth and learning, especially in rural and community settings.
• Dimensions of Collaboration: The multifaceted nature of collaboration, considering factors such as policies, resources, practices, and mental models. The purpose of collaboration dictates its nature, ranging from sharing resources to driving systemic change and altering fundamental practices. The necessity of shifting mindsets to accept collaboration as a means to greater impact.
• Ego and Governance in Collaboration: The conversation touched on ego clashes within collaborative efforts. Managing egos, conflicts, and instituting effective governance structures emerged as crucial factors in sustaining successful collaborations.
• Lessons from Promoting Collaboration: Insights from leading Catalyst 2030’s Africa chapter, highlighting the challenges in aligning diverse members towards a shared collaborative vision. Emphasizing the importance of planning before seeking funding, she aims for transformational change in at least one ecosystem.
• Vision for Transformational Change: Discussing the concept of transformational change, the speaker envisioned collaborative efforts in addressing youth unemployment. Her vision involved breaking silos across governments, development partners, and organizations and the private sector to collectively tackle the issue.

More about Dr. Wamuyu Mahinda

Recognized as an Ashoka Fellow in 2010 for her social innovation, entrepreneurial qualities, and potential to make an impact in youth entrepreneurship, she founded The Youth Banner in January 2010. This initiative aims to cultivate a generation of young entrepreneurs, predominantly women, most of whom hail from rural areas. Prior to establishing The Youth Banner, she held roles at Technoserve, Allavida, and Kenya Youth Business Trust. In 2016, while working at Technoserve, she spearheaded the inaugural national business plan competition for young individuals in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, known as “Chora Bizna.” The competition established a pool of youth-led enterprises eligible for funding from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund.