My Mourning into Dancing

Leadership story written by Rev. Dr. Edward Odhiambo Nyamde

The turning point in my life was at the age of 13 years in 1984. In August of that year, I yielded my life to Christ as my Saviour during a church conference. Then, in November, I lost my sister to death. The following week after her burial, my other brother and a sister drowned in the nearby river. The three deaths shook my family as the three deaths added the number of my younger siblings who were dead to six. The six were all born after me and I saw them born, we played together and I saw them die and get buried. 

I began to ask myself very deep questions that changed my life for good. It was not an easy journey. First, I’m an introvert. This made it difficult for me at that age to ask others the questions that were bothering me. My parents were equally devastated and you could read it in their expressions. I turned to books and became a book addict. Writing became my way of asking questions and answering myself.

Reading provided me with the answers that I sought as each book introduced me to the next one. Novels, poems, plays, features, documentaries, comics, and editorials became my passion. Five years later, the bible and other religious literature became my interest. My search for answers inspired me to study and build relationships. By age 20, I had chosen to study theology. I wanted to question God and humanity as my search for answers intensified.

By the end of my PhD in 2021, I  had established the 10 Tenets of Leadership in a Changing World. These are the convictions that inspire me to lead and to participate in developing leaders every day.

I have learned that turning points never cease in people’s lives.

Each turning point can be very challenging, traumatizing, and devastating.

It requires leaders to provide support in such moments.

I found it in books – unfortunately, all people are not as lucky as I was. 

I have since innovated 45 Thematic Projects through which I engage with global thought leaders and stakeholders through my enterprise – Grace Hour Enterprises.

Each project is motivated by my 10 Tenets of Leadership and a 7-Step Plan that defines Grace Hour Enterprises as an Enterprise Leader. Each of the 45 Thematic Projects is a Plug-and-Play Social Innovation driven by equity and impact financing and teamwork.

This way, each project, builds leaders and accommodates leaders as co-owners.

This way, we build beneficial partnerships that build generations of leaders through mentorship and indentureship while providing opportunities that help households surmount their turning points. 

I am an Open-door People Servant. Always willing to be part of the solution through social enterprises and social franchise approaches. 

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Connect with Rev. Dr. Edward:

E-mail: nyamdeo@gmail.com

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