A personal milestone for Olive Strachan MBE came to life in 2025 when she fulfilled her long-standing ambition to work in Africa. Olive was invited as the keynote speaker at the annual Pan-African Organization for Health, Education and Research (POHER) Medical Research and Mentorship Symposium in Zambia — a truly unforgettable experience.
From the moment she arrived, Olive brought her signature joy, positivity, and global perspective. Before the symposium even began, she spent time connecting with attendees, sharing stories, and inspiring with her warmth — demonstrating that leadership is as much about human connection as it is about expertise.
Olive’s keynote captivated the audience, blending practical insights with inspiring reflection. She explored themes that resonated deeply with students, healthcare professionals, and innovators alike:
- Missed Opportunity: Opportunities do not simply find you — a proactive mindset allows you to recognise and seize them. In a live demonstration, Olive invited an attendee, Teddy Mukuka, on stage. Recognising the opportunity, he stepped forward and was awarded six coaching sessions with Olive, illustrating the power of initiative.
- Growth vs. Fixed Mindset: Olive challenged attendees to reflect on their mindset. A fixed mindset says, “I am just not good at this.” A growth mindset declares, “I can always get better.”
- Creating Value: Olive encouraged participants to consider where they can create meaningful impact in healthcare, highlighting areas such as medical technology, education, consulting, health policy, and global health initiatives.
Beyond her keynote, Olive contributed to the symposium in multiple ways:
- Judge at the AfriMind Innovation Competition
- Panel discussions on career and family planning for healthcare professionals
- Interactive side conversations and mentorship sessions
- Engaging in social activities like trivia night to connect with participants
Olive will continue to support the POHER community as part of the mentoring team for AfriMind Innovators, helping participants turn their ideas into reality.
Olive clearly demonstrated her professional accomplishments as a global business leader and founder of Olive Strachan Consultancy, but also her commitment to developing talent, mentoring future leaders, and creating impact worldwide. Her experience at POHER is a testament to the power of connection, courage, and a growth mindset — and the journey in Africa is only beginning.
