It is my honor to introduce you to a remarkable individual, a partner in my growth as a leader, and a good friend: Hamse Warfa. In the realm of transformational leadership, Hamse's journey and insights are nothing short of extraordinary. Before you proceed, I’d like to share some of the wisdom that flows from my experiences with Hamse, and prepare you for the lessons contained within the pages of this book, The Transformational Leader: Twelve Practices for Driving Lasting Change.

Let me take you back, almost 10 years ago, when I received an unexpected gift – I met Hamse Warfa. I was changing careers, leaving behind a corporate job in project management to be the founder of my family’s charitable foundation. Like many of you, I was an emerging leader. I was young, excited with a big vision to impact the world and anxious about my own leadership. Was I prepared to lead? With this mixture of hope and doubt, I met Hamse Warfa. Only a few years older than me, Hamse was already an accomplished leader in his community, nonprofits and philanthropy. Right away, I knew that I could learn from Hamse. He was real, relatable and ready to help. This same generosity of Hamse is available for you in this book.

I have experienced Hamse as a friend, a policy leader who served as the highest Somali White House appointee, and a political adviser who previously served the highest African immigrant in Minnesota state government. When I met Hamse, he was already an established leader in international business and philanthropy, in the Minnesota non-profit sector and politics in the East African community. But, what impresses me most about Hamse is not his titles or professional experiences, but how easily he encourages other leaders including my own leadership. I am a pretty quiet guy who doesn’t draw attention to myself, but to achieve my vision for the Graves Foundation, I needed to continually network with new leaders and seek out new ideas. With Hamse, I got to practice an approach to partnerships that had defined my success. Together, Hamse and I developed a lasting, intentional relationship as civic leaders - and with his guidance, I have become an early investor in grassroots organizations that help youth achieve thriving adult lives.

With Hamse, I have learned about power, dialogue, and transformation. It is our shared conviction that leadership is not confined only to lofty boardrooms or grandiose speeches; but also thrives in the trenches of nonprofits, classrooms, and scrappy startups. True transformational leadership encompasses empathy, inclusivity, and purpose-driven action. Hamse's life and work embody these principles.

Hamse’s personal stories, which fill this book, are a testament to transformational potential within us all. In 2019, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appointed Hamse as the Deputy Commissioner to lead Minnesota’s Workforce Development System. He was not just a leader but the highest-ranking African immigrant official in state government – a role that placed him in a unique position to effect change. His contributions in the public sector were already significant, but they were just a part of his multifaceted life. Hamse Warfa is not a man confined to one sphere; he is a true polymath whose pursuits span public service, entrepreneurship, diplomacy, and technology.

In recent years, Hamse has become a diplomat, serving as Presidential appointee, Senior Advisor to the U.S. State Department. In this role, he has championed President Biden's democracy-strengthening agenda, both domestically and abroad. His commitment to fostering democratic principles, human rights, and inclusive governance is a testament to his dedication to creating a better world for all.

Yet, Hamse's influence and impact extend beyond government. He is a co-founder and the Executive Vice President of BanQu Inc., a pioneering for-profit/for-purpose blockchain-as-a-service software company. Through BanQu, Hamse has embarked on a mission to tackle one of the world's most pressing challenges: extreme poverty. His work with BanQu exemplifies his belief in technology as a force for good, transforming the lives of marginalized communities by enabling them to access the global economy.

As you delve into the pages of The Transformational Leader: Twelve Practices for Driving Lasting Change, you will bear witness to the wisdom, passion, and pragmatism that define Hamse Warfa. Within these pages, Hamse distills his experiences, unveiling a blueprint for leadership that is both profound and pragmatic. He offers insights into 12 key practices that he believes should guide leaders in their quest for transformation. These practices—from inclusion and purpose to dignity and innovation—form the bedrock of Hamse's philosophy.

But what sets Hamse apart as an author and leader is not just his knowledge; but his incredible experiences. His storytelling enlivens the subject matter, making complex ideas accessible to all. Prepare to be engaged, inspired, and occasionally amused as you journey through these pages.

As I reflect on my time spent with Hamse and our shared experiences, I am reminded of a quote from English poet and playwright William Shakespeare: “To thine own self be true.” Hamse’s humility and genuine curiosity embody his profound introspection. He is not a leader who claims to have all the answers; rather, he is a perpetual learner, a seeker of truths, and a champion of dialogue.

As you read this book, you will find yourself on a transformative journey guided by a leader who has walked the talk. You will discover the power of purpose, the magic of innovation, and the beauty of empathy. Hamse's words will challenge you to examine your own leadership journey, to question your assumptions, and to embrace the potential for growth and change.

After a decade of leadership of the Graves Foundation, I can see the impact of my leadership - and the impact of supporters, mentors and friends like Hamse. Our foundation has awarded more than $15 million towards improving the lives of vulnerable young people through relationship-based grantmaking. Building on my approach to leadership - informed by Hamse - my team forms deep partnerships with local people and works with impacted-communities in addressing complex social problems. Like Hamse invested in me, I also invest in leadership development of youth, of nonprofits and local communities and of my team.

As you embark on this intellectual and inspirational journey with Hamse Warfa, remember that transformational leadership is not the domain of a select few; it is a calling that can be answered by anyone with the courage to lead with purpose, compassion, and innovation. Hamse is not just a guide in this endeavor; he is a living embodiment of the principles he espouses.

I am confident that The Transformational Leader: Twelve Practices for Driving Lasting Change will leave an indelible mark on your leadership journey, just as Hamse Warfa has left an indelible mark on mine. The world needs more leaders like Hamse – leaders who are not content with the status quo, leaders who embrace diversity, and leaders who seek to uplift the human spirit. This world needs your leadership!

Sincerely,
Bill Graves President
The John and Denise Graves Family Foundation