We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leah Leonard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Leah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I think I had great models growing up, and a really special community that instilled that they believed in me. I remember my grandfather, who was a school guidance counselor, driving Meals on Wheels when he was in his 80s for the ‘old people’, and meeting Russian Jewish refugees in his apartment that he was working to help resettle. I watched my own father go from an auto-parts repair shop owner to the COO of an international private equity firm – and then intentionally show his kids how he was doing his part as a philanthropist. My mom was generous with the priceless resources of time and attention – always showing up if I needed her. I think the seeds for my work today were absolutely planted by my parents and grandparents.
Ultimately, though, generosity comes from within and is expressed differently for each of us – and that’s what I’m really curious about these days. How do we all tap in to our most generous selves, exactly as we are right now?

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Just like you, my journey has had its fair share of twists and turns. In 2009, I was volunteer teaching and traveling in Tanzania, East Africa. Through a local friend, I learned about the systemic disparities between public and private elementary education. Private elementary schools teach in English, while public schools teach in Swahili. However, Secondary school is always taught in English. (And you can only attend if you pass a huge exam in 7th grade, otherwise your education is over.)

Not. Fair.

My local teacher friends, and an entire community of parents whose kids didn’t even have access to a public school felt the same way.

BOOM. Purpose ignited.

These relationships led to a beautiful collaboration with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, teachers, parents and donors.

Together, we built and opened a new ‘charter’ public elementary school – Kismani School, which would be maintained equally by the government, community and non-profit sectors (that was me!). Local teachers teach in English, preparing students to continue their education, and after many years of dedication on the part of our amazing staff, the school is thriving beyond all expectations!

Today, Kisimani School is ranked #1 academically, has maintained an astounding 100% graduation rate 5 years in a row and counting, and serves over 1,600 local students every year.

Talk about growth, right?

I get asked all the time: How did you do it?

Well, I trusted that the community I was collaborating with knew what it needed best. And I trusted my intuition to show me the next right step in growing our non-profit. I did NOT do it alone, nor do I take credit for their success alone.

Did I have a million dollars? No.

Did I have unlimited time? No.

Did I want to give? Yes.

So, I considered my motivation and core values, pointed myself towards true north, and made the leap!

Did we know 14 years ago that we would make such an impact on 10,000+ lives halfway across the world? No!

When I went to Tanzania, I went with an open heart, an open mind, and no agenda. The rest took care of itself. (Including a hefty learning curve on my part.)

When the why is big enough, the ‘how’ will present itself.

Now, here’s the exciting part—I believe in YOU. Yes, you! Your potential to make a positive impact is enormous, and I’m here to empower you to confidently use your resources as a catalyst for empowering others.

Whether you’re already making waves or just starting out, I’ve got your back.

At MOVED Consulting, we develop programs and partnerships that help purpose-driven folks make a bigger impact, and feel deeply fulfilled, without self-doubt and anxiety holding them back. Come check out how we can work together at leahleonard.me.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I definitely had to unlearn perpetuating the ‘hero’ narrative that started to crop up around my relationship with Kisimani School and our non-profit work together. So often, through a well-meaning game of telephone, my story would be told on my behalf in a way that just didn’t sit right with me. For a while, when someone else painted me as the ‘hero’ of the story, or shared about our school in a way that was not fully true, sometimes I would not speak up about it, especially when a meangingful donation was on the line. However, over time, it has become clear to me that to be in integrity I must speak up if that happens – it’s one way I can do my part in helping us all make progress: realizing that real change and impact is not the work of one ‘hero’, but takes a village.

Any advice for managing a team?

I think this perspective comes more from my experience growing a large sales team with Arbonne, which was my first venture as an entrepreneur – and the sustainability of that team allowed me the flexibility and resources to pursue my non-profit work pro bono for many years. My number one piece of advice is to connect your mission to your team’s activities. When folks feel like the work they are doing is meaningful, important and difference-making, they will show up differently. Pour into your team, have gratitude for all that they do, and pursue being the kind of leader that earns their trust and respect – not one that expects it because of your position or title. Build true relationships, care about your team and their well-being, and be willing to be vulnerable with them about challenges. Nothing brings a team together like a leader ready to overcome an obstacle right alongside them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leahleonard.me
• Instagram: leahwagnerleonard
• Other: Spotify – the Good Work podcast
  https://open.spotify.com/show/7c7zWcKpFTzRujGYOqgugm

Image Credits

Jewel Afflerbaugh – Essence Sessions