What happens when a leader who has spent her career guiding others through transformation takes on a challenge of her own? In March, Dr Sharon Munyaka, a seasoned industrial psychologist, stepped into her role as the new Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab’s Board. With decades of experience in co-creating leadership strategies and facilitating workplace transformation, she is no stranger to navigating change — only now, she is leading from a new vantage point.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March, her appointment is a timely reminder of the impact women have in nurturing leadership, driving transformation and breaking glass ceilings in every sector.
In this conversation, she reflects on what it truly means to lead with courage, shares hard-won leadership lessons and reveals her bold vision for Citizen Leader Lab’s future.
As the new Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab, what is your vision for the organisation?
My vision is to support Citizen Leader Lab in its mission to develop resilient and capable leaders who can drive meaningful change in their communities. Leadership, to me is about making a real difference, especially in communities that often get overlooked. I believe in empowering leaders who lead with empathy, who roll up their sleeves to solve problem, and who know that real, lasting change happens when people come together. It’s about creating a ripple effect, one leader inspiring and uplifting others, so we can all move forward, together.
Lastly, for me leadership is beyond how people experience you but more on how people experience themselves because they have been led by you.
What does leadership mean to you, and how has your journey shaped your perspective on leading with impact?
Service, accountability and the ability to inspire others toward a common goal. It is about leading with integrity and ensuring that our actions create long-term positive impact. My journey has taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating spaces where others feel empowered to contribute, innovate and grow. Facing challenges, navigating setbacks and learning from different leadership styles have all strengthened my resolve to be a leader who listens, adapts and acts.
What are some of the biggest challenges that women leaders face today, and how can they be addressed?
I’ve found that women leaders still often deal with outdated stereotypes, like the assumption that they’re less capable than their male counterparts, or the pressure to “have it all” while juggling work and family life. On top of that, opportunities for growth and leadership roles aren’t always handed out equally, and breaking into decision-making spaces can feel like an uphill battle.
So, how do we fix this? It starts with real, intentional action. Companies and organisations can step up by creating mentorship programmes to guide and empower women, implementing policies that actually support work-life balance (think flexible hours & hybrid work models or parental leave) and making sure women have a seat at the table when big decisions are being made.
But it’s not just about policies, it’s about culture, too. Women supporting women is huge. Building strong networks where we can share experiences, advice and encouragement can make all the difference. At the end of the day, it’s about levelling the playing field so that women leaders can thrive without having to constantly prove themselves.
Can you share a personal experience where you had to break barriers as a woman in leadership?
As a woman working across industries, the challenge was usually with the perception of being a young woman with limited knowledge. Another incident I can recall is having to justify my decision to breastfeed because I was required to travel as part of my role. Thankfully speaking up helped because I continued to breastfeed my child.
How can public-private partnerships contribute to developing women leaders, especially in underprivileged communities?
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have the potential to create real impact by pooling resources, knowledge and expertise. Businesses can provide funding and mentorship programmes, while government institutions can ensure policy support and access to opportunities. By working together, these sectors can create leadership development programmes, scholarship opportunities and entrepreneurship initiatives tailored to the unique challenges that women in underprivileged communities face. These partnerships must also prioritise mentorship, access to capital and capacity-building to ensure long-term success.
What strategies can organisations like Citizen Leader Lab adapt to create transformative leadership for women?
Citizen Leader Lab can play a pivotal role by creating leadership incubators specifically designed for women, ensuring they have access to mentors, training and networking opportunities. We must also integrate gender-sensitive leadership models into our programmes, ensuring that leadership development addresses the real challenges women face. Encouraging male allies to actively support women’s leadership and advocating for policy changes that promote inclusivity in the workplace are also essential strategies.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘’Accelerate Action’’. How does this resonate with you?
Accelerating action means moving beyond conversations and into implementation. It means holding institutions accountable for gender equality, ensuring policies are enacted and breaking down barriers that slow down progress. To me, it is a call to be intentional in our leadership and to push for systemic changes that create equal opportunities for women, not tomorrow, but today.
What message would you like to share with young women aspiring to lead in their communities and industries?
Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Never let doubt, whether internal or external, dim your potential. Leadership is not about waiting for permission, it is about stepping forward, even when it feels uncomfortable. Seek mentorship, build strong networks and always uplift other women as you climb. Remember, leadership is not about titles – it’s about impact. So, take action, take up space and keep pushing forward. The world needs your leadership.
www.citizenleaderlab.org
