Student Testimonial
“Nothing Happens by Chance”
By David Tei Mbuvi, Virtual Student
Whenever I reflect on leadership, I’m reminded of a Swahili song from my childhood:
“Shika sana hulichonacho hasije muovu akakunyang’anya” — “Hold tightly to what you have, lest an evildoer takes it from you.”
It’s a powerful line, yet one that ironically echoes in the minds of many African leaders, prompting them to cling to position and power. This mindset, along with the proverb “Mwacha mila ni mtumwa” (“He who abandons his culture is a slave”), has shaped leadership traditions that often resist change.
In 2019, I attended a workshop in Zimbabwe on inclusion facilitation. During a conversation with the host pastor, he shared his struggle with allowing young people to lead. “It’s our culture,” he said. “Their time will come.” Yet, his own church was thriving precisely because those same youth had been empowered to serve, thanks to his training and openness to inclusion.
That experience came full circle when I joined Module 9: Building Life and Leadership Legacy at ASLEAD Institute. The module challenged deeply ingrained beliefs about legacy and leadership. Many African leaders—whether in church, government, or even families—hold on too long, missing the chance to intentionally pass on their mantle. We associate legacy-building with the end of life, as though planning for the future means inviting death. As a result, many die leaving behind unresolved conflict and confusion, rather than vision and continuity.
Legacy must be intentional—like building a house. It involves structure, sacrifice, and the deliberate nurturing of future leaders. We often say we model Jesus, yet forget His own words:
“Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom.”
This course was a turning point for me. In project management, we begin with the end in mind. The same should apply to leadership. Time is no longer my enemy—it is my ally. As a servant leader, I must be purposeful, urgent, and strategic.
Jesus set the perfect example of leadership and legacy in John 13:2–5, where He washed the disciples’ feet. He did so knowing who He was, where He came from, and where He was going. That confidence fueled His humility.
Legacy-building, I now realize, is not slavery—it is strength. It is not weakness—it is wisdom. It is an act of honor.
“The earth will pass away, our time will pass away, but God’s word will remain.”
Legacy, like a seed, must be planted in fertile ground to grow. I believe ASLEAD Institute is that fertile ground. Your mentoring, coaching, and training are answering a call long overdue. I am deeply honored to be part of this journey.
God bless you.
