Why Food is a Powerful Leadership Strategy - Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli of Changing Narratives Africa

Start using food to help you lead. Food can help you deepen your connection with the team, find common ground with a rival, and even change the world. You may remember a time when you shared a meal with someone, and it shifted your perception of them. Or, perhaps someone introduced you to a new food, and it immediately opened up a new level of conversation.I hosted Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli on the show who shares why "Food" is such a powerful leadership strategy.She joined The Rockefeller Foundation board of trustees in 2019, and she’s an expert on social innovation, African agriculture and nutrition, entrepreneurship, and youth development. She has over 25 years of international development experience and is a recognized serial entrepreneur, author, public speaker, and consultant. Over the past 14 years, Ndidi has focused exclusively on transforming the African agriculture and nutrition landscape. She’s Executive Chair of Sahel Consulting and co-founder of AACE Foods, which produces a range of packaged spices, seasonings, and cereals for local and international markets, Ndidi has propelled the growth of a catalytic business. Ndidi's latest start-up is Changing Narratives Africa committed to changing global mindsets about Africa by showcasing the Continent’s contributions to the global food ecosystem through the pioneering work of her dynamic people, their innovations, and products.She sits on numerous Boards authoring “Social Innovation in Africa: A Practical Guide for Scaling Impact,” and “Food Entrepreneurs in Africa: Scaling Resilient Agriculture Businesses,” both published by Routledge. She is also the author of “Working for God in the Marketplace.”Ndidi holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ndidi-okonkwo-nwuneli-840696a/Company Link: https://changingnarrativesafrica.com/What You’ll Discover in this Episode:The story of her recent Fireside Chat with Al Gore.Three essential strategies to build your international network.The one action she takes within 24 hours of meeting someone to strengthen her network.The surprising science of food in leadership. How Sushi has become the model for growing an international cuisine.How you shift the mindsets of your customers, so they are more likely to buy.An unexpected twist in hair care that lead a BIG opportunity with a customer.Resources:Ndidi’s TED TalksThe future of the food ecosystem -- and the power of your plate: https://www.ted.com/talks/ndidi_okonkwo_nwuneli_the_future_of_the_food_ecosystem_and_the_power_of_your_plate?language=en The role of faith and belief in modern Africa: https://www.ted.com/talks/ndidi_nwuneli_the_role_of_faith_and_belief_in_modern_africa?language=en Ndidi’s BooksSocial Innovation in Africa: A Practical Guide for Scaling Impact: https://www.amazon.com/Innovation-Routledge-Studies-African-Development/dp/1138182842 Food Entrepreneurs in Africa: Scaling Resilient Agriculture Businesses : https://www.amazon.com/Entrepreneurs-Africa-Ndidi-Okonkwo-Nwuneli/dp/0367631121 High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America : https://www.netflix.com/title/81034518 World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/ Fonio: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/feb/09/fonio-quinoa-senegal-africa-harlem-restaurant -----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben Fanning