For our Inspirational Women Shaping The Future Of Business Education series, we speak with Angela Ndunge, Lecturer in Organizational Behaviour and Leadership and Former Deputy Executive Dean at Strathmore University Business School 

• Name: Dr Angela Ndunge 
• Job title: Former Deputy Executive Dean & Lecturer in Organizational Behaviour and Leadership  
• Institution: Strathmore University Business School 

Dr Angela Ndunge is a full-time Lecturer in Organizational Behaviour and Leadership at Strathmore Business School (SBS). She holds an MSc in Work and Organizational Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Psychology from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.  

Dr Ndunge has held several leadership roles in SBS. She served as the Director of Faculty Affairs, Vice Dean-Executive Talent Development, and Associate Dean of Executive Education.  She was also the Deputy Executive Dean from 2018 to 2024, where she was in charge of driving the Executive Education Strategy and expansion of SBS in East and Southern Africa. 

Her research interest is mainly in organizational psychology. She is currently the Principal Investigator for a grant worth $3,200,000, awarded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, to support religious social ministries run by Catholic sisters into sustainable social enterprises in Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania for a period of 3 years (2025-2027). Additionally, she is also the Principal Investigator for a research grant worth $989,439.00 granted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The research aims to advance women’s leadership in the Kenyan health sector through organizational and systems change efforts. 

In addition to her administrative roles, Dr. Ndunge is also the Board Chair of St. Patrick Primary School and St. Patrick Girls School Mbiuni, Machakos County. She also serves as a Director in the Social Health Authority (SHA) Kenya and is also a board member in the Association of African Business School (AABS). 

Why do you work in education?  

Growing up I always wanted a career that would provide me with an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. After a lot of research and soul searching, this led me to pursue a degree as psychologist. After graduating there were not many job opportunities for psychologists in Kenya as it was a relatively new field of study back then.  

I therefore decided to continue with my studies. As I was pursuing my Doctorate, I was exposed to the education sector and naturally I gravitated towards working in the sector. Working in the education sector, aligned with desire to make a difference, therefore provided me with an opportunity to utilize my knowledge and experience in psychology in an educational setting to go beyond passing knowledge to transforming lives. 

What’s the most rewarding part of your role? 

As a faculty member, the most rewarding part of my job has been seeing many of my students rise to take leadership positions in their organizations. As researcher, I have also been able to work on projects that empower women. 

One of the many lessons that I’ve learned is captured best by Zig Ziglar’s quote: “Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember, the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you.”  

– Dr Angela Ndunge

In my role as the Deputy Executive Dean, the most rewarding part was to see my team grow as individuals and to have spearheaded the growth of the universities offerings into East Africa which culminated in my University, establishing the Strathmore Global Institute in Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. 

Please tell us about a challenge you’ve overcome to get to where you are today. What did you learn?

Growing up I was quite reserved and mostly introverted. Coming to the workplace, I never really thought about taking up leadership opportunities as I preferred to be an individual contributor. I also dreaded the thought of public speaking.  

However, my previous boss Dr. George Njenga (Former Executive Dean Strathmore University Business School) encouraged me to take up Leadership roles within the school. As a result, I was forced out of my comfort zone and in the process had to face my fear of public speaking.

One of the many lessons that I’ve learned is captured best by Zig Ziglar’s quote: “Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember, the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you.”  

Have you ever had a role model? If yes, who? And how have they impacted your career or outlook?  

Yes. My mother. She has journeyed with me throughout my career.  For example, at the beginning of my career, she would guide me in doing my resume and reviewing my job applications. During my doctorate studies, she supported me with data collection and reviewed my thesis. Most importantly she has always prayed for me and ensured that I remain grounded. As a result, my confidence grew, and I was able to take up new challenges knowing that I had her support. 

What advice would you give to others to succeed in their careers?   

Invest in your own personal development as it will never go to waste.  

Interested in this series? Keep reading…