Webinar Insights with Shalane Yuen

We recently had the pleasure of hosting Shalane Yuen, the Founding Managing Director of the Trevor Noah Foundation, in an inspiring webinar. The Trevor Noah Foundation, based in South Africa, is dedicated to enhancing equitable access to quality education. Since its inception in 2018, Shalane has raised over $12 million in funding, expanded leadership training programs across Africa, and established partnerships with prestigious institutions. Now based in Brooklyn, New York, Shalane spent over a decade in South Africa, deeply influencing her work and perspective.

During the webinar, we delved into her journey into philanthropy and education reform, how she navigates leadership challenges, and her methods for inspiring others to create greater impact. Here are a few key takeaways that resonated with us:

1. Embrace Your Unique Path: Our experiences and pivotal moments are diverse and unique. By listening to ourselves and recognizing where our talents and interests lie, we can discover our most treasured opportunities.
2. Strategic Leadership: Being strategic in the growth of your team and organization is crucial. Your approach to leadership, the way you show up, your work environment, and your partnerships ultimately define your success.
3. Value of Diversity: Our diverse identities are assets in our leadership journey. Being in spaces with people who look and think differently shapes our ability to actively listen, appreciate different perspectives, and lead from behind. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can create an echo chamber of your own ideas, limiting growth.
4. Shaping Organizational Culture: One of the most important and challenging responsibilities of a leader is shaping organizational culture. Shalane shared several values that guide her leadership decisions:

• Leadership is a Choice: Leadership isn’t about a title; it’s a choice anyone can make within the organization.
• Strength-Based Approach: Focus on nurturing and leveraging strengths rather than identifying weaknesses.
• Humanity and Grace: Embrace humanity by giving grace, particularly regarding work/life balance and family responsibilities.
• Engage and Empower: Engage partners and involve them in planning and execution. Capacity building works best when local organizations are at the forefront of shaping their communities.

Shalane also reminded us of a powerful quote by Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Our discussion with Shalane was both enlightening and empowering, offering valuable insights for leaders and aspiring leaders alike. We look forward to more such enriching conversations in the future.