Nile Executive Leadership Academy (NELA) at Bahir Dar University (BDU) extends its sincere appreciation to Prof. Baylie Damtie Yeshita, Vice Chancellor of Kepler College in Kigali, for delivering an inspiring seminar on strategic decision-making and strategic advocacy for NELA Cohort IV trainees.

Drawing from his remarkable professional journey, from student to professor and from academic leadership to serving as president of Bahir Dar University and currently vice chancellor of Kepler College, Prof. Baylie shared profound reflections on strategic decision-making and strategic advocacy.

In explaining these themes, Prof. Baylie used practical examples drawn from his personal leadership journey from student to professor, his tenure as president of BDU, and his current role as vice chancellor of Kepler College in Kigali. He demonstrated how strategic leadership requires clarity and specificity of personal and institutional goals, strategy, and purpose. 
He also illustrated these themes through examples from his practical leadership experience, demonstrating how he applied strategic decision-making and strategic advocacy in efforts to transform research and knowledge into wisdom that addresses real societal challenges. In doing so, he highlighted the importance of commitment to sustainability; strategic communication and advocacy; building high-performing teams grounded in trust and shared purpose; serving with authenticity; and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Prof. Baylie further emphasized that while cultivating a wisdom-seeking mindset among individuals is essential, it is equally important to promote a job market and political economy that recognize and value wisdom-driven leadership and competence. 
Prof. Baylie also noted that cultivating “North Star” individuals who can inspire and positively influence communities toward the greater good plays a tremendous role in overall societal transformation.

We thank Prof. Baylie Damtie Yeshita for sharing his time, experience, and wisdom with the NELA community.