Who is Ese Kingsley-Arokamoni?
Ese Kingsley-Arokamoni is a transformative leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and corporate trainer, renowned for her ability to equip global leaders to blend strategy with humanity. As the co-founder and Executive Director of KERA, she has made it her mission to guide organizations and individuals to lead with empathy, influence, and foresight. A powerful voice in leadership development, Ese has been shaping the next generation of leaders who leave a lasting impact, both on their industries and the world.
A Question in the Sun: The Beginning of a Transformational Journey
In 2018, amidst the relentless heat of the Dubai sun, Ese Arokamoni found herself at a crossroads. Having arrived in the United Arab Emirates in 2014 with her husband, her initial plans for a short stay had evolved into an unexpected life chapter. Despite years of success in healthcare, uncertainty lingered, and she was struggling with a profound question: “What next?”
Her answer arrived at a pivotal moment, during a leadership retreat. At one of her lowest points, weighed down by the challenges of toxic leadership in the workplace, Ese was on the verge of abandoning her career in healthcare. Yet, in that quiet space of reflection, a realization took root. She didn’t need to abandon her path—she needed to transform it.
Turning Struggles into Strategy: From Victim to Visionary
Having faced the devastating impact of poor leadership and the empowering influence of wise mentorship, Ese understood deeply how leadership could either elevate or drain an organization. Instead of walking away, she chose a different path: she would heal herself, and in doing so, help others heal.
Ese began by creating coaching resources to help professionals navigate their own struggles. She developed tools and templates that allowed them to rebuild their confidence and lead with empathy and clarity. What began as informal coaching sessions quickly grew into something much larger—workshops, seminars, and full-scale leadership programs.
Her journey became one of resilience and innovation, where she shifted from being a victim of leadership failures to becoming a visionary who would transform how leaders impact their teams and industries.
Building Leaders, Shaping Industries: A Broader Impact
Ese’s work has reached leaders in diverse sectors, far beyond the healthcare industry. As a leadership strategist, she focuses on equipping executives, managers, and emerging leaders to lead effectively long before the title arrives. Her work revolves around three core pillars of leadership:
- Leadership by Influence: Empowering leaders to create impact without relying on formal authority.
- Leadership with Empathy: Ensuring human connection remains at the heart of leadership in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
- Leadership with Foresight: Encouraging strategic thinking that prioritizes people, performance, and long-term results.
Esteemed leaders and organizations have consistently praised her work. “Ese’s session completely shifted my perspective,” said one attendee. “I walked away seeing influence, leadership, and visibility in a way I had never considered before.” Her approach is not just about imparting knowledge but about inspiring a mindset shift that integrates emotional intelligence with strategic clarity.
KERA: Empowering Leaders for a New Era
As the co-founder and Executive Director of KERA, Ese leads a consultancy that’s transforming leadership across industries. KERA offers leadership strategy, team development, and management consulting, focusing on building stronger teams and leadership cultures that deliver measurable results. Through KERA, Ese empowers leaders to lead with impact in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Her consultancy’s philosophy is that leadership should never be defined by a title but by presence, influence, and how well one can guide others toward success. With programs designed to help leaders communicate more clearly, manage with confidence, and develop lasting relationships with their teams, KERA has helped organizations of all sizes thrive in today’s complex, ever-changing world.
Ese’s book, AI Tools for Leaders, provides practical guidance for navigating the intersection of technology and human influence, offering tools that simplify complexity and help leaders focus on what matters most: the people they lead.
A Philosophy of Leadership: Leading with Humanity
For Ese, leadership is not about the title or position—it’s about how one leads and who one is as a person. She often shares, “You lead first by who you are. Before the corner office or the big stage, leadership begins with how you influence, how you empathize, and how you show up daily.”
This philosophy has inspired a new generation of leaders to lead with influence and empathy, long before they hold formal titles. Her ability to connect human values with strategic action has earned her the admiration of leaders across industries. One training participant reflected, “What stands out about Ese is her ability to connect strategy with humanity. She doesn’t just teach leadership; she equips you to live it.”
Through her transformative approach, Ese has reshaped how leaders view their roles and responsibilities, encouraging them to step into leadership with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.
Vision for the Future: Shaping Leaders for a Changing World
Looking ahead, Ese envisions a future where leadership is defined by influence, empathy, and foresight—where leaders embrace innovation without sacrificing their humanity. Her mission is to raise a new generation of leaders who lead with clarity, empower others, and create lasting legacies.
Through KERA, her speaking engagements, and her writing, Ese is building a legacy of leaders who will not only reshape industries but also heal systems, increase revenue, and unlock human potential. Her vision is clear: a future where leadership blends strategy with emotional intelligence, where leaders inspire growth, foster trust, and create positive change that reverberates throughout organizations and communities.
Key Takeaways from Ese Kingsley-Arokamoni’s Journey
- True leadership begins with healing yourself before guiding others.
- Influence is stronger than position.
- Empathy is not weakness; it is a strategy.
- The future of leadership blends innovation with humanity.
- Legacy is built through consistent daily action.
Connect with Ese
Website: www.esearokamoni.com
LinkedIn: Connect with Ese on LinkedIn
