In the newly published Africa edition, a US author names “four pillars that characterize great leaders”

The former member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) further said: “Great leaders are also dedicated to heroism, to living for purposes higher than themselves and their selfish interests.”

However, he said, “When people think of leaders and leadership, they usually think of super famous and rich people.”

Mr Lowney, who worked for JP Morgan for 17 years and served as a managing director in New York, Tokyo, Singapore and London, said people also highlight the qualities of good leaders, such as “courage, honesty, personal integrity, the ability to listen to others, having empathy for other people, caring about the common good and so on.”

He said, “All of these qualities are not just reserved for super famous people, but they also show leadership in our lives.”

“Virtually no one will see themselves as a leader. We need to change the focus and understand how each of us demonstrates leadership in our own lives. This needs to change for every individual, every organization and the African continent as a whole to reach its full potential and fulfill the continent’s great promises,” he said.

He continued, “Everyone is a leader who lives the four pillars of leadership described in this book, whether they do so as a business leader or as the leader of their own life and family. Everyone is a leader, whether they are a business person, parent, priest, nurse, social worker or student.”

The author of the 12-chapter book said: “People will see the book as a kind of challenge and invitation to think about the idea and role of leadership in their own lives.”

In the foreword to the book, the author describes how the Jesuits are assuming their leadership role in East Africa.

“In the past thirty years alone, the Jesuits have created an impressive series of good works throughout the region, whether it is the revival of Loyola High School and Mazzolari Teachers College in South Sudan or the founding of works such as Ocer Campion College in Uganda, the Mwangaza Jesuit Spirituality Centre in Nairobi or the Abay Mado Catholic Academy in the Ethiopian state of Amhara,” he says.

Mr Lowney continues: “The Jesuit Refugee Service has accompanied displaced persons in many regions.”