HUMHR Career Insights

In this week’s “Batje’s Take,” I reflect on my conversation with Professor Lonnie Strickland whom I first met over 20 years ago. I share three powerful insights from our discussion: the importance of evolving your strategy, the idea that true wealth comes from giving, and the critical role of support systems in our careers.If you haven’t listened to the full conversation yet, catch up on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments section.

In this episode of HUMHR Career Insights, host Batje Chibafa reconnects with Professor A.J. “Lonnie” Strickland, one of the world’s most respected educators in strategic management and co-author of the global classic Crafting & Executing Strategy: The Quest for Competitive Advantage.
More than a decade after hosting him at a live strategic management seminar, Batje sits down once again, this time through the power of technology, to explore timeless insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and strategy in a changing world.
With his trademark humor and deep wisdom, Professor Strickland reflects on his time in Zimbabwe, where he says that “if we could bottle Zimbabwe’s weather and sell it, we’d all be rich!”  
He draws powerful lessons from nature (even a mosquito has strategy), talks about avocados and entrepreneurship, and explores what it means to build a life of impact, generosity, and purpose.
Tune in for a masterclass in storytelling and strategy from a professor who has inspired thousands of leaders across five decades.
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#HUMHRPodcast #CareerInsights #Entrepreneurship #Strategy #Leadership #LonnieStrickland #Zimbabwe #AfricaRising #FutureOfWork #Innovation #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BatjeChibafa

In this inaugural episode of "Batje's Take," host Batje Chibafa unpacks her three biggest takeaways from a fascinating conversation with The Startup Coach. If you've ever wondered if you're "cut out" to be an entrepreneur, this solo reflection provides the clarity and actionable insights you need.
Batje synthesizes the guest's wisdom into three foundational principles:
Entrepreneurship is a Learnable Skill: Moving beyond the myth of the "born entrepreneur," Batje reflects on the guest's own high school startup gig. She expands on the idea that entrepreneurship is like a muscle, strengthening with use, and highlights how this skill is now being taught to young people through programs in schools and organizations like Junior Achievement.
Mindset is the Determining Factor: Inspired by the guest's journey, Batje explores how redefining success is the first step. She shares a powerful story of a corporate-leaver who found a new definition of success through health and family, and delves into the critical "growth vs. fixed mindset" framework from Carol Dweck's book "Mindset" as the key to unlocking potential.
You Cannot Do It Alone: Echoing the startup coach's experience, Batje breaks down the essential roles of a coach (for specific skills) and a mentor (for broader guidance). She gets candid about her own lessons in trying to do everything herself—from DIY website disasters to recognizing her limitations—and why building a support system is non-negotiable for success.
Tune in for a focused recap that will help you pause, process, and apply the most critical insights from a master coach directly to your own career journey.
Mentioned in this episode: Carol Dweck's "Mindset," Junior Achievement.

What happens when you stop climbing the corporate ladder — and start building your own?
In this episode of HUMHR Career Insights, host Batje Chibafa sits down with Dennis Mhangami, The Startup Coach of the Year 2023, to explore what it really means to turn experience, purpose, and resilience into a career built on your own terms.
With over 25 years in corporate operations, entrepreneurship, and venture-building across Africa, Dennis shares practical wisdom on moving from employment to entrepreneurship, finding purpose in uncertainty, and redefining success beyond titles and job grades.
Whether you’re thinking of starting something new, juggling a side hustle, or reimagining your career after transition — this conversation will remind you that success isn’t just about climbing the ladder... sometimes it’s about building one of your own.

Join us for the exciting launch of Season Four of the HUMHR Career Insights podcast! his is the first ever Live episode. In this episode, host Batje explores the evolving landscape of career success, emphasizing the importance of purpose and passion. Discover insights on career transitions, the impact of AI, and the rise of entrepreneurship as a respected career path. Tune in for engaging discussions, personal stories, and a sneak peek into the live events planned for this season. Subscribe now and redefine what it means to have a successful career!
Introduction and Welcome- 0:00
Season Four Announcement- 1:30
Career Transitions Discussion- 3:00
AI and Future of Work Recap- 5:00
Purpose and Success in Careers- 7:00
Entrepreneurship as a Career Path- 10:00
Personal Career Journey- 12:30
Live Events and Engagement- 15:00
Closing Remarks and Call to Action- 17:00
 

"How can international civil servants not just survive but thrive amid UN reforms, geopolitical shifts, and workplace transformation?
In this timely episode, FICSA President Wadzanai Garwe shares actionable strategies for:• Adapting to digital transformation while preserving human-centric service• Leading teams through institutional change with cultural agility• Using radical self-compassion as an anchor in turbulent times
“Essential listening for international civil servants steering change in this critical moment.”

"In this episode of HUMHR Career Insights, visionary leader Elizabeth Mhangami (Vanavevhu, Ndisu) reveals:• How nonprofit professionals can adapt to donor shifts + digital transformation• Why youth empowerment = the ultimate future-of-work strategy• The leadership mindset that builds resilient teams across continentsA masterclass in staying relevant while driving social impact. #FutureOfWork"

In this episode, we explore SIMba.AI—a groundbreaking AI platform developed between Kenya and the U.S. that’s translating English into local languages and opening up new job pathways. Co-founders Mark Matunga and Randy Falkner share the vision, challenges, and surprising impact of building locally intelligent AI for Africa.

We sit down with a seasoned executive who has scaled companies to $200M+ across AI, Web3, and healthcare. Discover how she navigates cultural complexities in global teams, identifies emerging market opportunities, and develops resilient leadership strategies for the tech-driven future of work. Essential listening for professionals aiming to thrive in high-growth industries.

As AI reshapes customer service, how can humans stay indispensable? Hannah, a mental fitness coach and CX expert, argues it’s not about competing with bots—but mastering what they can’t: empathy, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Learn how her '5 Pillars Method' prepares teams for the future of work, why most companies get training wrong, and how to turn complaints into loyalty.