Meet Claudia Piacenza
Claudia Piacenza is a systems thinker, coach, and facilitator whose work strengthens leadership across Africa’s food systems. As the Food Systems Lead at Wasafiri, she helps individuals and institutions navigate complexity, unlock collaboration, and drive meaningful, long-lasting change.
Claudia will be leading our next Lunch & Learn session on “Systemic Leadership: What It Is and Why It Matters,” sharing practical insights and examples from her work across food systems in Africa.
Her approach is rooted in a simple belief: lasting transformation happens when people understand the system, see their role within it, and choose to lead differently.
Where It All Began
Claudia’s passion for human-focused, human-driven change began early. Growing up in southern Italy, she was just a teenager when she started volunteering at a local soup kitchen. It was there that she first encountered refugees fleeing the Balkan wars, an experience that shaped her view of inequality and privilege.
She recalls realising that the difference between her own life and the lives of the people she served came down to a simple truth:
“I was just lucky to be born on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea.”
That moment ignited her dedication to studying and confronting inequality, long before she knew it could become a career.
A Career Shaped by Insight
Claudia’s path into systems leadership wasn’t linear. She describes her journey as one she understands best by looking back, a series of professional decisions that, at the time, were guided more by instinct than strategy.
But a clear pattern emerged:
She thrived most when her work focused on supporting human potential and enabling long-term, meaningful change.
This awareness ultimately brought her to Wasafiri, where she found the language and framework that crystallised her approach: leadership for systemic change.
Her work today blends facilitation, strategy, coaching, and deep listening, helping leaders across Africa navigate complexity and unlock collective action.
What Drives Claudia?
Claudia is motivated by both passion and mission.
“It gives me great joy to work through others and support people who will go out there and make good change happen.”
Her passion is fueled by curiosity, especially around how humans learn, adapt, and grow.
Her mission is anchored in advancing leadership that can shift systems, not just solve symptoms.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Claudia is focused on expanding her impact and deepening her craft. Her goals include:
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Scaling the African Food Fellowship for continental expansion
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Working with Wasafiri to spread the practice of systemic leadership as widely as possible
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Growing her coaching skills and practice to support leaders navigating complexity in their sectors
Her vision is rooted in empowerment, helping more people see themselves as agents of system-wide change.
Finding Balance
Claudia finds grounding and inspiration in moments of creativity, play, and stillness.
“I play with magnet tiles with my 4-year-old and do nature-inspired art with my 7-year-old.”
She also fiercely protects her “me time,” even if it’s just sitting quietly and reflecting in her garden. These small rituals help her reconnect with herself and remain centred in her purpose-driven work.
What Do You Enjoy About Ikigai?
For Claudia, Ikigai is more than just a workspace; it’s a source of energy, belonging, and inspiration.
“The place itself is an incredible source of positive energy for me. I love the diversity of the community here and the flexibility it provides.”
The nature-infused environment mirrors the reflective, human-centred approach she embodies — making Ikigai a natural extension of her work and values.
If you would like to connect with Claudia or her team, you can join us for our upcoming Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, January 28th 2026, or reach out via: LinkedIn: Claudia Piacenza | Website: Wasafiri Consulting
Ikigai is a collective of wellness-focused, beautifully designed shared and private biophilic spaces to work, connect and unwind across Kenya’s bustling capital city – Nairobi – with five locations across the city in Lower Kabete, Lavington, Westlands – Peponi Road, Riverside, and Westlands – Brookside Drive. We provide our community and the wider Nairobi ecosystem with beautiful environments that nurture meaningful human interactions.
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