Kagou, PMP
STRUCTURING
Yvonne Kagou, PMP
Editorial
-Alaya Brown
A Beacon of Purpose
Inaneradefinedbyresilience,innovation,and
influence,itbecomesincreasinglyimportantto celebratethosewhosestoriesigniteinspirationacross borders.InthisInsightsSuccessspecialedition The Most Admired Personality to Watch in 2025,weproudlyshine thespotlightonYvonneKagou,anamethatechoes strength,vision,andauthenticity
Yvonne’sjourneyisonethatspeakstothepowerof determinationandpurposefulleadership.Whetherthrough herboldstridesinentrepreneurship,herunwavering commitmenttoempoweringcommunities,orherabilityto leadwithbothintellectandempathy,sherepresentsthe kindoftransformativeleadershiptheworldneedsnow morethanever.Herworkgoesfarbeyondprofessional milestones—itcreatesripplesofpositivechangethat extendintothelivesofmany
Thiseditionisnotjustatributetooneperson’s accomplishments;itisareflectionofwhatitmeanstobe admiredintoday’scomplexworld.Yvonneembodies valuesthatresonatedeeply:courageinthefaceof adversity,graceinsuccess,andanunrelentingdriveto upliftothers.Hervoiceandvisionserveasaguidinglight foragenerationseekingpurposeandprogress.
Asyouturnthepagesofthisissue,mayyoufindinYvonne Kagounotonlyanextraordinaryindividualtowatchin 2025butalsoatimelessreminderthatadmirationisearned throughauthenticity,action,andaheartalignedwith impact.
Happy Reading!
F E A T U R I N G
Yvonne Kagou Structuring Change, Inspiring Growth, Evolving Leadership
ARTICLES
Digital Transformation as a Catalyst for Women Entrepreneurship in the Post-Pandemic Era
Strategic Leadership Competencies for the Next Decade
Art
Business
Business
Digital
Co-designer
Marketing
Yvonne Kagou, PMP
Kagou YVONNE FEATURING FEATURING
STRUCTURING CHANGE, INSPIRING GROWTH, EVOLVING LEADERSHIP
In a time when empathy and innovation are co-existing for leadership to succeed, few people are as adept at striking this balance as Yvonne Kagou Her career is characterized of daring reinvention, forward-thinking ideas, andapersistentdedicationtoeffectratherthanastraightline of elevation. Her impact is changing institutional priorities and increasing access to opportunities in previously underservedareas,whichhasledtosignificantchangesinthe perception of green finance and women's entrepreneurship withinafinancialinstitutioninCameroon.
Her journey started far from boardrooms and international stages, since she was raised in the highlands of Dschang. Nevertheless, she is establishing a foundation based on flexibility and purpose at every step, from navigating a scientific education she hadn't sought to earning degrees spanning three continents. This same clarity is currently characterizingherleadershipatPRO-PMEFINANCEMENT
S A , where she is spearheading innovative projects in marketing, finance, and IT, including the most intricate and significantfinancingcaseinthecompany'shistory
Yvonne Kagou's leadership style is more about people, values,andvisioncongruencethanitisaboutpower.Hertime onPMICameroon'sExecutiveBoardsparkedatenfoldrisein volunteerismandbroughtherattentiononaglobalscale.She isleadingwithemotionalintelligence,empoweringothersvia structure and inclusivity, and is renowned for her ability to demystifycomplexity
She is unique not just in what she leads but also in how she doesit.Underthetenet "Structure, Inspire, Evolve," Yvonne Kagou is creating spaces where strategy and people collide, demonstratingthatgenuineleadershipisaboutchange,trust, andthegutstohelpothersrise.
HerInitialJourney
Originally from Dschang in the West Region of Cameroon, precisely from the royal family Fonguelessé, she was born into a large polygamous family as the youngest of nine childrenfromthefirstmarriage.Herfather,aforestryofficer, andhermother,adevotedtraditionalagriculturist,passedon powerfulvaluesof"hardwork,kindness,andresilience."
Apivotalmomentinherearlylifecamewhen,attheageof14, her elder sister Marie-Madeleine Gimou and brother-in-law VictorGimoubroughthertoYaoundé.Heracademicjourney tookasurprisingturnwhenherbrother-in-lawconvincedthe staff at Collège de la Retraite to enroll her in the scientific field. It was "an unprecedented 90-degree turn" from her original interests.This initiated a rigorous curriculum-based educational program, based in mathematics and complemented by her continued love for literature, languages,andthearts.
After completing upper secondary school at Collège François-XavierVogt,shewenttoLycéedeNkol-Etonwhere sheobtainedascientificBaccalaureateandlateroncompleted a Master’s degree in Economics with honours from the Catholic University. A Francophonie scholarship led her to Mauritius for a specialization in Entrepreneurship, followed by a DESS from the University of Bordeaux IVin Business CreationandManagementofInnovativeProjects.
She began her career at Business Development Service in 2001, where even before returning to Cameroon, she was recruited by email, a rare feat at the time. Her work led to market research acrossAfrica, and later, a scholarship from the Canadian Cooperation took her to the University of SherbrookeinCanada.
Later, she joined PRO-PME FINANCEMENT S.A. at the insistenceofhereldestbrotherGeorgesLéopoldKagou,who became a mentor throughout her professional career Since 2019,shehasactivelyparticipatedinPMICameroonand,as of January 2025, is part of the TEDxYaoundé team. These pivotal moments in her journey have reinforced her commitmenttoexcellenceandinnovation.
ProfessionalEvolution
Her professional journey has been shaped by a deliberate pursuitofimpactandinnovation. "From the very start of my career, I have been fascinated by the ability to turn ideas into concreteandeffectivesolutions."sheaffirms.
A personal initiative during a trip to East Africa led to identifying untapped resources with a technical partner. “Upon my return, I spearheaded a project that redefined my organization ’ s image, especially in women's entrepreneurship and green finance. Today, over 60% of that initiativeissupportedbythepartner.”shesays.
Her four-year tenure on the Executive Board of PMI Cameroon contributed to two-chapter awards (2021 and 2023), and in 2024, she was honored with the PMI Chapter LeadershipImpactAward.Shefirmlybelievesthatteamwork andcommitmenttoexcellenceareessentialforsuccess.
HerApproachforWork-LifeBalance
“I manage my dual responsibilities through four pillars: organization, communication, well-being, and adaptability Finding balance between professional and personal life is essential for maintaining well-being while remaining productive.”sheexplains.
By utilizing planning tools, prioritization, and clear communication, she ensures a structured lifestyle. Her involvement with PMI Cameroon saw the number of active volunteers grow from 7 to nearly 70 during her tenure, resulting in her ability to balance strategic leadership and interpersonalcare.
Her method includes energizing activities like cooking, reading,andmeditation,andsheunderscorestheimportance of flexibility: “Being able to adjust my schedule based on unforeseen event has helped me better manage stress” she says.
LeadershipandDecision-Making
Her leadership philosophy encompasses strategic vision, emotionalintelligence,andempowerment.Shedescribesher style as transformational, with a focus on service to others, anchoredinactivelistening,transparency,andteamcohesion.
“
Develop a clear and inspiring vision, drawing from my own commitment to causes like women’s entrepreneurship and green finance. It is equally important to practice active listening, especially when navigating key partnerships or team dynamics. Adaptability is another cornerstone of my leadership philosophy: be adaptable and open to change.
“
“Decision-making, for me, is a structured process involving stakeholder input and strategic foresight. Every decision is guided by a long-term strategic vision. To support team morale, I introduce creative methods like jumping sessions to build cohesion and decompress together.” she says. Her leadership is described as solid, inspiring, and unifying, leadingtocollectivesuccess.
SourceofPassion
What motivates her most is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Every challenge she encounters representsanopportunitytolearnandgrow.“The memory of my parents and siblings remains a central force in my motivation. Even in moments of exhaustion, thinking of them givesmethestrengthtopushmyselffurther.”shesays.
One standout example of this passion is her decision to voluntarily pursue PMP certification, which enabled her to leadanewlyformeddebtrecoverydepartmenttobecomethe best-performing unit in the company. She also successfully reduced the risk-exposed portfolio from over 21% to under 8%.
StrengthsandGrowthAreas
Her strengths lie in determination, problem-solving, and collaboration. Colleagues often recognize her as someone who can simplify complexity, a quality that enhances both efficiency and team cohesion. According to the GALLUP CliftonStrengths assessment, she demonstrates exceptional talent in several key areas. As an Arranger, she excels at organizing resources and people to maximize productivity Her commitment to Responsibility means she takes responsibility seriously and adheres to it with integrity Her Adaptability allows her to navigate change with fluidity and composure, while her strength in Belief reflects her strong personal values that guide her actions. Additionally, her Positivity contributes to the work environment, boosting thosearoundher.
However, she is confident in her areas for growth. Earlier in hercareer,astrongdriveforexcellenceoftenledtooverwork and fatigue. "I have learned to better manage my time and delegate tasks. I now know the importance of sustainable productivity. I also admit to wrestling with perfectionism, which, while beneficial in some contexts, can sometimes be counterproductive.”shesays.
From the very start of my career, I have been fascinated by the ability to turn ideas into concrete and effective solutions. “ “
AchievementsandAwards
ProfessionalAchievements:
She has successfully conducted market research for World Perspectives Inc. across various African nations, providing invaluable insights into regional markets. At PRO-PME FINANCEMENTS.A.,sheledsignificantprojectsspanning IT,marketing,women’sentrepreneurshipandgreenfinance. One of her outstanding achievements was successfully defendingthelargestfinancingcaseinthecompany'shistory, demonstrating her expertise in complex financial strategies and negotiations Her outstanding contributions to the company'sgrowthanddevelopmentearnedhertheMedalof HonorforWorkinVermeil(2012),andsheispoisedtoreceive both silver and gold medals in recognition of her ongoing impact.
PersonalandCommunityRecognitions:
Her accomplishments are beyond the professional realm. In 1994, she earned the Gold Medal inVolleyball at the school games, demonstrating her team spirit and athleticism. In 2018,shewasrecognizedasanArtDesignerbytheMinistry
ofArtsandCulture.Additionally,she gainedinternationalrecognitionatthe 2019 PMI event in Tanzania for her role in the design of the Cameroon delegation's uniform, which captivated the attention of peers and industry leaders. The past PMI CEO Sunil Prashara himself, bestowed a certificate upon her in recognition of thisachievement.In2024,shewasthe only African recipient of the PMI Chapter Leadership Impact Award, presented by PMI CEO Pierre Le Manh, before an audience of over 4,000 attendees This recognition reflects her exceptional leadership and dedication to advancingtheprojectmanagementindustry.
AdvicetoAspiringLeaders
Her advice is grounded in lived experience and shaped by years of practical leadership She encourages emerging leaders to “Develop a clear and inspiring vision, drawing from my own commitment to causes like women ’ s entrepreneurship and green finance. It is equally important to practice active listening, especially when navigating key partnerships or team dynamics Adaptability is another cornerstone of my leadership philosophy: be adaptable and open to change,” sheadvises,referencingherownjourneyof steppingintounfamiliarrolesandearningnewcertifications.
She argues that accountability is essential in empowering teams,andshestressestheneedtoencourageaccountability, creatinganenvironmentwhereindividualstakeownershipof their positions. Individual and collective advancement are non-negotiableinvestmentsindevelopment,highlightingthe long-termvalueofongoinglearning.Sheemphasizeshonesty as a foundation for trust and cohesion: communicate with transparency.
She believes in fostering compassion showing empathy and support, particularly in challenging times. Her path has required perseverance, and she reminds future leaders to be resilient and persistent, regardless of the obstacles Recognizing others is a strength she advocates, recognize contributionstomaintainmoraleandcommitment.Aboveall, her leadership ethos is encapsulated in her final piece of advice: lead by example, letting one’s actions consistently reflectintegrityandprofessionalism.
MessagetoReaders
Her guiding mantra is “Structure, Inspire, Evolve.” She asserts that structure is essential for creating clarity and establishingapurposefuldirection.Toinspireindividualsand teams,enablingthemtounlockandrisetotheirfullpotential. Finally, to evolve, it is to strive for continuous learning, personal growth, and meaningful impact. As she puts it “Success is built on thoughtful strategy, unwavering commitment,andacontinuousdriveforgrowth.”
In this spirit of growth and reflection, she would like to express her profound gratitude: “To my family for their unwavering support; to my partner, who has guided me in mastering my emotions; to my children, who serve as a constant source of love and motivation; to my numerous mentors and coaches across the globe; to my neighbors, friends, Club Koki members and colleagues - both professional and voluntary and even to my critics (!), whose observations and critiques are contributions to my continuousgrowthandrefinement.”
This deep sense of appreciation mirrors her leadership philosophy: grounded in humility, strengthened by relationships,andfueledbyarelentlessdrivetoserve,inspire, and evolve alongside others. She is leaving readers with a compelling reminder: lead by example, letting one’s actions consistently reflect integrity, compassion, and professionalism.
S
T R A T E G I
C LEADERSHIP
forthe NEXT DECADE
With a more dynamic world, the skills to steer vision, determination, and wisdom are never more critical. With firms confronted by technology disruption, climate change, changing patterns of labor,anddoubtregardingglobalization,thepartofstrategic leadershipisevolving.Itisnolongerjustaboutrulingoverthe nowbutimaginingthefuture.
To remain significant and useful, leaders must build a new set ofabilitiesthatsuitthenextdecade'sneeds.
1.VisionaryThinkingCoupledwithAdaptiveExecution
The essence of strategic leadership is future vision power However, vision without execution is not enough. Strategic leadersmustsuperimposeforesightwithexecutionflexibility mapping long-term vision into executable strategy while responsive to evolving circumstances. What it calls for is being at ease with ambiguity, running an experimentation culture, and being open to course corrections as new intelligencerollsin.
For example, firms such as Tesla and Amazon have demonstrated the way in which new ideas combined with goodactioncantransformindustries.Futurestrategicleaders willneedtodomorethanchartboldcourses;theywillneedto constructsturdysystemsthatwillendurecomplexity
2.DigitalFluencyandTechnologicalInsight
Future strategic leadership will be characterized by the synergy of a leader and technology From blockchain toAI, digital transformation is not an operational issue, it's a strategic necessity Leaders don't have to be developers, but they should know how new technologies influence their businessmodels,customerneeds,andorganizationalculture.
Besides that, digital literacy enables leaders to make evidence-baseddecisions,driveinnovation,andstayaheadof the competition in a digitally-first economy Alignment of digitalinvestmentstrategywithbusinessstrategywillbeone of the hallmark characteristics of successful strategic leadershipinthe2030s.
3.Human-CentricLeadershipandEmotionalIntelligence
As the world becomes more digital, the human side of leadership will be even more critical. Strategic leadership in the future decade will depend on emotional intelligence, empathy, and genuineness. With diverse workforces and virtualworkingbecomingmorecommon,leaderswillneedto communicate with individuals across cultures, generations, andgeographies.
This skill is all about listening deeply, resolving conflict constructively, and building psychological safety.Apeoplefirstapproachwillpropelemployeeengagement,innovation, and retention key drivers of long-term strategic development.
4.GlobalandCulturalAgility
Globalization itself is evolving, driven by shifts in geopolitics,environmentalissues,andeconomicuncertainty Strategicleadershipisnavigatingthesechangeswithcultural awareness and a broad mind. Leaders need to think globally but act locally—developing strategies for various markets while keeping themselves anchored to the organization's higherpurpose.
Embedding cultural agility requires putting together diverse leadershipteamsandmakingsenseofhowpractices,beliefs, and values shape decision-making. People who establish inclusive cultures will be best positioned to unlock the potentialofdiversethinking.
5.SustainabilityandEthicalForesight
As the world expects more from responsible businesses, strategic leadership will be needed to bring environmental, social,andgovernance(ESG)considerationintothebusiness strategy's very heart. The future decade will richly reward leaders who are both competent at balancing profit and purpose,andinnovationandimpact.
Vision for values being able to anticipate and respond to expectationsfromsocietyinthefuturewillbeacompetitive advantage. Stakeholders such as investors, employees, and customersaremoreandmoreclusteringaroundorganizations thathaveopen,value-basedleadership.
6.JointInfluenceandStakeholderEngagement
Top-down leadership days are over Strategic leadership, on theotherhand,isinfluence,notpower.Leadersneedtocreate trustecosystems—collaboratingwithpartners,communities, governments,andevencompetitorstosharedpurpose.
That entails becoming adept at narrative, coalition formation, and management of multiple expectations from stakeholders. Communications, negotiation, and reframing issuessothatothersareengagedtoalignareallatthecoreof thiscompetency.
7.ResilienceandCrisisLeadership
If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it's that the only certainty is uncertainty Future-ready strategic leadership entails the construction of organizational resilienceandthedisplayofpersonalstrengthinthemidstof adversity.
Resilientleadersforeseerisks,createadaptableframeworks, and guide with tranquility and clarity in times of turmoil. They learn from mistakes and exhibit behaviors that facilitate their teams to bounce back speedily and increase theirstrength.
8.LeadershipDevelopmentandLifelongLearning
Thespeedofchangemakesyesterday'sanswersunnecessary to today's questions, and tomorrow's questions remain unanswered. Strategic leaders will need to become lifelong learners committed, receptive, and active in shaping themselves. Creating growth mindsets among their people andorganisationsisnolessimportant.
Theyhavetolookfromvariousvantagepoints,followworld trends,andinvestinlearningspacesthatspurinnovation.In short,thefutureleadersareoneswhodonotstopchanging.
FinalThoughts:NavigatingtheFuturethroughStrategic Leadership
The coming decade is not only one of riding out disruption—it'soneofcreatingit.Strategicleadershipisnot an indulgence, but the power that will propel organizations through complexity, innovation, and transformation. By cultivating the appropriate capabilities—digital acumen to emotional intelligence and ethical awareness—leaders can mobilize their organizations to succeed in a world of perpetualchange.
The path forward requires boldness, creativity, and cooperation. But those who move forward will not only lead—they will inspire. And in inspiring others, they will reframewhatitmeanstobea21st-centurystrategicleader.
AS A CATALYST FOR WOMEN
in the Post-Pandemic Era
Prior to the arrival of the pandemic, few women were being faced with structural and social barriers to entrepreneurshipaccesstofinancebeingsignificantly repressed, mobility being restricted, gender stereotypes, and poor mentoring networks. The pandemic, as grim as it has beeninsomanyrespects,hadthesurprisingconsequenceof opening new virtual channels which helped to level the playingfield.
Fromvirtualmarketsandcybershopstobankingservicesand online education, digital technology flattened the playing field for business endeavors.Women who were once locked out by unmovable work setups or geographical boundaries began utilizing technology to start, run, and scale their own businesses.
The virtual arena offered a platform for women entrepreneurship,offeringflexiblework-life,largercustomer reach,andcost-effectivestructures.
E-Commerce and Social Media: New Frontiers for Business
One of the most powerful impetuses for womenentrepreneurs has been social networking and e-commerce websites. Women of all backgrounds have started homebased online stores, virtual service firms, health businesses, andcreativeventures.
Platforms like Etsy, Shopify, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram enabled women to access niche markets with minimal upfront investment. Most significantly, these
platformsprovideimmediateexposureandfeedbackfromthe millions of consumers, and women entrepreneurs can improvetheirproductandserviceofferingsandexpandvery rapidly Having the ability to sell and market anywhere globallyfromalocalperspectivehasbeenafeatureofwomen entrepreneurshipduringthepost-pandemicera.
Upskilling and Digital Literacy: Closing the Knowledge Dividend
Yetanotheroftheothermajorelementsofthistransformation hasbeentheriseofonlinelearning.Tensofmillionsdidsoon theinternetduringthelockdowns,andthemarchwasledby women Affordable and free online tutorials in digital marketing, coding, business administration, and financial literacyprovidedaspiringwomenentrepreneurswiththeskill settobuildsustainableenterprises.
Government institutions and civil society organizations and privatesectorinstitutionsalsohelpedbylaunchingprograms that encouraged inclusive innovation and bridged the digital divide. Programs like capital finance, mentoring, and digital literacy have immensely contributed to women entrepreneurship development, especially among disadvantagedgroups.
Digital Finance: Leveraging Development through AccessibleCapital
Financing access has been the long-standing impediment to women entrepreneurship. Traditional banking avenues are typically ridden with biases, formalities, or geographical limitations.
Digital finance mobile banking, e-wallets, peer-to-peer lending, and crowdfunding has thrown open the necessary doors.
Nowadays, women have greater access to microloans and small business capital, often specially tailored for women's businesses With the fintech platforms making credit checking possible instantly, easy transactions, and lower interestrates,womencangrowtheirbusinesseswithgreater ease. Digital finance has become an integral collaborator in themoneypowercycleofwomenentrepreneurs.
Flexibility and Remote Work: Facilitating Work-Life Balance
Overlookedperhapsinallthefocusgiventotheimplications of digital transformation is its increased flexibility — an aspect that is most important to many women, particularly those juggling caregiving with business. Home-based work routines, home-based teams, and virtual collaboration tools have made it easier for women to be more flexible and adaptableleaders,frequentlyfromthehomeworkspace.
This flexibility not only keeps points of entry to a minimum butalsoredefinesproductivityandleadership.Thesuccessof onlinebusinessesownedbywomenduringthepandemichas demonstrated that successful business is not necessarily tied to traditional office environments or rigid 9-to-5 workdays. Instead,itthrivesoncreativity,adaptability,andclosenessto therightgear
ChallengesRemain—ButtheTideisTurning
Despitealotofgroundhavingbeencovered,digitalinclusion ofwomenentrepreneursremainslimited,particularlyamong ruralpopulationswhereaccesstotheinternet,culturalissues, and infrastructural constraints may be rigorous Cybersecurity threats challenges, gender disparity in online forums, and absence of technology leadership balance are someaspectsthatshouldbeaddressedthroughpolicyreform, inclusiveeducation,andcontinuouscampaigns.
But the tide cannot be stemmed. Governments and global institutions are gradually realizing the latent potential of women's entrepreneurship in socio-economic growth and socialprogress. Digitalempowermentinitiatives,femalesin tech, and parity in funding are increasingly taking center stage, leading to an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is inclusive,innovative,andimpactful.
A Vision for the Future: Inclusive, Innovative, and Impactful
As we move further into the digital era, women's entrepreneurshipisnolongeratrend—itisarevolutionthat ischangingthewayeconomiesgrow,communitiesprosper, and leadership is being developed. Women are creating businesses on purpose, tackling real-world problems, and contributingtomoreinclusivesocieties.
Digitaltransformation,whenpairedwiththoughtfulsupport mechanisms and open policy environments, can still be a powerfuldriver Technologyiscreatingamoresustainable, equitable, and people-centered future by enabling more womentobebusinessleaders.
Women'sentrepreneurshippost-pandemicisnotjustamoral imperative — it is an economic imperative. The resources exist,thetalentisguaranteed,andthetimeisnow
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