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Cheryl Nankoo

@thenankoo

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Executive Coach | TEDx
Identity • Language • Direction
Creator of The LIFE Leap™️ Experience
Where clarity becomes your next chapter
🇬🇧 🇲🇺 🇸🇱 🇦🇪

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I loved being a part of the @stustudiosdubai Global Message of Inclusion on this International Women’s Day. It’s an honour to be included in this group of inspirational ladies. Thank you for the opportunity!

@khulood.dxb @monica.wmusic @amandarushforth @mrandmrsbrunch @letsdxb @thenankoo @ferronato_alessia @mariapaula.escobar @olha_mekheda @ezzyafro

#unitedwomen
#equalityforall
#inclusionmatters
#internationalwomensday2024
#iwd2024
#womenspay
#equality
#empowerment
#inspiration
#stustudios
#stustudiosdubai taken in Dubai, United Arab Emirates by @thenankoo

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9

3 years ago

“Why were they given up?”

It’s just one of the many questions we’re asked about our children.

But language like this can quietly shape how a child sees themselves — and how the world sees them.

And it got me thinking…

How often does it happen in boardrooms and meetings ?

How many people — especially those from underrepresented backgrounds — hear words that make them question if they truly belong?

My @tedx_official isn’t just about adoption.

It’s about how our words reflect our beliefs — and how they shape identity, inclusion, and the future of leadership.

Because whether we’re raising children or leading teams — language matters.

#TEDx #DiverseLeadership #Belonging #LanguageMatters #Inclusion #MindsetShift #AdoptionAwareness taken in Dubai, United Arab Emirates by @thenankoo

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11

a year ago

2021 is a year we will never forget. The year we became a family of 4.

Simon left for a 4 DAYS trip to Sierra Leone at the end of April, he returned 4 MONTHS later with our daughter. These 4 months were surreal, a roller coaster of emotions and it was all worth it for our children.

The biggest learning is to never give up and if you believe in something fight as hard as you possibly can. I hope as you reminisce on 2021 that it gives you some inspiration for your next 365 days.

Happy New Year from us ❤️

(photo credit: @ankitaachandra @frankdtnt from our feature in @voguearabia ) taken in Dubai, United Arab Emiratesدبي by @thenankoo

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5 years ago

Stop saying, “I trust you,” if every decision still needs your approval.

You may have delegated the task—but have you really delegated the authority?

If you ask to be copied into every email, consulted on every detail and updated at every step, your words say trust but your behaviour says:

“Permission is still required.”

Instead, make the boundaries clear:

“You own this decision. Update me on Friday, and come to me sooner if the budget or timeline changes.”

Trust doesn’t mean removing accountability.

It means being clear about what someone owns, when they should involve you and where they are free to act.

People don’t measure trust by what you say.

They measure it by what you allow them to own.

Save this for the next time you delegate.

#Leadership #thinkspeaklead #PeopleLeadership #executivecoaching #Management by @thenankoo

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2 days ago

Stop asking, “Why did you do that?”

Even when you’re genuinely curious, it can sound like an accusation. And once someone feels accused, they often stop explaining and start defending.

Try this instead:

“Talk me through what you were seeing and what led you to that decision.”

You’re still asking for accountability—but you’re also inviting the person to share their thinking.

One question asks someone to justify themselves. The other creates space for understanding, challenge and learning.

Same conversation. Different language. Very different leadership experience.

Save this for your next difficult conversation and share it with a leader who needs the reminder.

#Leadership #LeadershipCommunication #EmotionalIntelligence #thinkspeaklead by @thenankoo

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3 days ago

“My door is always open” only matters if people feel safe walking through it.

Your team remembers what happened the last time someone challenged you, brought bad news or admitted a mistake.

Being available is not the same as being approachable.

Ask, “What feels difficult to raise right now?”

Then listen before you explain or defend.

#Leadership #PsychologicalSafety #ExecutiveLeadership #ThinkSpeakLead by @thenankoo

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4 days ago

“Just be more confident” isn’t actionable feedback.

Do you want someone to speak earlier, make a recommendation, challenge an idea or stop apologising before contributing?

Tell them.

Great leaders don’t ask people to become a different personality. They give clear feedback, create opportunities to practise and make room for their contribution.

#Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership #ThinkSpeakLead #WomenInLeadership by @thenankoo

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5 days ago

Courage doesn’t always arrive looking like confidence.

Yesterday at the Women in Tech Africa Summit, I delivered two talks: one I had prepared for weeks, and one I had just 48 hours to turn from a children’s story into a leadership keynote.

I didn’t feel completely ready. I took the next step anyway.

If you’re waiting for confidence to arrive, ask yourself:

What is the smallest step I can take now?

Small small, we do the work.

#WomenInTechAfrica #Leadership #Courage #ThinkSpeakLead by @thenankoo

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8 days ago

“Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions” sounds strong… but it can teach people to stay quiet until they’re certain. 🤐

Try this instead: “Bring me the problem, what you’ve noticed, and your best thinking so far.”

Save this for your next 1:1.

#thinkspeaklead #leadership #communication #mauritius #selfleadership by @thenankoo

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11 days ago

Someone asks a lot of questions about the change… and you think “they’re resistant.” 🤔

What if they need context, spotted a risk, or just care about getting it right? Before you label someone, ask: what else could this mean?

Save this for your next team briefing.

#leadership #thinkspeaklead #teamleadership #leadershipdevelopment #communicationskillstraining by @thenankoo

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12 days ago

You asked for ownership… then stepped in the second they did it differently. 👀

Before you take it back, ask: is the outcome at risk, or is it just not how I’d have done it?

Save this for your next delegation.

#leadership #delegation #management #leadershipdevelopment #thinkspeaklead by @thenankoo

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13 days ago

“Sorry, this might be a silly question…” 🙈

Stop apologising before you’ve even spoken.

Swap “Sorry, can I just add something?”
for “I’d like to add something.”

Save this for your next meeting.

#leadership #executivepresence #communicationskills #confidence leadershipdevelopment by @thenankoo

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14 days ago