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Mireille Toulekima is an African Australian award-winning entrepreneur, public figure, global leader, empowerment advocate, and inspirational champion who steps into her greatness to lead others to success. She is the Greatness Engineer in Chief and uses her reputation to unleash the unlimited potential of those around her. In doing so, she encourages others to make each day a masterpiece and step into their roles as the CEOs of their lives. This is what Mireille brings to the table of life and is only part of what she shared in this Sheen Magazine exclusive.

Who is Mireille Toulekima?

My journey started in Gabon, West Africa. I’ve lived in and visited over 30 countries and speak five languages. I have a global reputation as an inspirational woman who enjoys big challenges. I embody authenticity, leadership, positivity, spiritual strength, and feminine power. I’m part of the new wave of women who embrace spiritual consciousness and mindfulness as well as non-traditional sectors, globalization, innovation, and digital disruption. I dare to think differently, take risks, and dream big.

I am a three-time author. Following the 2016 publication of Stepping Into Your Greatness: Twelve Rules for Building an Outstanding Life, I developed an Authentic Leadership System called D.A.R.E. (Decide, Act, Review, Expand), launched the Greatness Engineering Movement in 2018, started the Greatness Engineering Hour Show in 2019, and recently launched The Greatness Engineering Magazine. These platforms reflect my mission to encourage and inspire individuals to become the best versions of themselves and help them reach self-actualization and engineer greatness where they are, in everything they do, and where it matters.

What is the Greatness Engineer and what inspired the Greatness Engineering Movement?

People value engineers because they’re often called on to use their ingenuity to solve the most complex problems and create amazing things from nothing. Engineering greatness is creating a better world with whatever we have, wherever we are. It’s understanding that we have the power, responsibility, and gifts to contribute to something noble and purposeful in our society. A Greatness Engineer is a role model who makes a positive impact and awakens the sleeping giant within to shine their light and build a legacy.

The Greatness Engineering Movement is an alliance of mindful individuals who share the vision of creating a better world by going the extra mile to create the best, become the best, and inspire others to become the best versions of themselves.

How do you determine success?

For me, success is how I feel about myself. It comes from living in alignment with who I want to be, my vision, and highest values. Success is my ability to find solutions and reach my goals by following my purpose and vision. In determining success, we must be driven by our why and not by achievement or external validation. There’s an enormous difference between success and achievement. Success is how we feel about ourselves and how we live in alignment with who we want to be. Achievement is an external indicator of something we’ve done, which doesn’t qualify us for success.

 To determine success:

  • Understand who you are and then find and align your voice.
  • Know what people want and need.
  • Be committed to achieving your intrinsic goals through patience, consistency, and quality.
  • Think big and aim to be the best version of yourself.
  • Take massive and effective action.
  • Continuously learn and improve.

Why is it important to embrace other cultures?

Cultures play a critical role in shaping personality and character. Exposure to diverse cultures makes us better human beings and leaders. Embracing cultures exposes us to diversity and opens us to a world of possibilities and experiences.

Living and working in over 30 countries has given me a competitive edge, created countless opportunities, pushed me out of my comfort zone, forced me to face adversity and take risks, and made me a better and wiser person. I’ve built the resilience of a champion, opened my mind, and confronted my beliefs, values, and personal biases. I encourage individuals to embrace different cultures and collaborate globally to create synergetic relationships and build authentic leadership styles that integrate diversity and inclusiveness.

What should matter to women in a position to empower others?

Women who empower must be confident role models committed to the spirit of sisterhood and inspiring others. This begins with our vocabulary—how we describe and compliment one another, and our duty to speak up when a woman is belittled or mistreated.

By embracing a culture of inclusiveness, we avoid the trappings of imposter syndrome and fear. We adopt positive mindsets that create a sense of calm, happiness, productivity, and self-worth. There’s nothing a woman can’t do with a positive mindset. By being aware of our thoughts, we can better control our mental states, confidently solve problems, and face life’s challenges with a smile. Self-confidence empowers and gives women the enthusiasm and readiness to believe in themselves and to never give up.

What advice would you give someone who wants to mirror your success?

We’re amid an industrial revolution, living in a disrupted, volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world with new challenges and opportunities. There’s never been a time of greater promise or potential peril. Don’t get trapped in traditional thinking or become absorbed by crises. Think strategically on how to shape your environment and develop your cognitive readiness, critical thinking, and emotional and social intelligence. Adopt a creative mindset and a drive to innovate. It’s these human skills that are critical to our future.

What makes you a leader?

I continue to evolve as a leader. The type of leader I am reflects my values and experiences. I’ve surrounded myself with creative, innovative, and curious people who are brave enough to question and take risks to make their dreams come true. It’s my mission to inspire everyone I meet and remove their limiting beliefs so they can become the best version of themselves. That’s what determines the type of leader I am.

What sense of purpose do you draw from your culture and community?

A lot of what I do is to honor my community. I was born in the Republic of Gabon in West Africa and was raised partly in Gabon and France. My parents did not have a lot of money but they were spiritually, intellectually, and socially rich and stressed the importance of education, hard work, resilience, integrity, and honesty. I also gained a sense of solidarity from my community as they supported me during life’s most challenging moments. This made me who I am today and shaped my goals and the life mission I created for myself.

All images by Photo Rah Studios