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

Hi Sia, thanks for joining us today. Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?

From the inception of my business, it was a solitary endeavor—a leap into uncharted waters. As I embarked on a journey to Sierra Leone, my parents’ homeland in West Africa, I was not only reconnecting with my roots but also stepping onto a path that would lead to transformation. The initial stages were marked by uncertainty and excitement, as I ventured into a territory I had never explored before.

In those early days, my business had no employees. This journey was more than a vacation; it was a divine assignment, and I was guided by a vision to bring mental health recovery to Sierra Leone. The very first set of individuals who joined me on this mission were dedicated to community activism and had a desire to capture the images and bring to life the stories our beloved country, it’s people and it’s history of tragedy that would invoke compassion and the resiliency to hope for a brighter tomorrow. Sharing my aspirations of “Building a Better and Brighter Future for Sierra Leone” ignited a spark in them, and together, we began our quest to bring about change.

Our team grew through word of mouth and a shared desire to serve. The unconventional hiring process we undertook was aligned with our grassroots origins. Our interviews were more like conversations, aimed at understanding the person behind the skills. I sought individuals with heart, a strong work ethic, and a vision to expand the horizons of our shared dream. Lived experiences that could forge connections with the population we intended to serve were prized assets.

Recruiting in a foreign country brought its own set of challenges. Internet reliability and steady electricity supply were often elusive, impacting our training initiatives conducted both online and in-person. Yet, despite the hurdles, our team members displayed remarkable dedication, making sacrifices to acquire the skills and knowledge required to fulfill our mission of raising mental health awareness.

A typical day in my shoes is a mosaic of roles—CEO, Entrepreneur, Coach, Mother, and National Trainer in Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. It commences with prayer, grounding me for the day’s demands. Back-to-back meetings, strategic planning, coaching clients through my trauma recovery business, and national training engagements fill my hours. The intensity is balanced by the fulfillment I derive from helping individuals unlock their potential while also equipping them with the tools for mental wellness.

Reflecting on this journey, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step has been a lesson, refining my leadership skills and expanding my capacity to effect positive change. It has taught me to adapt, to nurture resilience, and to recognize the strength that emerges from each challenge. The journey has deepened my understanding of the human spirit’s boundless capacity to grow, heal, and transcend.

Through the trials and triumphs, the unconventional paths, and the moments of grace, I have found my purpose magnified. Today, my business stands not only as a vehicle for healing and empowerment but as a testament to the potential we all carry to create profound and lasting change. This journey has unveiled the profound truth that through dedication, vision, and unwavering belief, even the most audacious dreams can be transformed into inspiring realities.

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

I am a woman deeply committed to healing, empowerment, and creating genuine connections with people. My journey has been one of transformative self-discovery, leading me to a path where I now serve as a catalyst for change and growth. From my earliest memories, I possessed an innate ability to draw people together, offering counsel and wisdom that resonated deeply. Over time, this gift evolved into a calling, driving me to make a profound impact on individuals’ lives.

My own life through traumatic experiences ultimately guided me to my current role. It was in the midst of my personal struggles that I recognized the need to delve into the roots of my traumas and break free from the cycles that held me back. Seeking professional help, I embarked on a profound self-healing journey that transformed my perspective and ignited a passion within me. This journey of self-discovery eventually paved the way for me to become a certified Trauma Recovery Coach, Christian Counselor, and Mental Health Advocate.

As the founder and CEO of Instrument of God, LLC in the United States, and the Kono Bui’ Foundation in Sierra Leone, West Africa, I am devoted to creating a meaningful impact. My organization provides a range of services aimed at healing, education, and economic development. At Instrument of God, we offer trauma recovery coaching & consulting, and Christian counseling for individuals, families, and organizations. Meanwhile, the Kono Bui’ Foundation focuses on mental health recovery workshops and trauma healing facilitation, education, and economic empowerment within Sierra Leone.

What sets us apart is the holistic approach we take to addressing the needs of our communities. Our diverse range of services addresses not only mental health recovery but also education and economic growth. Through trauma-informed practices, education initiatives, and economic development programs, we are fostering comprehensive healing and empowerment.

One of my proudest accomplishments was being able to provide (D.E.C) Makoba primary School, in Port Loko, Sierra Leone with 100 desks and chairs for students that has to sit on the floor to take recieve their daily instructions part of the “Operation 100 Desks” campaign. It is also humbling to witness the recognition and impact our organization has garnered. We have gained acknowledgment from local leaders, government officials, and communities for our work in bringing mental health awareness to the forefront. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the lives we touch and transform.

What truly differentiates us is our commitment to holistic healing, our understanding of the cultural nuances of our communities, and our unwavering dedication to fostering genuine connections. We believe in the power of collaboration, both locally and internationally, and we are driven by a vision to uplift individuals through mental health recovery, education, and sustainable economic growth.

My transistions from personal trauma to becoming a beacon of healing and empowerment has been the driving force behind my mission. Through my organizations, I am not only changing lives but also reshaping the narrative around mental health and well-being. I invite potential clients, followers, and supporters to join us on this transformative journey, as we continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities around the world.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

In the pursuit of building a mental health recovery business in Sierra Leone, with a dedicated team of mental health first aiders and trauma healing facilitators, I have found that nurturing a supportive and empowering environment is paramount to maintaining high morale. The journey is undoubtedly challenging, yet deeply rewarding as we uplift our people and contribute to the well-being of our nation.

First and foremost, it is essential to foster a culture of open communication and collaboration within the team. Everyone’s input is valuable, as each member brings a unique perspective shaped by their own experiences. Encouraging regular team meetings, both formal and informal, provides a platform for ideas to flow freely and for concerns to be addressed promptly.

Recognizing the resiliency of our team members is vital. Having emerged from their own experiences of trauma, they possess a deep wellspring of strength that can be harnessed to overcome obstacles. Celebrating their successes, both big and small, reaffirms their value and contributes to a positive atmosphere. In doing so, we cultivate a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Equally important is nurturing professional growth and development. Empowerment stems from knowledge and skill enhancement. Providing opportunities for continuous training, workshops, and skill-building not only equips the team to better serve our clients but also fosters a sense of progression and personal accomplishment.

In the challenging landscape of mental health work, self-care cannot be overstated. Encouraging team members to prioritize their own mental and emotional well-being is a cornerstone of maintaining high morale. As a leader, I advocate for regular self-care routines, breaks when needed, and an understanding that their own healing journey is an ongoing process.

Remembering the bigger picture and the impact our work has on the lives of individuals and the country as a whole is a powerful motivator. We are not only providing support to those in need but also contributing to a broader societal transformation. This shared vision kindles a sense of purpose and pride among the team.

Lastly, adaptability is key. In a field that deals with sensitive and often unpredictable situations, being flexible in our approach allows us to respond effectively to the changing needs of our clients and the community. This flexibility should extend to our team dynamics, ensuring that we create an environment where everyone feels heard and understood.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My whole life has been a story of resiliency, a testament to the strength that can be summoned from within when faced with adversity. It is a story of turning pain into purpose and finding light amidst darkness. From the earliest days of my journey, growing up in a home scarred by domestic violence and surviving the trauma of molestation, I was no stranger to the shadows that life can cast. But I refused to let those shadows define me.

One of the defining moments of my journey was when I became a mother at the age of 17. While many might have seen this as a burden too heavy to bear, I saw it as an opportunity to break the cycle and provide my child with a different life. It was during this time that I first realized my own power—the power to rise above circumstances and shape my destiny.

Yet, my path was not without its challenges. I found myself entangled in a series of abusive relationships, a pattern that seemed unbreakable. But even in the depths of those dark moments, I held on to a glimmer of hope. It was this hope that whispered to me that I deserved more, that I was capable of breaking free, and that my journey had a purpose beyond my pain.

A significant turning point arrived when I found myself under the sway of spiritual churches and leadership that sought to control and abuse me. It was a period of spiritual bondage that tested my resilience to its core. But even in the midst of this, I clung to my determination and an unshakeable faith in my own intuition. I began to recognize my unique gift of empathy, my ability to sense others’ feelings, and offer solace through my words.

The stories of others, whether from movies or real life, moved me deeply. They stirred within me a calling—a divine assignment that exceeded the sum of my trials. The pain I had endured was not in vain; it was a preparation, a forging of the instrument I was destined to become.

With time, I realized that my purpose was larger than my past. It was about using my experiences as a source of strength to help others navigate their own journeys of healing. This realization became the foundation of my mental health recovery business in Sierra Leone—an endeavor driven by compassion, empathy, and a burning desire to empower those who had faced their own trials.

Through it all, I have learned that resilience is not just about enduring challenges; it’s about transforming them into stepping stones toward a greater purpose. It’s about turning wounds into wisdom, scars into sources of strength, and pain into pathways of healing. My journey has taught me that the human spirit is remarkably resilient, capable of overcoming the darkest of days, and emerging with a heart full of compassion and a purpose that can change lives.

I stand here today as a living testament to the fact that no matter how deep the wounds or how long the shadows are, there is a spark of resilience within each of us that can ignite a journey of healing, empowerment, and transformation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.konobui.org
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Image Credits
IG: @amayahmedia Website: www.amayahmedia.com