Mimi Kalinda is a renowned communications expert, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker whose career spans more than 25 years across Africa, Europe, and the United States. As Co-Founder and Group CEO of Africa Communications Media Group (ACG), the continent’s first African-owned pan-African agency, she has shaped campaigns for governments, global brands, and NGOs.
Her expertise lies at the intersection of storytelling, cultural intelligence, and strategic communications, making her one of the world’s most sought-after voices on authentic narrative building. Mimi has advised organizations such as the African Union, the World Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, helping them connect meaningfully with African and global audiences.
A TEDx speaker and Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa delegate, Mimi has also been featured on CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, and in Forbes. Her thought leadership emphasizes the power of storytelling to counter stereotypes, foster trust, and inspire transformation. She brings clarity, authenticity, and actionable strategies to audiences ranging from policymakers to Fortune 500 executives.
Mimi Kalinda is a renowned global communications expert whose voice and vision have shaped narratives across Africa, Europe, and the United States for over 25 years. As a trailblazer in storytelling, reputation management, and public affairs, she brings a rare blend of cross-continental expertise and a deep understanding of cultural intelligence to every platform she graces. Her core message is powerful: authentic African storytelling can drive global transformation, business impact, and social change.
With a dynamic background spanning journalism, strategic communications, and executive leadership, Mimi is more than a speaker, she’s a movement. She commands the stage with authenticity, insight, and passion, helping global brands, policymakers, and communities harness the power of narrative to inspire action and build trust. Whether she’s addressing Fortune 500 leaders or grassroots change makers, Mimi’s presence ignites conversations that matter and influence that endures.
Mimi Kalinda’s career is a testament to her enduring commitment to elevating Africa’s image on the global stage. She is the co-founder and Group CEO of Africa Communications Media Group (ACG), the first African-owned and -operated pan-African communications agency. Through ACG, she has led award-winning campaigns and advised multinational corporations, NGOs, and governments on how to connect authentically with African audiences. Her expertise lies at the intersection of storytelling and strategy, and her ability to navigate complex cultural and political landscapes sets her apart as a global authority in communications.
Her experience includes spearheading strategic communications for organizations such as the African Union, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, and Merck Foundation, among others. Mimi also served as the Director of Communications for the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), where she was instrumental in promoting STEM education across the continent. With every initiative, she champions narratives that counter stereotypes and elevate African excellence.
As a thought leader, Mimi Kalinda contributes regularly to international platforms on topics such as narrative power, decolonizing communications, and women’s leadership. She’s a TEDx speaker and was a delegate at the Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa program. Her insights have been featured in Forbes, BBC, Al Jazeera, and CNN, showcasing her ability to influence both media and policy spaces with authority and authenticity.
Hashtags: #MimiKalinda #AfricaNarrative #CommunicationsExpert #DiversityInLeadership #GlobalStorytelling #AfricanVoices #WomenInLeadership #PublicSpeaker
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In this short video, Mimi Kalinda highlights why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools of leadership. She explains that stories forge authentic connections, inspire people to act, and help leaders navigate a world of shifting perspectives.
The program is designed to teach leaders how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse and sometimes skeptical audiences. Kalinda emphasizes that effective storytelling requires more than words: it also depends on voice, body language, and delivery that capture attention from start to finish.
By weaving organizational values into relatable narratives, leaders can make those values come alive, motivating their teams to pursue objectives with clarity and passion. She also shares practical tips on structure and elements that increase a story’s impact.
Kalinda concludes with a call to action: in a world facing constant change, leaders must unlock storytelling’s potential to inspire creativity, adaptability, and trust while guiding their organizations toward a shared vision of the future.
00:00 – 00:20 Storytelling defined as a leadership tool that inspires action and connection.
00:21 – 00:45 Key questions: how to shape narratives for skeptical audiences and engage from start to finish.
00:46 – 01:15 Using voice, body language, and delivery to maximize impact.
01:16 – 01:40 Making organizational values tangible through relatable stories.
01:41 – 02:00 Closing: storytelling helps leaders provide visions that inspire adaptability and creativity.
In this podcast interview, Mimi Kalinda, communications strategist and CEO of Africa Communications Media Group, shares her perspective on the transformative power of storytelling in shaping organizations, societies, and global narratives. She explains how authentic stories bridge cultural divides, counter stereotypes, and create meaningful connections between brands, governments, and communities.
Mimi reflects on her journey, beginning with her work across Africa, Europe, and the U.S., and how those experiences shaped her belief in the role of cultural intelligence in communications. She notes that while technology has amplified how stories spread, the fundamentals of human connection remain unchanged — people trust and remember narratives that resonate with their values.
A recurring theme is the importance of African narratives in the global context. Mimi argues that too often, Africa’s stories have been told from external perspectives, reinforcing stereotypes. Her mission, through Africa Communications Media Group, is to empower African voices to tell their own stories and highlight innovation, resilience, and creativity on the continent.
She also shares insights into reputation management, particularly in times of crisis, noting that how leaders and organizations communicate during challenges can either erode or strengthen trust. Storytelling, when combined with transparency and cultural sensitivity, becomes a powerful leadership tool.
Mimi closes with a call to action for leaders and communicators: embrace storytelling not as a marketing tactic, but as a way to authentically engage, influence, and inspire transformation.
00:00 – 02:30 Introduction of Mimi Kalinda and her background in communications and storytelling.
02:31 – 08:00 Why authentic storytelling is essential for trust and influence.
08:01 – 15:00 Cultural intelligence: communicating effectively across borders and contexts.
15:01 – 22:00 The importance of African-led narratives in reshaping global perceptions.
22:01 – 30:00 Crisis communication and reputation management through transparency and empathy.
30:01 – 35:00+ Final reflections: how organizations can harness storytelling to inspire change and leadership.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
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Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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Storytelling, cultural intelligence, reputation management, women in leadership, and African narratives in global contexts.
Mimi travels from Johannesburg, South Africa, for engagements worldwide.
Clients include the World Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Merck Foundation, and global NGOs.
Author Books | Articles
Talking to Africa: Considering Culture in Communications for a Complex Continent argues that both domestic and international businesses, NGO’s and individuals interested in working in Africa can benefit from the multiplicity of experiences, backgrounds, attitudes and networks that define their target audiences.
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