Redefining HR Leadership: Lillian Ngala’s Reflections on 2024 and Vision for 2025

Lillian Ngala, a trailblazing HR leader and the Director of Human Resources at Diamond Trust Bank, has continuously redefined the HR landscape in Africa and beyond. With a career marked by accolades such as LinkedIn’s most influential Kenyan in HR for 2024 and recognition as a Top 100 Career Woman in Africa, Lillian’s influence transcends organizational boundaries. As a mentor, board member, and founder of the Lillian Ngala Network and Foundation, her work touches lives at every level—empowering leaders, shaping policies, and driving meaningful social change. For leaders like Lillian, reflection and resolution are essential tools to evaluate the lessons of the past and chart a visionary path forward. As we explore her Reflections of 2024 and Resolutions for 2025, her insights serve as a powerful reminder of HR’s role in building people-first organizations that thrive.

Mussarat Hussain — Three Decades of People Leadership, Resilience and Transformation

Reframing Leadership for a Changing World: Two Decades of Impact by Bhavna Batra, Vice President – People, S&P Global

Sherryl Goce Starts New Role as Head of People Services Southeast Asia & India and South Korea & Australia (SEA&I and SKAU) at Sanofi

Reflections 2024:

The year 2024 has been a defining chapter for HR, underlining our role as architects of not just organizations but human potential. The HR function has evolved beyond traditional administrative confines into a strategic powerhouse, championing inclusive leadership and fostering cultures of belonging.

This year, I witnessed the transformative power of empathy in leadership. I am thoroughly convinced that when leaders actively listen, mentor, and nurture their teams, they unlock innovation and resilience.

The rapid integration of technology has also redefined how we attract, engage, and retain talent, but it’s been a reminder that while automation supports efficiency, the heart of HR remains profoundly human.

By centering empathy and mentorship, 2024 has affirmed that HR is not just about driving business results but shaping lives and careers.

“2024 reaffirmed that while technology drives efficiency, the heart of HR remains profoundly human, centering empathy and mentorship to shape lives and careers.”
Lillian Ngala,
Director of Human Resources,
Diamond Trust Bank

Resolutions 2025:

As we step into 2025, my resolution is to deepen HR’s commitment to creating organizations where people can thrive holistically.

This means championing leadership that values emotional intelligence as much as technical acumen, embedding mentorship as a core pillar of talent development, and ensuring equity and well-being in every policy and practice.

I aim to lead the charge in designing agile workplaces that adapt to people’s changing needs.

More importantly, I aspire to cultivate the next generation of empathetic leaders, fostering mentorship networks that transcend borders.

In 2025, HR’s narrative must remain one of empowerment, adaptability, and driving purpose-driven organizations where everyone can contribute their best.

“In 2025, HR’s narrative must remain one of empowerment, adaptability, and driving purpose-driven organizations where everyone can contribute their best.”
Lillian Ngala,
Director of Human Resources,
Diamond Trust Bank

As we step into 2025, Lillian’s vision underscores the transformative potential of HR to drive empowerment, adaptability, and purpose. Her focus on emotional intelligence, mentorship, and equity highlights her belief that thriving organizations are built on the foundation of people-centric values. By championing holistic workplaces and fostering the next generation of empathetic leaders, Lillian’s resolutions reflect her unwavering commitment to shaping organizations where every individual can contribute their best. Her reflections and resolutions are an inspiration for HR professionals worldwide to embrace their role as architects of growth and transformation.