kiwanja Coaching and Mentoring
Coaching and Mentoring
Changing the world can sometimes feel like a thankless task, but I don’t need tell you that. Wherever you are in your journey, if you’re up for making a difference and could do with a little direction, or a dose of emotional and professional support, I’ve got your back. With decades of experience in social change, conservation, technology, innovation and finding purpose, whatever the need I’m committed to helping you, and your work, thrive.
Traditional coaching with a particular focus on those into social impact or finding their purpose in life.
For anyone needing specific advice on building, growing or scaling a social or environmental startup, or project.
For those needing specific help on strategy, creative writing, comms or anything to do with social purpose.
The world is at a crossroads. For most of my life I’ve been passionate about helping develop meaningful and impactful social and environmental solutions to some of its biggest problems. Despite a career spanning over two decades in the humanitarian and conservation sectors, my commitment to change has only accelerated over recent years, driven in large part by social upheaval, the vacuum in moral leadership, threats to democracy by big tech, the climate crisis, and a wider concern for the future of my young children.
Today, I remain as committed as ever to helping others do their own changemaking, primarily through coaching, mentoring and more general strategic support.
Let me help you, wherever you are in your journey.
Of course, it’s easy for me to say how great my work is or how amazing I am, so it’s lucky you don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s a few reflections from clients over the years.
During his time as our Entrepreneur in Residence, Ken helped our people think in new ways about technology and innovation. He also helped us troubleshoot and create new products through people-centred design. Working with Ken lifted our game considerably on technology and innovation.
Ken was a panelist at the Social Entrepreneurship 360 event at the LSE and he was a dream to work with. His presentation was the perfect mix of inspiration, practicality and in-depth knowledge. The attendees were blown away and we look forward to working with him again.
In my work over the years with Ken, I have valued his deep knowledge of how to effectively use mobiles to achieve social outcomes. He is an influential thought leader, bringing years of experience and entrepreneurial creativity combined with often surprising insights – and he’s great to work with.
Ken combines a paradoxical blend of humility and confidence. As a global pioneer and entrepreneur in mobile technologies across the developing world, he has the rare ability to transfer his knowledge through incredible story telling. It’s been a real pleasure having him work with us.
Ken was more than just a speaker during his time on Semester at Sea. He was a mentor, a great motivator and facilitator, a role model and – most importantly – a valued community member. What resonated most with me was his genuine passion for his work.
I have met Ken, interviewed him for BBC Digital Planet and heard him speak at numerous events. He has such an impressive command of his subject and is full of insights into technology and its potential to improve lives in some of the most challenging corners of the world.
Hi, and welcome.
I’m Ken Banks, a British award-winning social entrepreneur, anthropologist, explorer, innovator and global conservation and development expert.
I’m a Fellow at Cambridge Judge Business School, the recipient of a Silicon Valley Tech Award, and a Pop!Tech and Ashoka Fellow. I’ve been an Expert Guide for National Geographic Expeditions and became a National Geographic Explorer in 2010. In 2013 I was nominated for the TED Prize, and a few years later received the prestigious Eugene L. Lawler Award for Humanitarian Contributions within Computer Science. I’m also a keynote speaker, contributor to major news sites, and the author of four books, the latest an Amazon best seller on finding purpose.
Today I spend my time coaching and mentoring other people, like you, looking to discover, design, develop and scale their own social or environmental impact projects and organisations, or find their own purpose in life. If any of this piques your interest, I’d love to chat and find out a little more about you.
Changing the world shouldn’t cost the earth, but getting the right kind of help can be frustrating and, if you find it, it can often set you back thousands. With me it won’t.
My prices are based on individual needs and circumstances, wherever you are in your journey. Discounts are available for schools, colleges, groups or individual students or innovators. If you’re committed to social or environmental change and you need help, and cost is still a barrier, don’t worry. There’s a pro bono (free) option available, too. Just ask.
I currently work as a Venture Coach with beVisioneers, a Mercedes Benz-funded initiative, where I’m helping forty-five young climate innovators from around the world develop, build, launch and scale their locally-inspired climate solutions. I also mentor students in a London school taking part in the Social Action Accelerator Pilot, a programme run by The Diana Award, the only charity set up in memory of the Princess of Wales.
I’ve recently been a Competition Judge for the International Federation of the Red Cross Limitless Youth Innovation Academy, which empowers young innovators to tackle climate and environmental challenges, and act as a Student Mentor for the University of Cambridge Department of Engineering i-Teams initiative, which brings together the brightest students and ground-breaking university research to develop commercially viable (and in this case, socially-beneficial) products and services.
In a previous life I’ve worked as a Faculty Member, Judge and Mentor for the likes of National Geographic, PopTech, Ashoka, Stanford University, Guinness, Ben & Jerry’s and more.
Work with me and I guarantee you’ll be in safe hands.
Well, why not get away from it all and book a day with me in the Cambridgeshire countryside? Kick off our time together in our beautiful garden meadow where we’ll set expectations for the day, before taking a gentle two hour walk through the Fens and along the River Great Ouse. Breathe in the fresh air, and let nature inspire you.
Lunch awaits at a local riverside pub, before we head back and wrap up for the day.
Steve Jobs, Martin Luther King, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Richard Branson. They all had coaches or mentors.
Even Elon Musk. “My mentor encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone and pursue dreams I thought were impossible”. Many of today’s most successful entrepreneurs and social innovators put down their success in large part to having a guide, a coach or a mentor alongside them as they pursued their dreams.
Imagine what we might be able to do together?
I can help grow your network and provide access to valuable connections, resources and collaboration opportunities.
I can help you cultivate a long-term vision, refine your focus and plan strategically for lasting success.
I'll help you build resilience, navigate setbacks and maintain motivation, whatever challenges you face.
I can help you develop crucial skills for personal and professional growth, enhancing your ability to drive impact.
With my support and encouragement, we'll boost your confidence to take on new challenges, opportunities and roles.
I'll help you develop clarity around your objectives and goals, and the steps needed to achieve them.