Book launch
The Strelitzia Way Book Launch
For more than two decades, Colleen Larsen has been at the forefront of advancing gender mainstreaming across Africa through Business Engage. In her new book, The Strelitzia Way, she brings together her personal journey and the evolution of one of the continent’s most influential movements for inclusive leadership.
Named after the resilient and striking strelitzia flower, the book captures Colleen’s philosophy that leadership is not about quick wins, but about planting seeds that grow into lasting legacy. Each chapter blends lived experience with practical leadership insights, frameworks, and reflections that inspire action.
The Strelitzia Way is both a deeply personal story and a leadership guide — offering lessons for entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and anyone committed to leading with purpose and clarity.
Details
Legacy in Motion
Throughout The Strelitzia Way, the voices of remarkable leaders are woven into each chapter through our Legacy in Motion spotlights. These reflections capture the wisdom, lessons, and lived experiences of individuals who are shaping inclusive leadership across Africa and beyond. Together, they enrich the book with diverse perspectives — reminding us that legacy is never built alone, but in collaboration with others who choose to lead with purpose.
Together, these leaders reflect the spirit of The Strelitzia Way — a movement of voices, ideas, and actions that continue to shape a more inclusive and purpose-driven future.
Q&A with Colleen Larsen, author of The Strelitzia Way
Why did you write The Strelitzia Way?
For more than 20 years, I’ve walked the journey of building Business Engage and advancing gender mainstreaming across Africa. This book weaves my personal story with the lessons, frameworks, and philosophies that shaped the journey — so others can find both inspiration and practical guidance.
What does the Strelitzia symbolize for you?
The strelitzia, or bird of paradise flower, represents resilience, dignity, and flourishing growth. It has become my personal symbol — reminding me that leadership is not about quick wins, but about planting seeds that grow into lasting legacy.
What can readers expect from the book?
Each chapter blends narrative with leadership insights and practical takeaways. It’s not a textbook, but a lived experience of challenges, pivots, and breakthroughs. Readers will walk away with stories that stay with them — and tools they can apply in their own leadership and entrepreneurial journeys.
Do you share personal stories in the book?
Yes, it’s deeply personal. From the early risks and struggles to the milestones of building Business Engage, the book is both a reflection of my leadership journey and an honest look at the challenges along the way.
How does The Strelitzia Way differ from other leadership books?
It’s not theory-heavy. It’s grounded in lived experience, African realities, and the lessons that emerged from real conversations, collaborations, and turning points. It blends narrative and practical insights in a way that feels relatable and applicable.
Why is legacy such an important theme in your book?
Because leadership isn’t just about what you achieve today. It’s about what endures beyond you — the people, the ideas, and the structures you plant that will flourish long after you’ve stepped away.
If readers could remember only one message from the book, what would you want it to be?
That we are not put on this earth to fail. Every challenge holds its own answer. If we lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience, we can build not only success, but legacy.