Most people enter development work because they want to help, but what if good intentions aren’t enough?

In this episode, Erica and Sam examine the shift from fixer to facilitator, unpacking why taking over development, even with the best motives, communicates that communities can't lead themselves. From the trap of paternalism to the three phases of ABCD support, they walk through what it actually looks like to create ownership rather than hold on to control, and why our goal should be to work ourselves out of a job.

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Take the next step in your leadership journey by attending one of our programs: www.kurumbuka.org/programs.

What actually makes communities grow? Not outside resources, not expert interventions, but the assets, relationships, and leadership already inside a community.
In this episode, Erica and Sam walk us through the 5 Principles of Asset-Based Community Development, showing what each one looks like in practice and revealing why lasting change happens when communities are seen as capable and trusted to lead themselves.

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Take the next step in your leadership journey by attending one of our programs: www.kurumbuka.org/programs.

In this episode, Erica and Sam ask: What if using the wrong development model is doing more harm than good? Drawing on real experiences in Africa, they break down three approaches - relief, rehabilitation, and development - and explore how treating every situation like a crisis unintentionally creates dependency rather than lasting change. They then introduce the mindset shift at the heart of ABCD, moving from seeing communities as half-empty to recognizing the strengths already present.

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Take the next step in your leadership journey by attending one of our programs: www.kurumbuka.org/programs.

In this episode, Erica and Sam talk about some of the red flags and green flags of development. Tune in to learn about development models that can unintentionally cause harm and explore how you can become a more sustainable and community-oriented leader (the green flag we're all striving towards).

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Take the next step in your leadership journey by attending one of our programs: www.kurumbuka.org/programs.

In our first episode of Season 2, Erica and Sam ask: what if some of our well-intentioned efforts to help people are making things worse?
Drawing on real experiences in Africa, they explore how traditional approaches to addressing poverty often overlook the strengths already present in communities, unintentionally creating dependency rather than lasting change.

Your hosts:
Sam Birondwa - Africa Director at Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions
Erica Asiimwe - Founder of Love & Hands and Executive Leaders Program Director at Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions

In this season, Erica draws on insights from Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions that she has applied in communities in East Africa through her work with Love & Hands.

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Take the next step in your leadership journey by attending one of our programs: www.kurumbuka.org/programs.

In this Season 1 finale, Erica and Richard revisit the shift from scarcity to abundance through the Feeding of the Five Thousand, trace Erica’s personal journey into Asset-Based Community Development, and share powerful stories of how ABCD is transforming communities across Africa.

Join us for Season 2 as we go deeper into ABCD and how it can reshape your leadership, your organization, and your community.

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Take the next step in your leadership journey by attending one of our programs: www.kurumbuka.org/programs.

In this episode, Erica and Richard unpack the roots of Abundant Leadership, share stories from Rwanda’s rebuilding, and explore the principles of an abundant mentality.

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Take the next step in your leadership journey by attending one of our programs: www.kurumbuka.org/programs.

This episode is taken from the 2025 Abundant Leadership Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, foucsed on Leading Abundantly through Global Uncertainty.

In this session, hear from Michael Messenger, International Lawyer and former CEO of World Vision Canada, as he speaks on Leading with Purpose through Global Disruption.

For the full Summit recordings, visit kurumbuka.org/summit.

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Take the next step in your leadership journey by attending one of our programs: www.kurumbuka.org/programs.