Leadership for Impact & Sustainability: Bridging Profit and Purpose

Not long ago, while in conversation with an investor in Ethiopia, I suggested some basic, tangible Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives—installing toilets in underserved schools, sponsoring community clean-ups, or funding inclusive local projects.

To my surprise, he chuckled and said:

“There’s nothing like a good whisky for the holidays—and a pocket full of cash to decision-makers to win over the community.”

I paused. This was a well-traveled, well-educated individual—and yet, the pride in that shortcut logic left me shaken. Sadly, it wasn’t the first time I’d encountered this mindset. And it likely won’t be the last.

🌍 A Personal Journey Through Systems

Across more than 25 years, I’ve sat in boardrooms of the wealthiest nations and met in mud-floor rooms in emerging markets. From U.S. banks to Ethiopian fintech startups, from public-private partnerships to grassroots ventures, I’ve engaged decision-makers across a broad spectrum.

My personal journey has allowed me to ask strategic questions from the age of 14—driven by an ambitious vision I nurtured on my own terms. I navigated life’s curves, challenges, and outdated institutions, staying connected to a diverse fabric of people in Ethiopia, Africa, and across the globe.

That’s when I founded Deldeyoch—a vision born from the desire to be the change I sought without sacrificing my privacy, and to create a sustainable lifestyle built to last.

I intentionally placed myself in uncomfortable spaces—where my ambition, values, and voice as an inclusive African woman were often tested. I sought out projects where I could serve, learn, explore, and build a brand grounded in what’s needed on the ground.

My journey took me across Ethiopia, Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. I broke bread with people from every continent—from CEOs, ministers, project magnets, and business owners, to high school students, university youth, local guides, kiosk vendors, and neighborhood salons. I also connected with global changemakers and community elders, seeking wisdom and impact in equal measure.

I gave back to the families, communities, and systems I once served, and through it all, I aligned myself with the global shift in power, economy, and purpose.

I learned who I am—on the job—and I’m still learning.

🔄 Managers vs. Leaders: A Truth I’ve Witnessed

In Ethiopia—and globally—the terms “manager” and “leader” are often used interchangeably. But in my experience, they couldn’t be more different.

• Managers plan, control, and coordinate.
• Leaders inspire, develop, and transform.

In my decision to choose impact driven projects, I have coached CEOs, COOs, CFOs, founders, and owners—many of whom master KPIs and financials, but often lack the inner capacity for visionary leadership.

Leadership isn’t about charisma.
It’s about consciousness. It’s about asking the hard questions:

• Who benefits from this decision?
• Who is left out?
• What legacy are we creating for our children’s children?

🌱 Impact Entrepreneurship: My Mission and Belief

I’ve spent much of my life advocating for and building impactful enterprises—businesses designed not just to generate income, but to solve real community challenges sustainably.

True social enterprises:
✔ Identify root issues in health, education, livelihoods, or environment
✔ Build solutions around real needs
✔ Generate revenue and restore dignity
✔ Shift power back to communities

But even these enterprises need more than ideas. They need leaders—those who live their truth and choose service over status.

📖 A Lesson From the Field

I remember a young entrepreneur passionate about bringing solar lighting to rural schools. He had funding, a tech partner, and demand. His initial instinct?

“Drop the product, take the photos, and move on.”

Instead, I challenged him to host listening sessions with teachers, local leaders, and students. The result? A co-designed solar lab, powered by students, maintained by local technicians, and fully integrated into the curriculum.

That is responsible leadership.
That is the shift I fight for.

🧭 Responsible Leadership: The Standard We Need

The UN Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative defines responsible leadership as:

“…the art of motivating, communicating, empowering, and convincing people to engage with a new vision of sustainable development and the necessary change that this implies.”

To me, responsible leadership means:

• Acting as a bridge between profit and purpose
• Making decisions for the benefit of workers, communities, ecosystems, and future generations
• Building a legacy that the community proudly claims as its own

📊 Where Industry Standards Stand

The world is paying attention. Here’s what the data shows:

• 63% of global consumers believe CEOs should lead on societal change—not wait for governments (Edelman Trust Barometer, 2024)
• 91% of business leaders say their companies must act on environmental and social issues—but only 56% have a CSR strategy (PwC)
• In Africa, 93% of executives acknowledge the importance of ESG, but fewer than 30% have formal mechanisms to track or deliver impact (McKinsey)
• Over 20,000 businesses globally have joined the UN Global Compact, aligning their operations with principles of sustainability, justice, and human rights

So the will exists.
The question is:

Who will lead it?

🪞 A Final Reflection

I often ask my clients:

Are you a visionary leader—
Or managing someone else’s legacy while denying your own?

Leadership is not a title. It’s a daily choice.
It begins with self-awareness, with truth-telling, with courage.

And yes—it starts with me and you, being the change we seek.

Let’s lead with responsibility.
Let’s build what lasts.

✍🏽 By Dutchess @Deldeyoch
🌐 Founder | Impact Entrepreneur | Inclusive Strategist | Africa’s Sustainable Storyteller
📸 Follow my journey on www.deldeyoch.com | Connect on Instagram | YouTube |Facebook |