This month, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a strategic planning session with Amref Health Africa in Kenya as a resource person to the board. As my first in-person engagement in this capacity, the experience left an indelible impression on me, not only for the caliber of work being done but also for the organization’s outstanding culture.

Amref Health Africa is renowned as the largest health-focused NGO in Kenya, with an unwavering commitment to improving healthcare for populations across Africa. During the brainstorming sessions, I witnessed firsthand how the organization blends competence, connection, and commitment to achieve its mission. What struck me most was how quickly the senior officials, despite their impressive titles, set aside hierarchy to collaborate seamlessly on shaping the next chapter of Amref’s impactful journey.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this experience was working alongside Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Amref’s Group CEO and one of my personal role models. Dr. Gitahi’s unique leadership style, grounded in humility and an unrelenting focus on the fundamentals, is nothing short of inspiring. During our one-on-one discussions, he shared insights from his remarkable career journey that reaffirmed his reputation as both an exceptional corporate leader and a deeply empathetic human being.

Dr. Gitahi now joins a select group of Kenyan leaders I look up to, including Dr. Lilian Mbau, the former CEO of the Kenya Cardiac Society, and Dr. Eva Njenga, the former CEO of the NCD Alliance Kenya. These individuals have consistently demonstrated the power of visionary leadership to transform healthcare systems and improve lives.

This experience was more than just a strategic meeting—it was a masterclass in collaboration and purpose-driven leadership. Being surrounded by such accomplished and driven individuals reminded me of the importance of setting ambitious goals while remaining grounded in the shared mission of advancing health equity.

As Amref Health Africa charts its future, I am humbled to contribute to this journey, supporting an organization that continues to lead from the front in tackling Africa’s most pressing health challenges. The gathering was a powerful reminder of the impact we can achieve when we work together with clarity of purpose and a shared vision.

My time with Amref reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of collaboration and strategic thinking to reshape healthcare. It also strengthened my resolve to continue advocating for innovative, inclusive solutions to improve population health in Kenya and beyond.