Change Management Meets African Drumming: Saran Sow Barry's Rhythmic Revolution

In the bustling world of corporate training, Saran Sow Barry stands out with her innovative blend of African drumming and change management principles through her venture, Afro Baobab Events. With an impressive background in change management and corporate strategy, Saran's unique approach, embodied in the "Changing Rhythms" program, is set to revolutionize how organizations perceive and implement change.

Saran's journey began with a moment of inspiration rooted in her extensive experience with Euler Hermes, where she navigated change across more than 20 countries. "Organizations often encounter resistance due to a preference for the familiar or apprehension towards the unknown," she notes. This insight led her to explore alternatives to traditional team-building activities, proposing African drumming as an unconventional yet engaging change agent. "African drumming fosters unity, collaboration, adaptability, and flexibility—key elements for effective change management," she explains. The rhythmic synchronization of drummers mirrors the harmony required within organizations to navigate transitions successfully.

Transformative Learning Outcomes

Afro Baobab Events brings a refreshing cultural relevance and authenticity to the corporate training landscape. Traditional African drumming and art activities expose participants to diverse perspectives and traditions, broadening their understanding of change and enhancing their appreciation for cultural diversity. Saran emphasizes, "Our activities provide a powerful outlet for emotional connection and expression. For instance, participants express themselves through African masks painting, processing their feelings about change in a safe and supportive way."

Though the "Changing Rhythms" program is newly launched, Saran anticipates significant behavioural and mindset changes among participants. Key outcomes include greater empathy and cultural awareness, improved communication and collaboration, increased adaptability, and enhanced creativity and innovation. "Participants learn to appreciate different perspectives and traditions, fostering a more inclusive organizational culture. They develop stronger communication skills, embrace uncertainty, and generate innovative solutions to complex problems," Saran highlights.

Tailoring to Diverse Corporate Cultures

Introducing this unique form of experiential learning to a corporate audience comes with its challenges. Anticipating potential resistance to change, Saran underscores the proven benefits of experiential learning. "We showcase successful implementations in other organizations and focus on tangible outcomes like improved employee engagement and increased productivity," she explains. Addressing scepticism about the ROI of cultural training initiatives, Saran's strategy involves demonstrating the business impact of the program through measurable results.

The "Changing Rhythms" program is designed to be adaptable, aligning with the unique needs, values, and objectives of various organizations and sectors. Saran illustrates, "For a technology sector undergoing digital transformation, we focus on themes like innovation and agility. For a healthcare organization restructuring its operations, we emphasize collaboration, empathy, and patient-centred care." This adaptability ensures the program resonates strongly across different industries, particularly those prioritizing creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

While specific feedback on the "Changing Rhythms" program is yet to be gathered, previous team-building experiences with djembe drums and art activities have been highly successful. Participants appreciate the unique and transformative learning experience, often feeling more engaged and energized. "These experiential learning methods help participants connect with the material on a deeper level, facilitating greater participation and interaction among team members," Saran shares.

Future Directions in Corporate Training

Saran's corporate background in investment banking and change management significantly enhances the effectiveness of her training sessions. "My experiences have sharpened my project management skills, enabling me to effectively oversee the development and implementation of the training program, ensuring it meets its objectives," she says. This expertise ensures a structured yet flexible approach to delivering impactful training sessions.

Looking ahead, Saran envisions a growing role for creative and cultural approaches in corporate training and development. "Organizations are recognizing the value of holistic, experiential learning experiences that engage both the mind and the heart," she notes. Saran foresees greater integration of creative elements into leadership development programs, team-building initiatives, and change management efforts. At Afro Baobab Events, the focus remains on evolving offerings to meet the changing needs of clients and the broader market, with the "Changing Rhythms" program being a prime example.

Transitioning from the structured environment of investment banking to founding an African-themed event company has been a transformative journey for Saran. "It required a significant degree of adaptability," she reflects. The dynamic world of entrepreneurship has allowed her to unleash her creativity and develop resilience. "I've faced my fair share of setbacks and obstacles, but I've learned to persevere and bounce back stronger," she adds.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Saran's journey offers valuable insights for other entrepreneurs looking to incorporate elements of their cultural heritage into business ventures. "Embrace authenticity," she advises. "Showcase your cultural heritage in a genuine and respectful manner. Authenticity builds trust and fosters meaningful connections with your audience."

Saran Sow Barry's Afro Baobab Events is not just a business; it's a movement towards integrating cultural richness into corporate training, fostering a deeper connection, and promoting holistic growth. As organizations increasingly recognize the value of such innovative approaches, the "Changing Rhythms" program is poised to make a lasting impact on the corporate world.