In this episode of Your Authentic Executive, host Dr. Janyne Peek Emsick sits down with Nash Mahupete, the newly appointed CEO of QLI (Quality Living, Inc.) in Omaha, Nebraska. Nash shares his inspiring journey from his upbringing in Zimbabwe to leading a multiple-time Best Places to Work organization.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

• A Journey of Resilience & Leadership

Nash reflects on his formative years in Zimbabwe, where he grew up in a home shaped by faith, community, and a deep sense of service. He discusses his transition to the U.S. and how QLI transformed his career and life.

• The Power of Community & Culture

Nash shares how QLI fosters a culture where every team member is valued and empowered—an ethos that reminds him of his origins, where leadership meant seeing and uplifting people.

• Ubuntu & Leadership

Exploring the African philosophy of Ubuntu—"I am because we are"—Nash unpacks how interdependence and shared success fuel QLI’s mission-driven work.

• People Will Rise to the Belief You Have in Them

Nash discusses the importance of instilling belief in people and treating everyone as a future leader. He shares how this mindset has shaped his leadership at QLI.

• Lessons in Personal Growth & Gratitude

From overcoming personal loss to navigating career transitions, Nash emphasizes the importance of leaning into community, practicing gratitude, and always being curious.

Powerful Quotes from the Episode:

• "Not one is better than you. Not a soul…but you are no better than anyone else."
• "One of the most powerful things that's really simple is for you as a leader…to sit down at the table with the folks that you don't know with the purpose of getting to know them."
• "It's not your problem, it's our problem."
• "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
• "Failure is a feeling long before it is a result." – Michelle Obama
• "Your brain is like a piggy bank, you can't get out of it what you haven't put into it."
• "Ubuntu: I am because we are."
• "People will rise to the level of belief you have in them."

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Special shoutout to Nash Mahupete for coming onto the podcast. 
Follow him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahupete/

Tune in for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and creating cultures where people thrive.

Your Authentic Executive Podcast

Authentic Leadership | Profound Stories | Proven Lessons

Hosted by Janyne Peek Emsick, Ph.D.

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Thank you so much to Kimberly Cappellano for taking time to deliver such valuable insight to fellow executives!

Follow her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-cappellano/

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