In this episode of the Change Africa podcast, host Isaac Aboah and co-host Daniel Merki engage with Mimi Kalinda, a global communication specialist, to explore the importance of storytelling in reshaping Africa's narratives. Mimi reflects on her career, the complexities of African culture, and the power of narratives in influencing perceptions and behaviors. She emphasizes the need for culturally nuanced communication and the role of storytelling in problem-solving and transformational change across the continent. The conversation delves into the importance of building authentic African narratives, the role of crisis management in collective action, and the necessity for government leaders to embrace storytelling as a strategic tool. It highlights the lessons learned from past crises, particularly in the context of the Ebola outbreak and COVID-19, emphasizing the need for a cohesive narrative that aligns with the realities on the ground. The discussion also touches on the challenges of measuring the impact of storytelling and the importance of preparing for future crises. This conversation explores the significance of crisis communication, the power of storytelling in leadership, and the importance of embedding storytelling within organizational culture. It emphasizes the need for adaptability in crisis situations and the role of reputation management.Episode Summary00:00 Introduction to Storytelling in Africa02:57 Reflections on Accomplishments and Future Goals06:08 Understanding Africa's Complex Narratives09:02 Storytelling as a Tool for Problem Solving12:00 The Power of Narratives in Shaping Perceptions14:55 Childhood Influences and the 1994 Turning Point20:52 Career Milestones and Impactful Projects24:02 Building African Narratives27:00 Crisis Management and Collective Action29:59 Government Leadership and Storytelling33:59 The Importance of Strategic Communication38:57 Measuring Impact in Storytelling42:09 Crisis Communication Lessons Learned44:34 Crisis Communication and Adaptability49:10 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership52:12 Embedding Storytelling in Organizational Culture55:26 The Importance of Preserving African Stories01:00:20 The Dangers of Ignoring Our HeritageFurther Reading and ResourcesMimi Kalinda's book, "Talking to Africa: Considering Culture in Communications for a Complex Continent," is available for purchase at AmazonVisit Mimi Kalinda's website at mimikalinda.com for more information on her work and access her upcoming book, "Echoes of Influence: Harnessing The Power of Storytelling As A Leadership Strategy."This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected] the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Watch on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related