Episode #10
Maureen Kolenyo
The Modern Mobilizer: Maureen Kolenyo’s Path to Global Impact
In this heartfelt episode, Rebecca sits down with Maureen Kolenyo, regional director of East Africa for World Bicycle Relief, transformational leader, and mother of five. Maureen shares her incredible journey from corporate powerhouse to purpose-driven changemaker, revealing how a simple bicycle can unlock safety, education, and opportunity for girls across Africa.
Maureen and Rebecca explore the deep inequities in education access, the overlooked power of community-based solutions, and what it really means to redefine success later in life. From navigating male-dominated boardrooms to rising before dawn to prioritize wellness, Maureen’s story is one of grace, grit, and lasting impact.
As a powerful advocate for gender equity and rural development, Maureen is proving that leadership is not just about what we achieve, but about what we lift in others. Her voice is a rallying call to rethink our legacy, reimagine retirement, and move through life with purpose, connection, and heart.
Show Notes
Transformative Insights
The bicycle is a tool for mobility that is transforming access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity across rural Africa.
Why Maureen left a 26-year corporate career to pursue lasting community impact
Redefining success after 50 by letting go of the pressure to win and embracing a more holistic, human-centered definition of achievement
Why relationships—not just results—are the currency of sustainable leadership
Vulnerable Moments
Maureen opens up about being unaware of rural poverty in her own country until witnessing it firsthand during COVID-19.
She shares the emotional story of a mother whose daughter’s new bicycle meant she could finally sleep peacefully at night.
Rebecca and Maureen dive into the pressure women face to choose between motherhood and ambition—and how to build a life that honors both.
Maureen reflects on hitting burnout and how learning to rest became her ultimate act of strength.
Practical Wisdom
How to lead with empathy, clarity, and shared purpose
Engaging men, communities, and families to champion girls’ education and create cultural change from the ground up
Wellness is a part of wholistic leadership practice including the role of movement, morning routines, and boundaries in staying grounded
Why trust and generosity are the foundation of lasting influence
Personal Growth
Maureen’s evolution from task-driven corporate leader to holistic, impact-centered changemaker
Embracing health and stillness as core values—not luxuries—in a high-demand life
Leading by example for her children, showing that failure, like not finishing a marathon, can still be a proud win
Maureen’s reflections on legacy and how she’s shaping a retirement defined by service and joy
Show Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by GU Energy Labs. If you're always on the move, GU Energy Labs has got you covered with their range of products designed to boost your energy, keep you hydrated, and aid in recovery. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just love staying active, GU Energy Labs has everything to feed your need to move. Get 20% off any order $49+ using the promo code RUSCH20 (valid for one order until May 14, 2025).
This episode is also sponsored by Momentous. As a special thanks for listening, they're offering 35% off your first subscription order with the coupon code RUSCH. Click here to order!
Support Us
Love the show? There are several ways to support this adventure and help us continue to bring you these inspiring conversations.
Subscribe and Follow
Get Connected: Follow Rebecca on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for behind-the-scenes content and updates on new episodes.
Become a Partner: Interested in reaching an engaged audience of leaders, athletes, creatives, and purpose-driven individuals? What's the Rusch is the place to align your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and personal growth. For sponsorship inquiries and media kit information, please contact Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com