By Kebba AF Touray
Two visionary women leaders—Ndeye Absa Gningue, a Senegalese entrepreneur and technology enthusiast, and Funke Nnennaya Michaels, a dynamic thought leader of Kenyan and Nigerian heritage—have recently co-authored a compelling new book titled Modern Leadership: Inspired by Mother Nature.
Following its successful launch in Dakar, Senegal, Amazon’s bestseller is now set to be introduced to Gambian audiences from May 16 to 18, 2025.
With the slogan ‘Harness Nature’s Wisdom To Transform Your Leadership Journey’, the book offers a revolutionary approach to women’s leadership, merging the timeless wisdom of nature with cutting-edge business strategies.
According to the co-authors, the book reveals how the principles of balance, resilience and adaptability found in the natural world can empower women business leaders to navigate today’s complex challenges.
“The book discovered how to cultivate resilience and adaptability by emulating natural systems, as well as the secrets to foster a thriving work environment through balance and harmony,” they revealed.
They also noted that the book shows practical strategies for leading with purpose and clarity inspired by nature’s ecosystems, adding that it also gives insight into sustainable leadership practices that drive long-term success.
Explaining further about the book, the co-authors noted that it is a game-changer for business leaders seeking to align their wisdom and strategies with the rhythms of nature. They therefore call on all and sundry to dive into this transformative guide and elevate their business leadership skills to new heights, and encourage everyone to grab a copy and start leading with the wisdom of the natural world. The book is available at ‘Timbooktoo’ Bookstore in Bakau.
Biography of the Two Authors:
Funke Nnennaya Michaels is a dynamic leader with a rich cultural heritage who seamlessly blends her Nigerian and Kenyan roots with global perspectives.
An accomplished academic and speaker, Funke’s journey began as a child analyst and debater on Nigerian television and has since captivated audiences worldwide. With degrees from the University of Benin, MIT and Harvard School of Government, she has held influential roles across academia, public policy and brand management.
Funke’s experience spans over 20 years of work with multinational brands like Coca-Cola and Samsung, and collaboration with governments and organisations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean.
As an MIT Sloan fellow and a Harvard Mason fellow, Funke remains committed to fostering development through academia, entrepreneurship and innovation, making her a sought-after voice in international fora and educational settings.
Ndeye Absa Gningue is a serial entrepreneur and technology enthusiast with extensive experience in global leadership.
Ms. Gningue began her career at the age of 20 and has held prominent roles at IBM, Samsung Electronics and Procter and Gamble, where she took on managerial responsibilities in sales, marketing, and business development. She has also led multi-cultural teams across Africa, the Middle East and Turkey, and has covered over 70 countries.
At the age of 30, Ms. Gningue transitioned into diplomacy by taking on the role of Senior Innovation Platform Officer at the African Development Bank. Here, she also manages the bank’s innovation and entrepreneurship laboratory.
Since 2014, Absa has been the founder of JEADER, a renowned “Do Tank” that empowers youth through entrepreneurship in over 25 African countries. With a strong passion for Africa’s creative industry, Ms. Gningue launched ‘ABC-Aduuna Bul Comprendre’ in 2011, a brand that is internationally recognised for its social impact.
Additionally, Ms. Absa Gningue is a content creator and is known for her productivity planners and the SPIRITU’ELLES podcasts. Her work is a testament to her deep commitment to innovation, education and social change across Africa.
