Meet Leah Leonard

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leah Leonard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leah below.

Leah, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

I think I had great models growing up, and a really special community that instilled that they believed in me. I remember my grandfather, who was a school guidance counselor, driving Meals on Wheels when he was in his 80s for the ‘old people’, and meeting Russian Jewish refugees in his apartment that he was working to help resettle. I watched my own father go from an auto-parts repair shop owner to the COO of an international private equity firm – and then intentionally show his kids how he was doing his part as a philanthropist. My mom was generous with the priceless resources of time and attention – always showing up if I needed her. I was also heavily influenced by my rabbi and his welcoming, inclusive and justice-oriented outlook. Ultimately, though, generosity comes from within and is expressed differently for each of us – and that’s what I’m really curious about these days. How do we all tap in to our most generous selves, exactly as we are right now?

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Just like you, my journey has had many twists and turns. In 2009, I was volunteer teaching and traveling in Tanzania, East Africa. Through a local friend, I learned about the systemic disparities between public and private elementary education. Private elementary schools teach in English, while public schools teach in Swahili. However, Secondary school is always taught in English. (And you can only attend if you pass a huge exam in 7th grade, otherwise your education is over.)

Not. Fair.

My local teacher friends, and an entire community of parents whose kids didn’t even have access to a public school felt the same way.

BOOM. Purpose ignited.

These relationships led to a beautiful collaboration with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, teachers, parents and donors.

Together, we built and opened a new ‘charter’ public elementary school – Kismani School, which would be maintained equally by the government, community and non-profit sectors (that was me!). Local teachers teach in English, preparing students to continue their education, and after many years of dedication on the part of our amazing staff, the school is thriving beyond all expectations!

Today, Kisimani School is ranked #1 academically, has maintained an astounding 100% graduation rate 5 years in a row and counting, and serves over 1,600 local students every year.

Talk about growth, right?

I get asked all the time: How did you do it?

Well, I trusted that the community I was collaborating with knew what it needed best. And I trusted my intuition to show me the next right step. I did NOT do it alone, nor do I take credit for their success alone.

Did I have a million dollars? No.

Did I have unlimited time? No.

Did I want to give? Yes.

So, I considered my motivation and core values, pointed myself towards true north, and made the leap!

Did we know 13 years ago that we would make such an impact on 10,000+ lives halfway across the world? No!

When I went to Tanzania, I went with an open heart, an open mind, and no agenda. The rest took care of itself. (Including a hefty learning curve on my part.)

When the why is big enough, the ‘how’ will present itself.

Now, here’s the exciting part—I believe in YOU. Yes, you! Your potential to make a positive impact is enormous, and I’m here to empower you to confidently use your resources as a catalyst for empowering others.

Whether you’re already making waves or just starting out, I’ve got your back.

At MOVED Consulting, we develop programs and partnerships that help purpose-driven folks make a bigger impact, and feel deeply fulfilled, without self-doubt and anxiety holding them back. Come check out how we can work together at leahleonard.me.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Be a lifelong learner. Most of what I know today, I did not know at the start of my journey, and I am still learning every day. Keep an open mind, a humble heart and be willing to say “I don’t know!…but I’ll do my best to find out.”

2. Develop your leadership skills. John Maxwell says that ‘if you think you’re leading and no one is following you, you are simply taking a walk.’ Makes me laugh every time. While there is a definite benefit to a casual stroll, deciding to invest in developing your leadership skills through reading, practice and real-time feedback is invaluable.

3. Take your work seriously, but not yourself. I have a hard time with this one, and have a tendency to take things personally sometimes – but I try to remember that we are all in the same boat, just figuring it out along the way. So I try to lighten up and laugh whenever possible. It makes it a lot easier when you hit those potholes.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

We are looking to collaborate with purpose-driven folks who are ready to make their next bold MOVE and turn their vision for a better world into tangible impact. Entrepreneurs, philanthropists, foundation directors and trustees, as well as travel agencies specializing in East Africa are all excellent collaborators. We are always excited to learn from and collaborate with others who are working in the social impact space.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leahleonard.me
• Instagram: leahwagnerleonard
• Linkedin: leahwagerleonard
• Other: Spotify: the Good Work podcast

  https://open.spotify.com/show/7c7zWcKpFTzRujGYOqgugm

Image Credits

Jewel Afflerbaugh – Essence Sessions