Change Africa Podcast
The Bold New Normal; A Transformative African Manifesto
Listen on
Episode notes
In this season opener of the Change Africa Podcast, marking #AfricaDay, we host Lucy Quist, author of the Bold New Normal and a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley serving as the Global Head of Firm Resilience, about the imperative to instigate a mindset shift to overcome Africa's challenges.
Lucy begins the podcast advocating for STEM as a critical component of Africa's success. She highlights the invaluable problem-solving skills possessed by engineers and their relentless determination to accomplish goals, traits that transcend industry boundaries. In her view, cultivating a society with more problem solvers and individuals driven to take action is vital for Africa's progress.
The conversation takes a profound turn as Lucy reveals the inspiration behind her book, "The Bold New Normal," and the dire need to confront deep-rooted issues plaguing the continent. She points out that a prevailing mindset accepting scarcity often hampers progress. To usher in change, Lucy emphasizes the significance of presenting a compelling vision of what can be achieved and rallying people around this vision. Crucially, she emphasizes the imperative of shifting mindsets and changing behaviours, transforming mere survival into thriving.
Isaac and Lucy further explore strategies to catalyze widespread mindset shifts. They discuss the importance of an extensive information campaign, a revamped education system, and cultural reinforcement to instil confidence and foster a shared vision for the future. Lucy passionately emphasizes that transformation is feasible within our lifetime, emphasizing the critical role of hard work, consistency, and active participation. While acknowledging that progress may occur at varying speeds, she cites Rwanda's astonishing transformation within a decade as a tangible example. Recognizing the power of platforms like their podcast, Lucy underscores their capacity to reshape the narrative and convene thought leaders in meaningful discussions on Africa's journey toward transformation.
As the conversation unfolds, Lucy evokes the spirit of Ghana's independence movement, where a collective vision galvanized a nation and its people. She believes that similarly powerful visions can be conceived today, inspiring and mobilizing individuals toward positive change. Reflecting on her own experiences leading teams in Africa, Lucy underscores the significance of empathy and fostering deep connections among team members. While accountability and timeliness remain crucial, she advocates for striking a balance between congeniality and holding individuals responsible. Notably, she underscores the importance of time management, exposing the detrimental effects of wasted hours and urging a paradigm shift toward timeliness as a form of accountability, igniting heightened productivity.
Inclusivity and diversity take centre stage as the conversation progresses, with Lucy acknowledging their pivotal role in driving success and revitalizing companies. She emphasizes the urgency to transcend tokenism, urging intentional efforts toward diversity encompassing both visible and invisible characteristics. Sharing illuminating anecdotes and insights, Lucy highlights the transformative impact of diverse teams, the unique perspectives of women leaders, and the necessity of inclusive policies that cater to the diverse needs of all.
Through their invigorating dialogue, Isaac and Lucy shed light on the profound potential for change within Africa. They offer a roadmap to alter entrenched mindsets, embrace diversity, and propel the continent toward a brighter future.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.