WHO Advisor | Physician-Scientist | PhD Candidate (Epidemiology), Johns Hopkins | Global Health & Pharma Strategist | RWE, Market Access & Health Innovation | Translating Science into Impact
One of my most challenging moments in the Military was my deployment in northern Mali. These lessons remain useful Northern Mali was Known as the most dangerous United Nations mission. I was in a consulting room one day when a call came in from the medical directorate. The message was simple: You are leading the Ghana Aviation medical team to Mali. Yes, sir, was my response! Northern Mali tested not only my skills but my resilience and humanity. Sleep was often a luxury, as the piercing sound of sirens signaling incoming rockets or explosions would jolt us into action at any moment. ✅ In such a volatile setting, the power of teamwork and true leadership became not just important but essential to my team's survival and success. In an environment where every minute could bring a new threat, no one could afford to work in isolation. Each team member played a critical role, from the nurse to the logisticians. The constant threat of danger required us to operate as a cohesive unit, where trust and communication were our most valuable tools. In such high-stress situations, leadership took on a new dimension. ✅ True leadership wasn’t about giving orders; it was about understanding the fears and anxieties of each team member. Recognizing their strengths, and knowing when to step back and let others lead. Empathy became as crucial as any medical skill because leading with empathy meant acknowledging that no one could do it all alone. It was about building an environment where everyone felt supported and valued, even when the circumstances were at their most dire. ✅ Recognizing the Limits and the Strengths The constant tension of not knowing when the next rocket might land taught us all a humbling lesson There are limits to what one person can endure or accomplish alone. ————————- The lessons learned in northern Mali extend far beyond the field. In any professional or personal setting, the principles of teamwork and empathetic leadership remain just as relevant. Recognizing that you can’t do it all, that you need to rely on others, and that every member of a team brings unique strengths is crucial to achieving success in any endeavor. Whether in a boardroom or a medical tent, these lessons continue to guide how I approach challenges and leadership today. The experience in northern Mali was a stark reminder that true strength lies not in individual heroics but in the power of a united team. Reflecting on those days, I am reminded of the importance of ✔︎empathy, ✔︎collaboration, and ✔︎shared leadership →Lessons that continue to shape my approach to every challenge I face today. Any experiences to share? ♻️repost for others #leadership #growth #selfless