For Emerge Livelihoods, impact is not only measured in numbers and milestones but also in the growth, resilience, and commitment of its people. This philosophy came alive during the two-day “Leading with Reflection” retreat, where staff from all departments at Emerge Livelihoods and its subsidiaries, Emerge Ventures and Emerge Fund, came together to reflect on achievements, share feedback, and express gratitude for the journey so far. The retreat was a refreshing pause, a chance to look inward as a team, to celebrate progress, and to map a clearer path forward.
As discussions unfolded, it became evident that the shared experiences not only strengthened bonds but also ignited new ideas for future initiatives. This collaborative spirit is set to propel the organisation towards even greater heights in the coming year.
“At Emerge Livelihoods, we believe that listening is leadership. This reflection process has not only reaffirmed our commitment to inclusive growth, but it has also revealed the power of collective insight to shape a more agile, accountable, and community-rooted organization.” Wangiwe Joanna Kambuzi –Managing Director, Emerge Livelihoods
Department Voices: The Impact in Their Own Words
“The retreat was not just about organisational alignment; it was about hearing the staff’s heartbeat. Throughout the sessions, profound reflections surfaced. This retreat reminded me that my work in operations is not behind the scenes, it is directly tied to the impact we see in communities.” A member of the Technical Operations team
“As a Programs Department, we frequently focus on day-to-day issues. But here, we discovered how our tiny victories relate to the larger objective of Emerge Livelihoods.” Members from the Programs Department.
“It was encouraging to see departments communicating with one other. We generally work in silos, but now we recognise the value of working as a team.” Personnel responsible for communications and marketing. “Gratitude was a big takeaway for us. When we appreciate each other, we build the confidence to do even more.” People and culture department. These voices highlighted that every role matters, and when aligned, the organisation becomes stronger and more responsive to community needs.
Key Insights from the Retreat
A Feedback as a Driver of Excellence: We deeply appreciate the honest input shared by staff, which is already shaping new ways of working. These reflections are helping us identify opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and refine our internal processes. As we move forward, we’re committed to translating this feedback into meaningful action and embedding it into our continuous improvement efforts.
Collaboration Beyond Departments:The retreat marked a turning point in how we connect across teams. Silos were broken; bridges were built. New relationships formed across departments are opening doors to more integrated programming and shared learning. We’re excited to nurture these connections and build on the momentum to foster even greater synergy.
A Culture of Gratitude: Recognizing contributions, both big and small, lifted morale and reaffirmed our values of respect and inclusivity. This culture of appreciation is something we aim to carry forward, ensuring that every voice feels heard and every effort acknowledged as we grow together.
Opportunities Moving Forward
This reflective exercise has positioned Emerge Livelihoods to seize new opportunities with clarity and confidence:
- Stronger partnerships, built on evidence of adaptability and accountability
- Increased donor confidence, grounded in a demonstrated culture of listening and learning
- Improved community impact, driven by sharper, more responsive programming
By investing in its people, Emerge Livelihoods is investing in its future and in the futures of the communities it serves. The journey continues, guided by shared values, collective insight, and a renewed commitment to excellence in Creating Endless Possibilities For Everyone To Thrive.
