In her book - The Art of Iconic Leadership, Dr Justina Mutale argues that throughout history, many powerful women around the world excel in leadership and demonstrate key characteristics that, if emulated and embraced, have the power to fundamentally change society for the better. She talks to veteran journalist and historian Moses Walubita about her new book.
“I am overwhelmed to find myself as No. 1as international bestseller on the first day of the release of my book. Even more thrilled to find myself on the same platform as world renowned bestsellers in Political Leadership such as Niccolo Machiavelli, author of the legendary title: “The Prince”’”, says Ms Mutale, whose book - the art of iconic leadership: power secrets of female world leaders hit No. 1 in the political leadership category and became a bestseller on its first day of release.
Ms Mutale’s book which was released in airports, bookstores, and e-book platforms around the world, as well as some libraries and universities on 10 December 2020, reveals the power of female world leaders.
She says the book is her gift to the next generation woman, to every young woman and every girl.
“The power of women in politics is a soft power,” said Kosovo’s first-ever female President, Atifete Jahjaga.
Ms Mutale has gone ahead to reveal that power, by writing this book that chronicles the leadership journey and stories of iconic female world leaders through the ages, according to a press statement released in London, United Kingdom.
“This book is making a timely debut at a significant moment in world history…a time in which issues of gender parity, and the empowerment of women, are taking their pride of place in global discourse”, says Senator Donzela J. James, Senate of the State of Georgia, United States of America.
With her new book, “The Art of Iconic Leadership”, Ms Mutale delves into the past and present of iconic women to inspire the trailblazing leaders of the future and implore them to harness opportunities for global change.
“This book is my gift to the next generation woman, to every young woman and every girl. A gift to inspire their leadership journey and to let them know that it is possible to lead as a female,” says Justina Mutale, a mother of two daughters, Mwice and Namwila.
Mwice is a performing artist and owns her own company. Namwila is at university, studying robotics engineering and artificial intelligence.
Ms Mutale’s specialist knowledge regarding the strategies to excel as a female leader is evident from her distinctive track record.
She is a seasoned professional speaker, delegate, event convener, mentor and leadership coach. In this book, she discusses her own first-hand experience, both the successes and challenges, to motivate readers.
With this in mind, proceeds from the book go to the Scholarship Fund at the Justina Mutale Foundation to help disadvantaged young women and girls from rural communities in Africa access tertiary education across the globe.
Within the book, which pulls together politics, gender, economy, strategy, leadership and geo-politics, Ms Mutale has identified a number of different characteristics. Many of these soft skills, that she believes are fundamental for effective leadership and have been consistently exhibited by female leaders across history, including courage, compassion, resilience and purpose.
Ms Mutale also delves into how millennials are leading differently, reflecting on Jacinda Arden’s impressive success to date.
“The entry of this book into the global library market is both welcome and necessary…it plays its part in an enduring legacy to inspire women and girls this century and beyond”, says Baroness Sandip K. Verma, Chair of UN Women and Member of The House of Lords.
To demonstrate the power of these characteristics, she showcases key female leaders in history, bringing the achievements of women across the globe to the fore to show just what is possible with women at the helm. Ms Mutale recounts the reign of Catherine the Great of Russia and how she exercised her creativity to bring innovation like no other.
Ms Mutale also discusses Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and the successful leadership characteristics she has embodied throughout her reign, including astute emotional intelligence.
The book has a global focus and includes many women outside of the western world that perhaps readers may not have heard of, including Nkosazana Clairice Dlamini-Zuma, the first woman to lead the African Union Commission. She is also the first-ever woman to present herself as a presidential candidate in South Africa.
It is clear that the coronavirus pandemic has proved the effectiveness of female leadership in times of crisis, and it is essential this recognition is not lost.
She argues that female leaders are infinitely capable, and flourish given the same opportunities as their male counterparts. The Art of Iconic Leadership is the perfect read for anyone seeking comprehensive guide to the power of secrets of female world leaders.
The book is an ideal read for any aspiring female leader keen to learn about the past and present, so they can be prepared to be the future and command real change.
Ms Mutale is a speaker and leadership expert. In 2012, she was named African Woman of the Year. She is Founder and President of the Justina Mutale Foundation through which she advocates for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in political participation and economic empowerment by providing leadership and entrepreneurship training and mentorship.
Her book is available at Amazon as well as in bookstores, airports, and E-book platforms, as well as some libraries and universities round the world.
In January 2022, Ms Mutale, delivered a Keynote Address, at the National Women’s Conference organised by Nigeria’s ruling party, APC in the lead up to the National Convention towards the 2023 Presidential and General Elections of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
She is Vice President of the United Kingdom’s National Alliance of Women’s Organisations in the UK. She is also Global Envoy for Gender Equality at the International Women’s Think Tank, headquartered in the USA.
The Author is a seasoned Zambian Journalist/Historian.
