Maono Launch
The Birth of a Contemporary Learning Ecosystem for Transformative Insights.
Maono: The birth of an ecosystem
Maono is more than just a learning platform—it's an ecosystem and a think tank where groundbreaking research evolves into real-world solutions. At the heart of Maono is our Think Tank, a dynamic space delivering actionable insights into the intricacies of the human condition, world politics, business, and leadership. At Maono, our commitment to unbiased, non-partisan perspectives serves one purpose: to inspire thought, ignite meaningful change, and guide you through the complexities of modern life. Our publications are crafted to support the growth of individuals, leaders, and communities. From exploring human nature and suffering to resilience, growth, transformation, and the quest for purpose, Maono provides knowledge that fuels personal and collective transformation.
The story behind Maono
Seven years ago, during a business trip to Kenya—the land of extraordinary runners—I had an encounter that left a lasting impression on me. Early one morning, as I stepped out of my hotel, I spotted an elderly woman tending the garden. She waved warmly, and my curiosity drew me closer to her. The 74-year-old radiated a quiet and captivating strength. Despite her age, Kioni seemed untouched by the burdens of the years. Kioni, whose name means ‘the one who sees things,’ seemed to possess a powerful aura of spirituality. Her presence was as graceful and timeless as the Kikuyu heritage she embodied, a beauty as enchanting as the land she called home, the Kikuyu land of Kenya.
Despite the language barrier, Kioni and I managed to bridge the gap with the help of one of her co-workers, who kindly served as our interpreter. She called me "young man," which made me smile, especially as I was well into my forties. Kioni's curiosity was as sharp as her wisdom, and she eagerly asked about my work. For 17 minutes, we spoke—sharing thoughts on life, purpose, and the paths we choose. As I prepared to leave, feeling enriched by the conversation, Kioni turned to the interpreter and said in Kiswahili, “Tell the young man his vision will take him very far in life.” Then, she added with a weighty pause, “The world is sick because so many of our leaders have no vision. They are leading us to destruction. It does not matter where you live—they are all the same.”
It was in that moment that I learned the Kiswahili word “maono", meaning vision, goal, or foresight. In Kenyan culture, maono carries a depth beyond merely seeing the future—it encompasses leading with purpose, clarity, and wisdom. These are traits deeply valued in elders and leaders. I must admit that Kioni’s words, rooted in cultural knowledge, struck a chord. She reminded me of the essential role that vision plays in true leadership. That brief yet powerful encounter left a lasting imprint on my life, and since then, maono has been a guiding principle in everything I do, both personally and professionally. Furthermore, Lady Kioni’s words ignited in me a sense of responsibility to cultivate the kind of leadership our world so desperately needs. That brief yet profound encounter became the spark that led to the founding of Maono Institution.
Maono’s mission
Today, Maono is an ecosystem dedicated to growth and transformation. The Maono Institution Group is built around four pillars: a Think Tank, a Leadership Lab, an Academy for Management Excellence, and Consulting and Advisory Services.
Today, with this launch on Substack, we proudly unveil the Maono Think Tank, or simply Maono. We believe that with vision and actionable insights, we can shape a future filled with purpose, resilience, and meaningful change—whether at the individual, organizational, or community level.
At Maono, our mission is to unlock the limitless potential for growth and transformation within individuals, organizations, and communities. Three core objectives drive us:
Share transformative insights—through research findings, reviews, and publications grounded in science, psychology, philosophy, faith, and spirituality—to inspire personal growth and leadership development.
Deliver impactful content—via podcasts, public lectures, and insights on world politics, business, and organization—to drive meaningful change across all sectors.
Provide customized advisory services—from tailored workshops and training sessions to seminars and conferences—that empower leaders to lead with vision, clarity, and purpose.
Host the Maono Summit, creating a vibrant platform where world leaders, visionaries, and communities come together to ignite powerful conversations, forge new paths for growth, and drive sustainable and transformative change for the future.
About the author
Thierry is a seasoned systems-thinking senior executive and grand strategist with over three decades of global experience. I have led organizations across 64 countries on four continents. My leadership journey has spanned higher education institutions, technology firms, and international development organizations, with roles such as CEO, President, Chairman, Managing Partner, and Regional Director. My focus is on creating sustainable impact—helping leaders and organizations transform, manage change, and navigate complex challenges with the foresight and insight needed to uncover new opportunities for growth. I have been honored with the Stanford Who’s Who Award (2010) in New York and named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Africans by NewAfrican Magazine in 2019.
Welcome to the Maono community as we embark on this transformative journey together.