How to fire a CEO
Leadership isn't just about titles—it's about vision, humility, and the courage to make tough decisions. In this powerful episode of The Shameless Podcast, host Dzikamai Gangaidzo sits down with John Karani—Chairman of the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM), seasoned leader across the private and public sectors, and former Head of Strategic Procurement in the Coca-Cola Central East and West Africa Business Unit—to unpack the realities behind effective leadership in Africa.
Together, they explore:
✅ What it really takes to transition from the private to the public sector
✅ Why humility, resilience, and authenticity matter more than charisma
✅ The untold challenges behind leadership—self-doubt, patience, and emotional endurance
✅ The real story behind “firing a CEO” and what it reveals about accountability
✅ Why a teachable spirit and emotional intelligence are non-negotiable leadership traits
✅ How delegation, team building, and ownership drive high-performance culture
✅ The long-term vision for a Pan-African supply chain institute and what it takes to build legacy
✅ The role of branding and exposure in shaping strong, future-ready African leaders
💡 “Leadership is not about being the smartest in the room—it’s about building others, owning your vision, and never settling for the status quo.” – John Karani
🚀 Challenge of the Week for Emerging Leaders
Identify one leadership habit that no longer serves your growth or your team. Replace it with a mindset or practice rooted in humility, delegation, or emotional intelligence—and track the shift in how your team responds.
💬 What’s the toughest leadership decision you’ve had to make? Share in the comments below! ⬇️
⏳ Chapters & Timestamps
00:00:00 – Coming Up
00:02:41 – Insights from Coca-Cola's Leadership Experience
00:10:46 – Transitioning from Private to Public Sector Leadership
00:14:05 – The Hidden Struggles of Leadership
00:19:24 – Learning Patience and Adaptability in Leadership
00:24:41 – Why Humility and Authenticity Matter
00:29:59 – The Value of a Teachable Spirit in Leadership
00:32:51 – Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness
00:35:28 – Delegation, Team Building & Capacity Building
00:39:00 – Creating Ownership and Accountability
00:41:52 – Vision, Legacy & Building Institutions
00:48:01 – The Pan-African Supply Chain Institute Dream
📢 Links & Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Connect with John Karani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-karani-mcips-mkism-scmconsultant2020/?originalSubdomain=ke
🔗 Learn more about the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM): https://kism.or.ke/
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