Welcome to a journey at the heart of leadership.
" Modern Leadership : Inspired by Mother Nature " is more than just a book. It's an invitation to reinvent leadership through lessons drawn from nature in Africa.
Co-authored by Funke Nnennaya Michaels and Ndeye Absa Gningue, this book offers a unique approach, using iconic animals, from bees to elephants, to reveal essentials strategies and principles for modern women leaders.
About the Authors
Funke Nnennaya Michaels
Funke Nnennaya Michaels, a dynamic leader with a rich cultural heritage, seamlessly blends her Nigerian and Kenyan roots with global perspectives.
An accomplished academic and speaker, Funke's journey began as a child-analyst and debater in Nigerian television, and she has since captivated audiences worldwide. With degrees from university of Benin, MIT, and Harvard University JFK School of Government, she has held influential roles across academia, public policy, and brand management.
Funke's experience spans over 20 years, working with multinational brands like Coca-Cola and Samsung, and collaborating with governments and organizations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Caribbean. As an MIT Sloan Fellow and Harvard Mason Fellow, Funke remains committed to fostering development through academia, entrepreneurship, and innovation, making her a sought-after voice in international forums and education settings.
NDEYE ABSA GNINGUE
Ndeye Absa Gningue is a seasoned entrepreneur and technology enthusiast with global leadership experience. Starting her career at 20, she held managerial roles in Sales, Marketing, and Business Development at IBM, Samsung, and Procter & Gamble, leading multicultural teams across 70+ countries. At 30, she transitioned to diplomacy as Senior Innovation Platform Officer at the African Development Bank, where she also manages the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab.
As the founder of JEADER since 2014, a "do tank" empowering youth entrepreneurship in 25+ African countries, and creator of ABC-Aduuna Bul Comprendre, a socially impactful brand, Absa champions the African creative industry. She is also a content creator behind productivity planners "SERENDIPITY" and the SPIRITU’ELLES podcasts, showcasing her dedication to innovation, education, and social change in Africa.
"...I believe that this book provides invaluable insights for any woman seeking to deepen her leadership journey. It offers a refreshing perspective on how aligning with nature can inspire authenticity, innovation, and a deeper connection to both ourselves and the world around us.
Within these pages, you will discover not only inspiration but also practical wisdom that empowers you to lead with purpose, resilience, and renewed balance. Let us embrace the lessons from Nature and weave them into our leadership journeys, creating a legacy of impact that will resonate for generations to come... "
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, PhD
President of the Republic of Mauritius (2015-2018)
TESTIMONIES
FOREWORD
Modern Leadership
Copyright © 2025 Modern Leadership : Inspired by Mother Nature. All rights reserved.
1. "Funke and Absa have crafted a masterclass in leadership. By blending the wisdom of nature with cutting-edge business strategies, they deliver a framework that every CEO should embrace. This book is as transformative as it is practical."
2. "This book is a beacon for women navigating cross-cultural leadership. Drawing from nature and global experiences, Funke and Absa redefine leadership with unparalleled elegance and depth."
3. "As a young entrepreneur, this book has shown me how to balance ambition with sustainability. Learning from ants’ focus and butterflies’ transformation has reshaped how I view growth and change."
4. "A powerful testament to the strength of women in leadership, Funke and Absa highlight how cooperation, much like bees in nature, can dismantle barriers in male-dominated spaces."
5. "This isn’t just a book—it’s a leadership manual for the future. I’ll be integrating its lessons into every training session, especially the insights on visioning like owls and strategic planning like giraffes."
6. "From camels’ resilience to the wisdom of elephants, this book helped me find practical ways to save and strategize for long-term success in my small business."
7. "Funke and Absa beautifully weave nature’s lessons into leadership principles that can transform communities. This is a must-read for anyone passionate about driving social change."
8. "As someone who guides start-ups, I found the chapter on butterflies particularly inspiring. It demonstrates that transformation is a process, not a destination—a vital lesson for emerging leaders."
9. "In today’s world, perception is everything. The chapter on grooming like cats and being your first brand ambassador is pure gold for anyone looking to build a strong, authentic brand."
10. "Drawing from the rhythms of nature, this book bridges environmental wisdom and business acumen. It’s an essential read for anyone striving to lead sustainably."
11. "A deeply intellectual yet accessible work, Modern Leadership introduces groundbreaking theories that will inspire generations of researchers and leaders alike."
12. "The intersection of faith and business in this book is refreshing. Funke and Absa have reminded us that belief systems can strengthen, not complicate, our leadership journeys."
13. "Funke and Absa have achieved the impossible: blending nature’s wisdom with modern technology-driven leadership. Their insights on foresight and adaptability are particularly relevant for innovators like myself."
14. "This book is a treasure trove for HR leaders! The lessons on creating a thriving, cooperative environment are invaluable for fostering workplace harmony and productivity."
15. "Eid Kaftans and cultural nuances—this book masterfully shows how respecting and navigating cultural differences can strengthen leadership impact globally."
16. "Finally, a leadership book that speaks directly to women! Funke and Absa’s real-world examples and nature-inspired insights are empowering and deeply relatable."
17. "I didn’t expect a leadership book to revolutionize my approach to financial planning, but here we are. Lessons from camels on saving are a game-changer."
18. "The analogies to natural ecosystems provide profound insights into human behavior and organizational dynamics. A must-read for those in leadership and team development."
19. "As a professional speaker, I found the language of business and negotiation tactics especially compelling. This book is a roadmap for mastering the art of persuasion."
20. "Through their powerful storytelling, Funke and Absa offer a guide to leadership that is as inspiring as it is practical. I’ll be recommending this to every mentee I have!"