Social Impact in Africa: Leadership with Selina Schriener
Chief of Staff Selena Schriener shares practical insights on creating social impact across Africa while managing remote teams spanning multiple continents. Her conversation with Emily Sander covers her unique career path, approaches to leadership, cultural sensitivity, and employee well-being.
Key Takeaways
Creating your own role: Selena didn't apply for a Chief of Staff position - she identified an organizational need and pitched herself as the solution, showing how initiative can lead to career advancement.
Remote team effectiveness: As part of a fully remote organization with team members across multiple countries, Selena emphasizes structured communication through regular meetings and creating intentional spaces for connection.
Cultural sensitivity: Working with team members from diverse backgrounds (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, US, Senegal, Tunisia) requires creating an inclusive culture that respects different communication styles.
Notable Quotes
"Africa is not just Africa. It's a continent with 45 countries with a lot of different cultures with a lot of potential, and we want people outside of Africa to see that."
"It should be a partnership that is growing and is a win-win for both, and it shouldn't be like 'I'm doing something for you' - not that codependent view."
"If you invest in your employees, it actually makes sense from a business perspective as well. You have a lower turnover rate, people are more motivated, you don't have silent quitters."
Real-World Applications
Role creation: If you see an organizational gap, prepare a specific proposal outlining how you could fill it rather than waiting for a formal job posting.
Employee feedback systems: Implement both one-on-one conversations and anonymous surveys to gather feedback, recognizing different preferences for sharing information.
Cultural communication: Practice "cultural sensitivity" by being aware of directness levels in communication (Selena mentioned Germans tend to be very direct compared to other cultures).
Selena's experience demonstrates how thoughtful leadership can bridge cultures while driving meaningful social impact. Her approach combines strategic thinking with genuine care for people - showing that social impact businesses can succeed by valuing both business outcomes and human well-being.
Time Stamps:
01:07 The Unique CEO-CBO Structure
02:37 Creating the Chief of Staff Role
05:03 Communication and Team Dynamics
07:47 Baobab Consulting's Mission and Impact
17:00 Remote Work Challenges and Solutions
21:07 Wellbeing and Company Culture
25:53 Effective Altruism and Social Impact
Links Mentioned:
Baobab Consulting's Website: https://www.baobabconsulting.com
GiveWell's Website: https://www.givewell.org
Giving What We Can's Website: https://www.givingwhatwecan.org
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.