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Categories: Career Blogs

Building Mission-Driven Teams 

December Edition 

OUMAR DICKO 

Showcasing Growth Mindset: Oumar Dicko’s Success Story at Windmill Microlending 

An executive search firm’s mission is to find individuals who embody qualities that drive transformative success. One remarkable placement is Oumar Dicko, who personifies a growth mindset and has significantly impacted Windmill Microlending’s mission to empower skilled immigrants. 

The Challenge 

3.5 years ago, Claudia Hepburn, CEO of Windmill Microlending, sought a leader who could unlock new opportunities for government funding to support the organization’s growing need for loan capital and operational funds. At that time, Windmill relied heavily on government support for its operations and needed a dedicated individual to scale this critical part of the business. This included growing and diversifying Windmill’s sources of public funding and building long-lasting relationships with key government decision-makers across Canada 

The Results 

Enter Oumar. Fast forward to today, Oumar and his team have driven remarkable growth, significantly increasing and diversifying government funding. Among these achievements is the unprecedented acquisition of repayable loan capital from a key federal government agency an important milestone for the organization and a model for future government outreach. 

The Growth Mindset in Action 

Oumar’s journey is a masterclass in adopting and sustaining a growth mindset: 

  1. Relentless Learning and Adaptability: From his early days navigating Canadian systems as an immigrant from the Ivory Coast to earning a Master’s degree in Economics, Oumar has consistently pursued learning opportunities. Despite having French as his first language, he worked tirelessly to become proficient in English, opening doors to leadership roles outside Quebec. 
  2. Fearless in New Terrain: With no prior experience in the charitable sector, Oumar immersed himself in understanding every facet of Windmill Microlending. For the first time, he joined a senior leadership team, he not only took charge of Windmill’s government relations portfolio but subsequently led the partnerships team and was instrumental in the development of two new innovative loan products. As Windmill’s Quebec Lieutenant, Oumar also significantly expanded Windmill’s reach into “La Belle Province”—a previously underserved market. 
  3. Problem-Solving at Scale: Tasked with improving the Quebec loan process, Oumar invested countless hours evaluating the pipeline and devising solutions to remove barriers for skilled immigrants. His approach was rooted in curiosity and a refusal to accept limitations, leading to tangible, impactful outcomes. 

Leadership Insights: Hiring for a Growth Mindset 

Oumar’s growth mindset not only defines his approach but also shapes his criteria when building teams. He values: 

  • Accountability: Team members who take ownership of their projects from start to finish. 
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit: Individuals driven to find innovative solutions and lead initiatives with purpose. 
  • Adaptability and Curiosity: Professionals motivated by continuous learning and change. 

To identify these qualities in candidates, Oumar challenges them during the hiring process. He provides real-world scenarios, asking them to present solutions to a specific challenge. This exercise reveals how well candidates research, think critically, and bring forward ideas to improve processes. He’s not looking for perfection; he’s looking for curiosity, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge both existing norms and personal assumptions. 

Inspiring the Future 

Oumar’s story is a testament to the power of a growth mindset in driving not just individual success but organizational transformation. His relentless pursuit of learning, innovative thinking, and dedication to overcoming challenges have made him a catalyst for Windmill Microlending’s remarkable growth. 

In a world where “it can’t be done” is often a default mindset, leaders like Oumar remind us that possibilities are boundless when we approach challenges with curiosity and a desire to grow. 

Oumar D. exemplifies the kind of impact a growth-oriented leader can achieve, and we are proud to have been part of his journey with Windmill Microlending. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/oumar-dicko-35086396/

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