Harness the Wild, Scale your Growth
Our leadership team brings an extensive cross-sector leadership experience and a deep passion for leadership and outdoor education. Our instructors have worked with leading global outdoor programs, bringing unmatched expertise in wilderness training and leadership development. Interdisciplinary speakers and facilitators contribute a rich blend of perspectives, with backgrounds in leadership education, human development, and professional growth. With a strong understanding of the African workforce and its unique challenges, our team equips participants with essential skills like emotional intelligence, human-centered design, and positive psychology to drive both personal and professional success.
Our Leadership team
Co-Founder
Elena Olivi, MBA
Elena leads AddVenture’s operations, partnerships and business development, bringing 15 years of experience in coaching and managing teams across Africa. With a strong background in public health, she has held senior leadership roles, including Program Manager at PSI and Chief Operating Officer at Pyramid Pharma, where she oversaw a $20 million P&L and spearheaded organizational growth.
As a strategy and management consultant at Open Capital Advisors, Elena honed her skills in organizational leadership, guiding businesses and nonprofits toward sustainable impact. A passionate mountaineer, Elena has extensive training in first aid, avalanche safety, and rock climbing, and has served as a leader trainer for Princeton University’s Outdoor Action program.
Elena holds a Bachelor's degree from Princeton University and an MBA from IMD, bringing both strategic insight and hands-on leadership to AddVenture.
Co-Founder
Will Wamaru, MBA
Will leads AddVenture’s program and curriculum development, drawing from over a decade of experience as an outdoor and leadership educator. Rooted in indigenous wisdom traditions such as Ubuntu, Ikigai, Mitakuye Oyasin, and Wabi-Sabi, he believes that leadership transcends individual authority; it’s not just about self, but also the “ship” and “shipmates” — harnessing the collective strength of individual values, imaginations, and skills to work together effectively.
Will is passionate about cultivating ethical, resilient, and compassionate leaders who can think innovatively and take initiative to drive sustainable change. He has taught wilderness leadership courses with NOLS in both East Africa and the USA and co-founded ASOLA, an adventure education program in Kenya that supports young adults as they navigate transition to adulthood. His leadership experience also includes serving as Dean of Equity and Belonging at Proctor Academy and as Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Virginia.
Guided by a deep commitment to social justice, and conservation of Will’s work is influenced by interests in behavioral ethics, power dynamics, intercultural competence, and conflict resolution. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Nairobi and a Social Impact MBA from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University.
Advisors
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James KG Kagambi
Mountaineer, Outdoor Instructor, and Owner KG Mountain Expeditions
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Dr. Linda Davies
Founder & CEO Giraffe Bioenergy and Outdoor Instructor
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Shikuku Ooko, WEMT
Wilderness Medicine and Leadership Instructor.
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Lydia Muthoni
Program Director, NOLS E.Africa and Outdoor Instructor
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Nick Handler
Leadership Coach and Social Enterprise Leader
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Jim Kinuthia
Business Development, Digital Supply Chains and Logistics Leader
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Becca Kutz
Educator, and Founder of Good Natured Learning
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James Mixon
Climber, Instructor and Photographic Storyteller
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Tom Osborne
Co-Founder Shamiri Institute and Mental Health Advocate
