Last month, I had the privilege of representing Lifesten Health at the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship (CSF) bootcamp in Accra, Ghana. As the co-founder and CEO of Lifesten Health focused on NCDs prevention and digital health innovation, this immersive six‑month programme offered much more than technical skills—it reignited my passion for purpose‑driven leadership and provided a vibrant community of like‑minded change makers.

A Home Away from Home: Embassy Gardens, Accra

The CSF team hosted us at Embassy Gardens, an exceptional apartment complex in the heart of Accra. Waking up to lush gardens and city views each morning set a powerful tone: we were here not just to learn, but to grow together.

Week 1: Leading with Values and Vision

Unlike many entrepreneurship programmes that jump straight into numbers, CSF’s first week focused on “the entrepreneur as a person.” We explored:

• Core values and legacy: Why did each of us start our ventures?
• Intrinsic motivation: How to stay driven when facing setbacks.
• Leadership identity: Defining our unique leadership styles and strengths.

As someone who’s spent years advocating for NCDs awareness—often under resource constraints—I found this deep, reflective work transformative. It’s the often‑missing piece in scaling impact: understanding why we lead shapes how we lead.

Week 2: Practical Mastery for Startups

In the second week, we dove into hands‑on modules led by seasoned trainers:

• Fundraising strategies: Crafting compelling pitches for investors.
• Business modeling: Validating revenue streams and cost structures.
• Market analysis & marketing: Identifying customer segments and growth channels.
• Product development: Iterating prototypes based on user feedback.

These sessions were peppered with real‑world case studies and peer reviews. Collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs—from digital platforms to social enterprises—reinforced a powerful truth: no one solves global challenges in isolation.

Community, Culture, and Connections

Beyond the classroom, CSF built a tight‑knit fellowship culture. We shared Ghanaian cuisine on food tours, bonded over cultural excursions, and celebrated successes at an elegant evening reception at the Ambassador’s residence. There, I connected with entrepreneurs from Imperial College London and Rwanda, forging new partnerships that will enrich our work on preventive health and NCDs.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Lifesten Health

I return to Nairobi energized and equipped with:

1. A deeper sense of purpose—rooted in personal values.
2. Practical tools to refine Lifesten Health’s fundraising and growth strategy.
3. A global network of peers and mentors committed to social impact.

This CSF experience arrived at the perfect moment as Lifesten Health enters its next growth phase. I’m excited to leverage these insights to accelerate our AI‑driven health screenings, expand NCDs prevention programmes, and create lasting health equity across Kenya and beyond.

Stay tuned for updates on how our fellowship learnings transform preventive health for millions.