Today, we are honoured to have Bayo Akomolafe with us—writer, speaker, and philosopher who brings a radically different lens to how we engage with the world’s complexities. Known for his concept of "staying with the trouble," Bayo challenges the conventional rush to fix things, urging us instead to embrace the confusion and uncertainty that arise when we encounter the limits of our knowledge.

Bayo’s journey began in Nigeria and has taken him across continents, from the trauma of personal loss to exploring the wisdom of Indigenous cultures and the profound teachings of traditional healers. Founder of The Emergence Network and author of These Wilds Beyond Our Fences, Bayo’s work calls on us to rethink how we face crises, not by offering solutions but by creating new spaces for deeper inquiry and transformation.

In this episode, Bayo shares his thoughts on decolonisation, collective responsibility, AI’s challenge to our human centrality, and the transformative power of post-activism. This is a conversation that will change how you see the world—and yourself.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Bayo Akomolafe invites us to explore the depths of uncertainty, confusion, and the beauty found within the "cracks" of our understanding. He encourages us to "stay with the trouble," using moments of confusion as opportunities for growth, rather than rushing to solve or escape them. Throughout the discussion, Bayo explores themes of decolonisation, Indigenous wisdom, and the collective responsibility we all share in times of global crisis. Reflecting on his personal journey through grief and loss, Bayo shares how moments of personal darkness often spark profound philosophical inquiry.

The conversation further delves into the impact of AI, not just on technology, but on our claims to human exclusivity. Bayo introduces the concept of post-activism, urging us to reconsider our roles in the movement for change, moving beyond traditional activism to embrace a deeper, more transformative approach.

Key Takeaways:

• Listening Deeply: Cultivate the art of listening with the same passion you wish to be heard.
• Embrace Confusion: "Staying with the trouble" means embracing confusion and using it as a space for inquiry, not resolution.
• Cracks as Wisdom: New ways of thinking emerge from the cracks in our understanding, offering pathways to greater wisdom.
• Decolonising Our Narratives: Reclaiming diverse voices and integrating Indigenous wisdom is essential for reshaping the future.
• Inner Work Beyond the Self: Inner work must always be considered within the broader context of our ecological and communal responsibilities.
• Grief and Hope Coexist: Even in moments of crisis, grief and hope can find balance and coexist, each informing the other.
• Personal Loss as Catalyst: Grief, when embraced, can deepen one's philosophical and spiritual journey.
• AI as a Challenge: Artificial Intelligence challenges our central role in the world, questioning humanity's sense of superiority.
• Post-Activism: Moving beyond traditional activism, post-activism asks us to rethink how we engage with social and systemic change.

Chapters Breakdown:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Bayo Akomolafe
• 02:20 – What Does it Mean to 'Stay with the Trouble'?
• 10:47 – Embracing the Cracks: Learning from Monsters and Uncertainty
• 18:54 – Decolonising Narratives and Reclaiming Indigenous Wisdom
• 24:14 – Inner Work, Collective Responsibility, and Ecological Thinking
• 30:21 – Grief and Hope: Navigating Crisis with Both in Hand
• 38:13 – Bayo's Personal Journey Through Grief and Transformation
• 42:48 – Translating Knowledge from the Cracks and Empowering Others
• 51:14 – AI and the Colonisation of Intelligence: What It Means for Humanity
• 01:00:58 – Rethinking Social Change: The Idea of Post-Activism

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Sandra Colhando, co-founder of Transform Me, joins us to discuss the importance of purpose and transformation in leadership. She shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges and discovering her purpose, highlighting how moments of frustration can serve as powerful catalysts for change. Sandra explains a practical process for uncovering one's purpose, which includes identifying core values and natural talents. She provides insights into the mission of Transform Me and its role in bringing transformation to the workplace, emphasising the shift towards human-centric leadership.

In this conversation, Sandra explores the essential skills and mindset shifts leaders must adopt to thrive in today's evolving world, such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience. She delves into the challenges women face in leadership and the importance of genuine support and empowerment among women. Sandra also tackles the topic of diversity and inclusion, advocating for moving beyond tokenism to create a culture of true inclusion. Finally, she discusses the intersection of AI and human potential, encouraging listeners to embrace the opportunities AI presents and focus on creativity and meaning in their lives.

Takeaways

• Ask yourself where you are now and where you want to be in the future.
• Frustration can be a catalyst for change and lead to personal transformation.
• Discover your purpose by identifying your values and natural talents.
• Human-centric leadership focuses on employee well-being and purpose.
• The shift towards human-centric leadership is driven by the need for interpersonal collaboration and sustainability.
• Leaders need to embrace adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience to navigate the evolving world.
• Genuine support and empowerment among women is crucial for progress in gender equality.
• Creating a culture of true inclusion requires moving beyond tokenism and checklist approaches.
• The emergence of AI opens up opportunities for individuals to explore their creativity and find meaning in their lives.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting, inspiring, and influencing others.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction and the Importance of Purpose
• 05:17 - Early Life and Shaping of Sandra's Leadership
• 08:36 - Discovering Purpose and the Journey to Transformation
• 12:21 - Finding Purpose and Delivering a TED Talk
• 18:03 - The Shift towards Human-Centric Leadership
• 26:28 - Transforming the Workplace with Transform Me
• 33:57 - Key Shifts in Leadership and the Future
• 36:48 - Adaptability, Emotional Intelligence, and Resilience
• 44:09 - Support and Empowerment in Gender Equality
• 55:07 - Moving Beyond Tokenism in Diversity and Inclusion
• 01:06:22 - Exploring Human Potential in the Age of AI
• 01:11:04 - The Power of Storytelling in Influence

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Episode Summary: In this episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast, host Rebecca delves into a fascinating conversation with Nigel Mendonca, General Manager and Vice President for Asia Pacific at Smartsheet, a global leader in work management solutions. With over 20 years of experience in sales and general management across the technology industry, Nigel shares his insights on leading in an era where technology and human potential converge.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Human Element in Tech: Rebecca reflects on her recent experience with Smartsheet and how the company’s mission to unlock human potential is at the forefront of their technology and culture.
• Early Catalysts for Purpose: Nigel discusses the turning points in his younger years that shaped his purpose as a leader, offering a glimpse into the experiences that fuelled his passion for inspiring teams and scaling businesses.
• Mindsets for Managing Change: Drawing from his extensive career in the digital space, Nigel reveals the powerful mindsets he's cultivated—and observed in others—that are essential for thriving amidst rapid change.
• Inspiring Leadership and Business Growth: The conversation explores the attributes that Nigel believes are crucial for inspiring teams and driving successful business growth, including advice he’d give his younger self about leading with purpose.
• Insights and Smartsheet’s Mission: Nigel shares the transformative impact of his sabbatical before joining Smartsheet, discussing how this period of reflection reshaped his leadership approach and aligned him with Smartsheet’s mission.
• The Smartsheet Edge: Nigel provides an overview of Smartsheet's platform, explaining what sets it apart in helping organisations adapt and thrive in today’s dynamic environment.
• Remote Work and Organisational Flexibility: As remote work becomes a permanent fixture, Nigel discusses how Smartsheet balances flexibility and connectivity, offering insights into new ways of measuring workplace performance.
• AI and Ethical Integration: Nigel shares advice on leading the integration of AI in a way that is both ethical and enhances the customer experience, providing guidance for leaders on the brink of adopting AI.
• Asynchronous Collaboration: Nigel explains how asynchronous collaboration—one of Smartsheet's key features—maintains innovation and efficiency without the constraints of linear time.
• Closing the Strategy-Execution Gap: Addressing a major challenge in strategic transformation, Nigel discusses why 80% of strategic value is lost at the execution level and the skills or tools needed to close this gap.
• Final Wisdom: To conclude, Nigel shares what he would say if given the world’s largest billboard—one powerful message that encapsulates his leadership philosophy.

Tune in to explore:

• How to navigate the intersection of technology and human potential.
• The importance of aligning with a purpose-driven mission.
• Practical advice for leading teams in an era of rapid change and technological advancement.

Connect with Us:

• Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamaklad/
• Learn more about Smartsheet: https://www.smartsheet.com/
• Subscribe to the DNA Of Purpose Podcast for more inspiring conversations: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dna-of-purpose/id1449459661

Join the Conversation: We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Share your insights and continue the conversation on social media using #DNAOfPurpose.

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