Leading with Authenticity, Global Vision & Purpose-Driven Strategy
How do you lead a social impact organization through uncertainty while staying true to your values? In this special edition of The Good Growth Company’s 10 Things series, we sat down with Onome Ako — CEO of Action Against Hunger Canada and Chair of the Board of CanWaCH — for a powerful conversation about leadership, identity, equity, and impact.
Drawing from over two decades of global experience in international development, humanitarian aid, and gender equity work, Onome shared her journey as a Black, immigrant woman navigating systems that weren’t designed for leaders like her. From embracing storytelling as a leadership tool to mentoring the next generation of changemakers, Onome offered candid insights into what it truly means to lead with purpose—and stay rooted in it.
This conversation was packed with practical takeaways and powerful reflections for nonprofit leaders, teams, and changemakers of all kinds.
Top Takeaways
Featuring Onome Ako | Hosted by Daniel Francavilla
Authenticity starts with alignment
Authentic leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being the same person internally and externally, even when it’s uncomfortable. For Onome, authenticity is rooted in self-awareness and a commitment to showing up as your true self, especially in high-stakes environments. "Clarity is not micromanagement," she reminded us—it's leadership.
Leadership is both courage and vulnerability
Whether confronting systemic bias or navigating organizational change, Onome emphasized that authentic leadership requires vulnerability. She shared a powerful story about speaking honestly with her team during Black History Month, breaking through surface-level discussions and modelling the kind of open dialogue she wanted to see.
Resilience requires communication and focus
Leading through upheaval—like funding cuts or global uncertainty—requires clear, transparent communication. Onome described her leadership response to sector-wide challenges: focus on the mission, communicate often, and revisit your strategic plan to ensure it still holds. “We may need to scale down in order to scale back up,” she noted, but the purpose must remain strong.
Values are your compass—across cultures and countries
Having worked in over 20 countries, Onome shared how her values remain constant, even as her leadership approach shifts based on local context. “My upbringing shaped my leadership,” she said, crediting her academic father and entrepreneurial mother for teaching her how to lead with integrity and care.
Strategic planning should be inclusive, not top-down
When asked how to maintain morale during big transitions, Onome was clear: staff must see themselves in the strategic plan. “Nothing for us without us,” she said. Leaders should share milestones, report back to teams, and co-create strategy—not just present a finished product.
Storytelling is a leadership tool
Onome considers herself the “chief storyteller” of her organization. Whether she’s speaking to donors, staff, politicians, or school children, she adapts her storytelling to build connection and drive action. “People need to feel something to act,” she said, underscoring that story is central to systems change.
Representation changes mindsets
Discussing her children’s book I Am Cherished, Onome shared the importance of diverse, accurate representation in leadership, literature, and daily life. “I want kids who look like mine to see themselves reflected,” she said. Her book is used in both classrooms and boardrooms—and aims to shift cultural perceptions about identity, leadership, and belonging.
Your Questions, Answered
Q: How can someone leading a multigenerational team stay both authentic and relevant?
Onome offered wisdom from her own experience: value the unique perspectives of each generation, embrace reverse mentorship, and lead with humility. “Experience matters,” she said, “but so does learning from what younger team members bring to the table.”
Q: What advice do you have for people new to nonprofit leadership—especially women and people of colour?
“Believe you earned it,” she said. “Walk it, talk it, and surround yourself with people who will challenge you, not just cheerlead.” She also emphasized the importance of self-care: “Put your own mask on first—leadership is a marathon.”
Q: How do I confidently tell my story after launching a purpose-driven business or nonprofit?
“Most of us are not the best storytellers for our own work,” Onome admitted. She encouraged participants to clarify their audience, invest in messaging support if needed, and remember that sharing your story is an act of advocacy—not ego.
Q: How can organizations raise awareness after a rebrand or mission shift?
Start with your audience, Onome advised: “Where are they, what platforms are they on, and what language resonates with them?” She reminded us not to overuse sector jargon and to communicate in ways that meet people where they are.Volunteers should never be used to replace paid roles or fill in for staff layoffs. Unlike interns or placement students who receive credit or compensation, volunteers offer their time for altruistic reasons. Respecting that contribution means drawing clear distinctions and ensuring volunteer roles are ethical and appropriate.
Top Quotes
“Authenticity is not about being perfect—it’s about alignment.”
“Clarity is not micromanagement. It’s leadership.”
“When you share your story, it gives others permission to show up as themselves.”
“You may need to scale down to scale up—but the purpose must remain.”
“You earned it. If you’re in the room, you belong there.”
What’s next?
This conversation reminded us that leadership isn’t just about strategy or outcomes—it’s about the human behind the mission. Onome Ako models what it means to lead from the inside out: with clarity, compassion, and conviction. Her approach to storytelling, systems change, and community care offers a blueprint for nonprofit leaders navigating today’s challenges while building tomorrow’s possibilities.
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Stay connected for upcoming sessions in the 10 Things series, and keep leading with courage.
