Malisha Awunor: Redefining Work, Reshaping Leadership, and Owning the Future

At Caleo Consulting, we don’t just coach leaders—we partner in their transformation. Malisha Awunor is one such leader, and we’ve had the privilege of being part of her journey of self-awareness, embracing her strengths, and redefining the way she approaches leadership and workplace culture. 

Malisha doesn’t do half-measures. When life threw her a curveball, she didn’t just catch it—she built an entire business around it. 

"I am a newbie, and at my age, it’s not often I can say that!" she laughs. After being retrenched last year, she found herself in uncharted territory (further compounded by burnout and menopause)—unemployed for the first time in her adult life. Following a necessary rage walk (because sometimes you just need to storm it out), she made a bold decision: instead of waiting for the next opportunity, she would create one. 

That’s how Ikigai People was born. Inspired by the Japanese principle of Ikigai—the sweet spot where passion, skill, financial reward, and purpose intersect—Malisha set out to transform the way businesses approach people and culture. 

For Malisha, HR isn’t just about policies and processes; it’s about revolutionising how workplaces function. With rapid technological changes, shifting generational dynamics, and trends like quiet quitting and the great resignation, she believes HR must evolve. Her mission? To bridge the gap between technology and people, creating workplaces that are more human and where both individuals and businesses thrive. 

"The opportunities for HR are endless, but they require a mindset shift. We need to stop managing people like spreadsheets and start designing work environments that truly support beyond compliance and beyond cookie-cutter designs." 

But transforming workplaces isn’t just about strategy and innovation—it’s about self-awareness, too. Malisha has learned that to build something meaningful, you have to understand yourself first. And that’s where the Enneagram comes in. 

The Enneagram: A Mirror and a Megaphone 

As an Enneagram Type 1, Malisha is wired for structure, purpose, and (let’s be honest) high standards. But self-awareness has been a game-changer. 

"I find labels triggering, so when someone says, ‘Step out of your 1,’ I want to throw something!" she admits. However, understanding her Enneagram type has helped her recognise the impact of her upbringing (eldest child syndrome, anyone?), as well as how her need for purpose and order influences her leadership. 

One standout moment? Early in her career, she spent three whole weeks refining a strategy for an executive team, convinced it wasn’t good enough. When she finally presented it, they loved it. That was her wake-up call—sometimes, done is better than perfect. It’s a lesson she carries into her entrepreneurial journey: “Being an entrepreneur means I can’t wait until things are perfect, and I need to get more comfortable with that.” 

Her Enneagram self-awareness has shaped her relationships, too. In her marriage, she laughs at how her Type 1 instincts show up in the most mundane moments—like mentally measuring the distance between the car and the parking lines when her husband is the driver. 

In the corporate world, she’s often been called the “moral compass” or “paragon of virtue” by CEOs, a label that carries both influence and pressure. “Fairness and justice are very important to me, and I’ve found that as long as I stay true to my values, people actually listen.” 

Ultimately, Malisha sees the Enneagram as both a mirror and a megaphone. It has allowed her to own her strengths, recognise her blind spots, and—most importantly—get out of her own way. 

Leading with Purpose and Imperfection 

Malisha has always been a builder—of ideas, people, and possibilities. Mentoring and coaching have been constants in her journey, shaped by her own experiences of exclusion and workplace dynamics. She’s now dedicated to paying it forward, helping others navigate their professional journeys with confidence. 

But let’s be real—growth is messy. Being an entrepreneur has forced her to embrace imperfection, take risks, and, most importantly, trust her instincts. 

Advice for Women Exploring the Enneagram 

"Step out of the discomfort of the label and lean into your gifts. Your triggers don’t define you, but understanding them will set you free." 

As Ikigai People continues to grow, Malisha is on a mission to bring meaningful, sustainable change to workplaces—where people can show up as their full, authentic selves. Because at the end of the day, work should be more than just a paycheck. It should be a place where people, passion, and purpose intersect.