About Grow

About Grow
GROW: Is a year-long mentorship program for young CEOs. By young CEOs we mean first-time CEOs, those that have started their own initiatives/enterprises in the role of CEOs and have no prior executive leadership experience, and those aspiring to be CEOs.
GROW focuses on self-leadership, people leadership, money management, legacy, and succession. Leaders are provided with tools, resources and interactive assignments that support their learning and growth in the 4 areas. Each GROW leader is assigned a certified coach to buttress their growth for the duration of the program. The program methodology empowers decision-makers to re-ignite their leadership prowess while accelerating their potential and capacity to lead themselves and their organizations effectively and efficiently.
Grow is a space where:
Gallant leaders
Reach within themselves
On a journey to
Win together.
Long-term goal
An embodied, conscious, radical, revolutionary leader capable of deepening, leveraging, amplifying, and pollinating current leadership for reproduction at the individual, organizational, collective, and communal levels.
Objectives
To develop the capacity of emerging leaders.
To develop the skill of self-awareness among leaders.
To improve institutional performance through heightened people skills of and develop individual skills of leaders.
To establish an accountable circle of leaders in their various spheres of influence.
To establish a support framework for leaders through access to professional Coaches and mentors.
Modules
Know Yourself to Grow Yourself
Know Your People to Grow Your People
Know Your Money to Grow Your Money
Succession, Footprint, and Legacy
Know Your Brand to Grow Your Brand
OUR GROWERS
Say hello to the inspiring members of GROW¡ Cohort 4!
We’re excited to introduce the talented individuals who make up GROW¡ Cohort 4! Hailing from various fields and walks of life, this diverse group is united by a shared determination to advance their personal and professional growth. As they embark on their GROW¡ journey, they have already begun to make their mark. Their energy and vision are nothing short of inspiring, and we’re eager to see the lasting impact they’ll create in their careers and communities.
Meet our GROW¡ Cohort 3 participants!
We are proud to present the exceptional individuals GROW¡ Cohort 3! This remarkable group, drawn from diverse backgrounds and professions, has brought unique perspectives and demonstrated a steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth.
Participants from GROW¡ Cohort Two made a decision not only to grow but to flourish into the architects of a future that bears the mark of their indomitable spirit.
#GROWERSCohortTwo
OUR GROW¡ STORIES
MEET OUR FACILITATORS
Danstan Kisuule was the founding chairman of Y-Save in 2000. Y-Save is a saving and Investment scheme that is registered as a Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Ltd. Y-Save inculcates the culture of saving and investing in its members. His leadership has steered Y-Save to become one of the leading savings and investment schemes in Uganda. He was first the Vice Chairperson from March 2012 to July 2014 and later became the Chairperson of Investment Clubs Association of Uganda (ICAU) from August 2014 to November 2016. He is one of the peer leaders of this association that brings together all Investment Clubs in Uganda
Polly is a general HR practitioner with over 3 decades of practical work experience in the corporate world. She has worked in different industries from NGO, Insurance, Telecommunication, commodity and the Financial space which saw her work for a Big 4 as Regional HR Director for 9 years.
Moses Rutahigwa is the Head of Consumer, Private, and Business Banking at Standard Chartered Bank Uganda. He has over 16 years of experience in the banking sector mainly focused on business model transformation, change management, and digitalization.
Grace Makoko is a career banker with over twenty-five years’ experience in the banking industry in East Africa. Grace is one of a few East African bankers with senior banking experience in both Corporate Banking and Financial Markets. She began her illustrious banking career at Standard Chartered Bank Uganda straight after graduating from Makerere University
Joseph Ajal is the Chief Executive Officer, Principal Consultant, Associate Certified Coach (ICF), and Content Curator and leads Precision HR Proprietary Ltd. Joseph is a Human Resources professional, formerly the Secretary-General of the Human Resources Managers’ Association of Uganda (HRMAU), a Certified Talent Practitioner (CTP), a Chartered HR Business Partner (CHRBP), Fellow of the American Academy of Project Management (F – AAPM), a Balanced Scorecard Professional (BSP), and a very passionate believer in the transformational power of people in the bigger picture of the organization, if they are excited, focused and in tune with the corporation’s strategy.
Gloria Bwandungi Mugarura is a writer, co-director at Tokra Innovation, creative director at Papura Inc., and an all-around geek hoping to have her immortal soul transferred into a robot body in the near future. With her hands constantly working on one creative endeavor or another, she often finds herself snagged by fantastical worlds ready for exploration, or scientific wonders hidden in science fiction.
Belinda Namutebi is a branding & communications professional with over 20 years of experience. She is also an entrepreneur, with over 11 brands, with messages that promote National Pride, culture, and child play. Her most notable innovation- I'm so Uganda #ondaba apparel has become a favorite travel item for Ugandans each time they travel overseas. Belinda is a member of the DFCU Women Business Advocacy Council and is a Mum to a 10 year old daughter. Read more
MEET OUR COACHES
James is the Chief Executive Officer of Nirel Company Limited which focuses on serving the comprehensive needs of businesses with regard to Leadership, Business Strategy, Sales, Marketing, Communications and Customer Service.
He also served as the Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Uganda Revenue Authority Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCO) – the 2nd Biggest SACCO in Uganda where he led the strategy development that has resulted into growth of our total assets from 60 billion to over 112 billion.
He has previously worked as the Project Manager for the Customs Modernization Projects, URA, and a Vice-Chairperson of the World Customs Organization - Advance Passenger Information Contact Committee. (A body responsible for managing more than 98% of world trade in 185 Countries)
He has demonstrated experience starting and leading profitable business ventures in the Knowledge Consulting Industry, Transport and Finance Sectors.
Meet Caroline T. Egesa, a seasoned Advocate of the High Court of Uganda since 2007, seamlessly blending legal expertise with a diverse skill set. Caroline holds an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach certification, showcasing a commitment to holistic development and empowerment with one year of professional coaching experience.
JB is an ICT professional with over 20 years’ work experience. He has worked in both public and private sector institutions in the East African region performing various roles in the areas of ICT, Operations, Logistics and Project management.
Mary Sarah Nassali Certified Transformation Coach and ICF Member Experienced business executive with a demonstrated history of working in the consumer packaged goods industry. Skilled in Strategy, Business planning, Profitable Revenue growth, Marketing, Innovation and Corporate governance.
Hannah is a Personal and Business Development advisor with extensive experience in strategy, business and leadership development. Hannah has a passion for “success through others”. She views personal success as not merely an achievement but helping others succeed as a genuine accomplishment.
Peter Magara is a Learning and Change facilitator. Peter supports organizations measure results from their work and facilitates learning processes to enable them adapt to change and position themselves to achieve greater impact.
Sam is an ICF Certified Coach, a Certified Public Accountant, and a Certified MBTI Practitioner. He holds a Masters in Accounting and Management Science degree; University of Southampton, UK, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Makerere University.
Christine Mukasa-Mugerwa is a transformational life coach who helps individuals achieve their dreams and goals in months rather than years. She is driven by helping her clients live out their purpose and achieving a fulfilling and joy-filled life. Through motivation and accountability, Christine helps people deal with the sometimes overwhelming prospect of living out their dreams while achieving their desired goals.
Wilson Asiimwe was a Senior Research Fellow at Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) between 2000 and 2010. In addition to his postgraduate education in population studies, Wilson has attended various courses to develop his professional skills. He has supported Government of Uganda and various development partners to execute various development programs.
Jacqueline is the Founder and CEO of CivSource Africa. CivSource Africa is a philanthropy support organization that works to influence philanthropic practice in Africa. Jacqueline has over 3 decades of experience working with and supporting civil society leaders and organizations in Africa.
Juliet Ntabgoba has over 16 years of senior leadership and management experience. Her work incudes leading teams, developing strategy and supporting transformation and culture change initiatives. She has developed and implemented a myriad of programs to support organization effectiveness including leadership and talent development.
GROW¡ COHORT HIGHLIGHTS
The “Coaching Gym” is revolutionizing leadership development, offering first-time CEOs a dynamic space to sharpen skills, foster resilience, and grow through mentorship. Powered by the GROW! Leadership Program, it’s a transformative journey for emerging leaders.
Leadership is a continuous construction process, where we are both the architects and the structure. Using the powerful analogy of a construction site, Jacqueline Asiimwe inspired leaders to embrace growth through self-awareness, resilience, and intentional actions. Leadership, like any great build, is a work in progress, shaped one brick at a time.
Embracing a growth mindset is key to long-term success, as highlighted in the CivSource Africa GROW¡ Leadership program. Leaders who view challenges as opportunities for growth inspire their teams to innovate, collaborate, and continuously learn. By fostering a culture of resilience and development, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams.
GROW¡ Module 3: Know Your People to Grow Your People | Session Facilitator Coach Joseph Ajal
In the GROW mentorship program, the "Know Your People to Grow Your People" module emphasizes the power of understanding team dynamics to foster growth and engagement. By focusing on servant leadership, self-awareness, and open communication, leaders can create a supportive environment that empowers teams to thrive. Building a talent pipeline and fostering collaboration are key takeaways for sustainable organizational success.
Reflections on Leadership and Branding
GROW¡ Module 2: Know Your Brand to Grow Your Brand facilitated by Belinda Namutebi
The "Know Your Brand to Grow Your Brand" module, facilitated by Belinda Namutebi for GROW¡ Cohort 4, explored the deep connection between leadership and branding. Participants learned that effective branding is rooted in values, relationships, and the impact created in communities. Through this session, leaders discovered how personal and institutional branding can drive meaningful, lasting change.
In Session 2 of GROW’s Module 1: "Know Yourself to Grow Yourself," Cohort 4 participants reflect on how self-awareness fosters resilience, deepens purpose, and enriches relationships. By embracing this journey, individuals unlock their potential, shaping not just their own path but positively impacting others along the way.
Self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth and resilience. By understanding our thoughts, emotions, and values, we align our actions with our true selves, unlocking authenticity and purpose. This journey inward reveals the profound strength that guides us through life’s complexities.