In today’s volatile world, where change is constant and uncertainty abounds, innovation and agility are indispensable for organisational survival. The TEXEM programme, Resilience in a Volatile World: Inspiring Transformation Successfully, is uniquely designed to help leaders integrate innovation into their leadership toolkit, enabling them to navigate complexity and foster organisational agility. Scheduled from February 8–22, 2025, this three-week programme is an immersive blend of virtual and live learning.
The programme provides leaders with an actionable roadmap to design resilient organisations capable of adapting to change while maintaining a competitive edge. It begins with self-paced learning activities, where participants engage with videos, case studies, and reflection exercises on TEXEM’s interactive learning platform. Points earned through these activities are displayed on a leaderboard, encouraging friendly competition and deeper engagement. Weekly live sessions complement these activities, offering participants the opportunity to collaborate with globally recognised faculty, such as Ambassador Charles Crawford, Bradley Jones, and Dr. TB McClelland Jr.
Innovation takes centre stage in this programme. Leaders are challenged to rethink traditional business models and explore new ways of solving complex problems. The live sessions provide actionable strategies for integrating innovation into daily leadership practices. For instance, Ambassador Crawford’s expertise in communication helps leaders articulate a clear vision for change, fostering alignment and engagement across their teams. His insights into influencing stakeholders empower participants to garner support for innovative initiatives, even in environments where resistance to change may be high.
Bradley Jones adds strategic depth to the programme by introducing decision-making frameworks that emphasise adaptability. Participants learn how to assess risks and opportunities, enabling them to make informed decisions in uncertain contexts. For example, Jones highlights how scenario planning can help organisations anticipate market shifts and adjust their strategies accordingly. By equipping participants with these tools, the programme ensures leaders can navigate volatility with confidence.
Dr. TB McClelland Jr. focuses on the cultural dimensions of innovation. His sessions explore how leaders can create environments that encourage experimentation and risk-taking. Participants examine real-world examples of organisations that have successfully embedded innovation into their cultures, identifying lessons that can be applied to their own contexts. For instance, McClelland emphasises the importance of psychological safety in fostering creativity, showing leaders how to build trust and encourage diverse perspectives.
A hallmark of the TEXEM programme is its emphasis on actionable learning. Participants engage in scenario-based exercises that simulate real-world challenges, such as managing high operational costs or navigating regulatory uncertainty. These exercises encourage participants to apply the principles of innovation and agility to design effective solutions. For instance, leaders might be tasked with developing a strategy to reduce costs without compromising product quality, using tools introduced during the programme.
The focus on agility is particularly timely in today’s fast-paced business environment. Leaders are encouraged to adopt iterative approaches to strategy development, enabling them to respond swiftly to changing conditions. By learning to pivot effectively, participants gain the confidence to make bold decisions that drive growth and resilience.
Stakeholder engagement is another critical theme of the programme. Leaders gain tools to build coalitions and inspire their teams, ensuring that innovative strategies are supported at all levels of the organisation. Ambassador Crawford’s sessions provide practical frameworks for influencing stakeholders, helping participants align diverse interests around a shared vision.
By the end of the programme, participants leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to embed innovation and agility into their leadership practices. They gain actionable tools to drive change, optimise operations, and achieve sustainable growth. More importantly, they develop the confidence to lead their organisations through uncertainty, ensuring long-term success. Testimonials from the previous delegates underscore TEXEM’s successes:
“I found TEXEM UK to be a very impactful and high powered platform. I’ve learned so much from the faculty here, and I believe that TEXEM UK is redefining the future of executive training and management. In the past few days, we’ve learned so much about resilience, about how to push our teams even in an economic downturn, and how to manage for profitability and improve performance.” – Amina Yuguga, Journalist and Group Head for Documentaries and Features for Media Trust Group
“The programme was incredibly engaging, offering profound insights from exceptional facilitators. It brought together world-class professors, visionary founders, trailblazing innovators, and creative experts with unmatched expertise and rich experiences” – Niyi Toluwalope, Chief Executive Officer of eTranzact Group.
“A key takeaway for me is that fear is our greatest enemy, and conquering it empowers us to achieve anything. I also appreciated the opportunity to network with fellow participants from home that I hadn’t met before. Learning from Cadbury’s resilience and longevity in business was particularly inspiring, as it exemplifies how organizations can thrive despite disruptions. Thank you, TEXEM, for this enriching experience.” – Ann Iyonu, Executive Director, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.
The TEXEM programme is more than a learning experience; it is a strategic investment in leadership excellence. By focusing on innovation and agility, participants are equipped to turn challenges into opportunities and achieve transformational results. For leaders ready to redefine their organisations’ futures, this programme offers the tools and insights to thrive in a volatile world.
Innovation is no longer optional; it is a critical skill for leaders navigating today’s volatile world. The TEXEM programme, Resilience in a Volatile World: Inspiring Transformation Successfully, is designed to equip leaders with the tools they need to foster innovation and achieve sustainable growth. Over three weeks, participants engage in a combination of self-paced and live learning sessions, gaining insights into how to build resilient organisations.
The programme’s unique structure encourages continuous learning through a gamified system. Leaders earn points for engaging with case studies, reflecting on real-world scenarios, and participating in discussions. The competitive leaderboard motivates participants to actively engage, while the live sessions deepen their understanding of the tools and frameworks essential for innovation.
Led by distinguished faculty, including Ambassador Charles Crawford, Bradley Jones, and Dr. TB McClelland Jr., the live sessions focus on equipping leaders with actionable strategies. Crawford’s expertise in communication and negotiation helps leaders build trust and inspire confidence, ensuring alignment among stakeholders. Jones introduces methodologies for decision-making and risk assessment, empowering leaders to adapt to uncertainty with agility. McClelland focuses on fostering cultures of innovation, enabling leaders to redesign business models and achieve profitable growth.
Innovation lies at the heart of the programme. Through interactive sessions, participants explore how to integrate creative problem-solving into their leadership strategies. They learn how to identify growth opportunities, optimise resources, and foster collaboration across their organisations. For instance, scenario-based exercises might illustrate how to navigate regulatory changes while maintaining operational efficiency. Testimonials from the previous delegates underscore TEXEM’s successes:
“I found TEXEM UK to be a very impactful and high powered platform. I’ve learned so much from the faculty here, and I believe that TEXEM UK is redefining the future of executive training and management. In the past few days, we’ve learned so much about resilience, about how to push our teams even in an economic downturn, and how to manage for profitability and improve performance.” – Amina Yuguga, Journalist and Group Head for Documentaries and Features for Media Trust Group
“The programme was incredibly engaging, offering profound insights from exceptional facilitators. It brought together world-class professors, visionary founders, trailblazing innovators, and creative experts with unmatched expertise and rich experiences” – Niyi Toluwalope, Chief Executive Officer of eTranzact Group.
“I’ve enjoyed the presentations of the consultants. I’ve enjoyed the practicability of the consultants. They bring in life examples in all their presentations…”– Otunba Sonya Ogunkuade, Hon. Commissioner and Special Assistant to the President.
By the end of the programme, leaders are equipped with the tools and confidence to drive transformational change. They leave with a clear understanding of how to foster innovation, achieve strategic goals, and build organisations that thrive in uncertain environments.
In my fourteen years as the Founder of TEXEM, UK, and previously as a Director of Strategy in Cambridge, I have engaged with thousands of leaders across multiple continents. Amid these interactions, the exceptional creativity and tenacity of Nigerian leaders stand out. Yet the billion-dollar question persists: why, in spite of its abundant natural resources and immense population, has Nigeria not achieved more transformational success at both national and organisational levels? The answers lie in a tapestry of interwoven challenges—from insecurity and weak infrastructure to policy inconsistencies and corruption. Nevertheless, these issues, while daunting, are by no means impermeable. Through visionary leadership, focused governance, and impactful collaboration that bridges public and private sectors, Nigeria has the potential to transcend prevailing obstacles and forge a brighter future.
Nigeria at a Defining Juncture
Nigeria’s moment is now. Despite difficulties ranging from economic volatility to a pronounced digital divide, history demonstrates that leaders who harness adversity can spawn remarkable progress. Many nations have done precisely that, though their solutions must be adapted to Nigeria’s diverse contexts. Comprising over 200 million people from numerous ethnic backgrounds, the country presents a federal system with both benefits and complications. Strategic governance that nurtures peace, fosters inclusive growth, and upholds transparency can help Nigeria convert untapped promise into tangible gains for its citizens.
Insecurity as a Spur for Rethinking Governance
Security remains paramount for sustaining growth. When communities live in perpetual fear of insurgency, kidnapping, or communal unrest, the entire social fabric begins to unravel. Companies delay expansion, foreign investors waver, and communal hopes dwindle. Yet examples from Rwanda, Colombia, and India suggest that security challenges are not immovable. Rwanda reduced crime by integrating high-tech surveillance with community-focused policing; Colombia pivoted from decades of insurgent conflict by empowering local stakeholders and directing more resources to inclusive peacebuilding; India diminished fraudulent practices by introducing digital identification systems for public services. These successes highlight the importance of matching technology with grassroots initiatives, but Nigeria’s vast size, deep diversity, and entrenched patronage networks pose added complications.
Adapting these global experiences is essential. Inter-agency cooperation would help coordinate responses to threats, while bridging the mistrust between different arms of government. Community support programmes that include ex-combatants or disadvantaged youths could draw people away from radical or criminal activities. A renewed emphasis on transparency in security funding—ensuring that resources reach frontline efforts rather than vanishing into bureaucratic voids—would reinforce public trust. By tailoring foreign insights to Nigeria’s own socioeconomic realities, security can become more than just the absence of violence; it can catalyse development, attract investment, and infuse life back into communities.
Diversifying Beyond Oil: A Route to Resilience
For many years, Nigeria’s heavy dependence on oil revenue has cast a long shadow over its economy, rendering it vulnerable to fluctuations in global prices. Repeated budget crises attest to the perils of failing to diversify. Indonesia’s example serves as an antidote to complacency. That country’s leaders strategically shifted their focus from oil to manufacturing, agro-processing, and tourism, ultimately boosting GDP to over one trillion dollars.
Nigeria can emulate this by committing to broad-based growth in sectors beyond oil. Agricultural modernisation is an urgent priority. Through initiatives such as agro-industrial parks and upgraded processing facilities, farmers could convert perishable commodities—like cassava—into marketable products such as biofuels or starch. Harnessing these opportunities requires stable conditions: ongoing conflicts in rural areas directly affect farm output, distribution routes, and export logistics. A secure environment, in tandem with policies that encourage public-private partnerships and efficient transport networks, would improve revenue streams, create jobs, and reduce dependence on oil.
Empowering the Youth: Turning a Demographic Wave into an Engine of Growth
Nigeria’s youthfulness is one of its most substantial assets: well over half the population is below the age of twenty-five. However, a mismatch between education and employment frequently traps young graduates in frustration. India’s leap into global IT leadership provides a relevant lesson. The introduction of tech hubs, investment incentives for startups, and a focus on digital literacy empowered a generation to reshape the country’s economy.
Nigeria can replicate this trajectory by concentrating on technical education and entrepreneurship support. The government’s 3MTT programme already offers a framework, but more significant input from both private and public partners is necessary. Universities can realign curricula to include the technical, creative, and entrepreneurial skills needed in a rapidly evolving world. Incubation centres and venture funding would propel ideas into viable enterprises, sparking innovation among young Nigerians. However, such growth hinges on security—entrepreneurship cannot flourish in areas plagued by kidnappings or armed groups. Securing these regions, establishing reliable electricity and internet provision, and reducing bureaucratic red tape would enable the nation’s youth to channel their energy into productive enterprises rather than succumbing to disillusionment and crime.
Confronting Infrastructure Deficits
Infrastructure—both physical and digital—is a backbone for sustainable development. Unreliable power cripples factory output, poor road networks delay the transport of goods, and spotty internet blocks opportunities for remote work and online services. Rwanda’s strides in partnering with private investors to improve infrastructure underscore the merits of a methodical approach, yet Nigeria’s size dwarfs that of Rwanda, necessitating an even more comprehensive plan.
A modern railway that connects each state capital could strengthen trade links, reduce accidents on congested roads, and accelerate travel for millions of citizens. Expanding broadband access, especially through a project covering all 774 local government areas, can ignite a digital revolution in e-commerce, telemedicine, and online education. Such large-scale initiatives must factor in security from inception. Infrastructure without security remains vulnerable to vandalism and looting, but secure infrastructure fosters trust, investment, and a spirit of optimism about the country’s future.
Building Trust Through Transparency
Corruption is a debilitating force that stalls progress. When bribes and favouritism dominate, faith in institutions crumbles, deterring foreign investors who expect fair markets and clear regulations. Botswana’s experience proves that embedding accountability into national culture is possible, though it demands steadfast leadership. Digital tools can drastically lessen human-driven corruption by automating transactions and allowing for real-time oversight. For Nigeria, piloting blockchain technology to track financial flows, digitising procurement processes, and reducing face-to-face administrative touchpoints offer promising solutions.
Ultimately, transparency must begin at the top. Leaders must embody the values they champion, sending a clear signal that no individual is above scrutiny. Whistle-blower protection laws and diligent enforcement agencies can amplify this ethical revolution. Deploying technology in tandem with well-publicised legal reforms would help win public support and bolster the economy, creating a virtuous cycle in which integrity drives security and development.
Cultivating Human Capital for the Knowledge Economy
No matter how sophisticated the infrastructure or how advanced the technology, a country’s real competitive advantage lies in its people. Nations like South Korea, Singapore, and Finland invested heavily in education, research, and continuous learning to foster citizens equipped for the modern world. Nigeria could join their ranks by tailoring educational systems to contemporary market needs, rewarding both academic excellence and creative thinking.
Collaborations between universities and businesses—locally and internationally—would facilitate targeted research, leading to innovative solutions with commercial potential. Offering scholarships, research grants, and awards tied to national development goals could spark a surge in problem-solving initiatives. Yet this endeavour again hinges on security: scholars and entrepreneurs are loath to risk their personal safety or see their labs destroyed by conflict. A steady environment not only entices foreign experts but also persuades ambitious Nigerian graduates to remain at home, helping to strengthen research capabilities and foster local entrepreneurship.
Tackling Root Causes of Insecurity
While bolstering police forces and armed responses have their roles, sustainable security emerges from addressing deep-rooted social and economic disparities. Colombia’s approach to community-driven peacebuilding stands out as a model. By extending development projects and livelihood opportunities into vulnerable areas, Colombia drew communities away from insurgent groups.
Nigeria could adapt a similar strategy: communities that feel marginalised or neglected may respond positively if offered genuine pathways to economic participation. Well-administered digital identification programmes could ensure targeted delivery of welfare and poverty alleviation schemes, especially in conflict-prone zones. This reduces the appeal of criminal or extremist factions that often thrive in socio-economic vacuums. By bringing healthcare, education, and employment prospects closer to those who lack them, the government could gradually reshape attitudes and nurture genuine partnerships with citizens in forging security solutions.
The Virtuous Cycle of Security and Investment
Enhanced security encourages entrepreneurs to innovate, creates confidence for multinationals looking to invest, and allows local firms to operate unimpeded. In turn, growing businesses expand the tax base and generate employment, which strengthens security further as citizens sense renewed hope and have less motivation to engage in wrongdoing.
Rwanda’s gains in stability, Colombia’s shift toward reconciliation, and India’s focus on inclusive digital frameworks illustrate that no country is inherently doomed to insecurity. Nigeria has a wellspring of entrepreneurial spirit waiting to be tapped. Once business owners trust that their assets and staff are safe, and that regulatory processes are fair, many more will contribute to the economy’s diversification—whether in agriculture, tourism, technology, or manufacturing.
Visionary Leadership as the Cornerstone of Change
Bold, ethically grounded leadership remains essential to unravelling Nigeria’s challenges. Leaders in government, civil society, and business must be prepared to question long-standing norms, embrace accountability, and marshal data-led strategies. This approach transcends rhetorical commitments, requiring tangible strides in infrastructure, support for youth, and unwavering anti-corruption campaigns.
An empathetic stance that values grassroots input can transform the nation’s varied cultural tapestry into a unifying strength. Decision-makers must identify and empower competent, integrity-driven individuals across society, including women, youth, and underrepresented groups in the critical implementation phase. Innovative ideas often originate from the margins rather than the centre, and an inclusive leadership style that channels these insights can spark a collective sense of ownership and engagement in the national project.
Conclusion: A Collective Journey Towards 2025 and Beyond
Nigeria has the critical ingredients of a remarkable success story: vast natural resources, an energetic and youthful population, a dynamic entrepreneurial scene, and strategic influence in Africa. Translating these advantages into real-world prosperity, however, hinges on systematic efforts to quell insecurity, modernise infrastructure, and eradicate corruption. When trust in institutions grows, communities become safer, and talents are harnessed in service of progress, the nation stands on the cusp of a profound transformation.
By adopting the lessons of Rwanda, Colombia, India, Indonesia, and other nations—while calibrating them to Nigerian realities—leaders can build genuine momentum for change. Diversifying beyond oil secures economic stability. Fostering youth entrepreneurship creates pathways out of poverty and channels youthful zeal into productive endeavours. Modernising infrastructure enables businesses to operate seamlessly, while robust transparency measures rebuild faith in governance. Strengthening human capital fuels, a leap into a globally competitive knowledge economy. At the same time, addressing deep-seated grievances through community-led development and inclusive policies strikes at the heart of insecurity, replacing despair with opportunity.
Under visionary leadership that is firmly rooted in empathy, accountability and effective as well as efficient implementation of well thought out policies, Nigeria can break free of its historical constraints. The global community, including investors, researchers, and development partners, is more likely to commit their resources and expertise to a country that consistently proves its dedication to transparency, stability, and innovation. As Nigeria continues along this journey, it has the potential to radiate positive influence throughout Africa and beyond, providing a blueprint for how strategic leadership can convert manifold struggles into a legacy of shared prosperity.
Dr Alim Abubakre is the Founder of TEXEM, UK (www.texem.co.uk), a senior lecturer at Sheffield Business School, Member of the Advisory Board of London Business School Africa Society and Non-Executive Director of Business Council for Africa.
In a resounding testament to excellence and leadership, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, a distinguished alumnus of TEXEM, UK (These Executive Minds), has been appointed Minister of Housing and Urban Development. Architect Dangiwa attended the TEXEM’s Leading with Personal Impact During Slow Growth held in March 2020. During this programme, he demonstrated impressive humility, a commendable commitment to lifelong learning and a remarkable willingness to collaborate with others.
Ahmed Musa Dangiwa is a man of pedigree, a leader whose career has been marked by unwavering commitment to public service and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey from the hallowed halls of TEXEM to this prestigious ministerial position is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and a thirst for knowledge.
Dangiwa’s educational background, leadership exposure and industry experience enriched by his time at TEXEM have uniquely prepared him for the challenges of his new role. TEXEM’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and practical leadership skills aligns seamlessly with the requirements of a Minister of Housing and Urban Development. Dangiwa’s deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding housing and urban development is rooted in his experience, making him eminently qualified to tackle Nigeria’s pressing issues in this domain.
Celebrating this remarkable achievement, we must recognise why Ahmed Musa Dangiwa is best suited for this pivotal role. His distinguished career in the public sector, including his tenure as the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, has honed his expertise in housing finance and urban development. His vision for sustainable and inclusive urban growth and his ability to strategise and implement policies are a testament to his competence and leadership.
Dangiwa’s appointment should serve as a clarion call to TEXEM and its community of executives. First, this appointment is a testament that the organisation is living its values- Insights that inspire and actions that change the world. Secondly, it is a reminder of the impact TEXEM alums can have on the nation and the world when they apply the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired through TEXEM’s programmes. Furthermore, this achievement is not just a personal milestone for Architect Dangiwa. Still, it also represents the calibre of individuals TEXEM nurtures and their transformative impact in their respective fields. Thus, it’s a personal victory and a collective success story underscoring the importance of continuous learning, networking, and leadership development.
As TEXEM congratulates Ahmed Musa Dangiwa on his well-deserved appointment, we also cease this moment as an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to nurturing present and future strategic leaders. Dangiwa’s journey demonstrates the tangible results that can be achieved when knowledge meets dedication. It is a reminder that TEXEM’s role in shaping leaders transcends its programmes and extends to the broader impact these leaders have on society.
The founder of TEXEM, UK, Dr Alim Abubakre, surmised, “Congratulations, Ahmed Dangiwa, on your well-deserved appointment as a Federal Minister! Your compelling strategic leadership, lofty achievements and journey as an alumnus have brought you here, and we trust you’ll use this role to create a brighter future for society and consolidate your impact. Keep reaching for new heights!”
In conclusion, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa’s appointment as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development is a source of pride not only for him but for TEXEM and the entire nation of Nigeria. It underscores the transformative power of education and the immense potential within each TEXEM alum. Let us celebrate this achievement and look forward to the positive changes and innovative solutions that will emerge under Dangiwa’s leadership. TEXEM take pride in shaping leaders like Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and trusts this appointment inspires others to aspire to excellence, leadership development and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
From Financial Innovator to Presidential Special Adviser, Zacch Adedeji’s Journey of Excellence
TEXEM UK, a renowned UK leadership development organisation, proudly congratulates Zacch Adedeji on his appointment as Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on revenue matters. Adedeji’s exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication to driving revenue growth have made him an outstanding choice for this crucial role. In 2011, Adedeji made history by becoming the youngest person ever appointed Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State. During his tenure, his visionary leadership inspired and led to the introduction of a series of brilliant, forward-thinking reforms that elevated the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to unprecedented heights. By plugging financial leakages, implementing best financial practices, and spearheading a remarkable financial turnaround, Adedeji showcased his unparalleled ability to innovate and generate revenue. TEXEM UK is proud to have played a small part in Adedeji’s journey of excellence. In October 2015, he attended the prestigious programme, Leaders in Oil and Gas programme, which TEXEM organised in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, which held in London. This programme allowed Adedeji to expand his strategic outlook and acquire valuable insights into leadership and how to do more with fewer resources. His attendance demonstrates his commitment to personal growth and professional development, which undoubtedly contributed to his outstanding achievements. Following his remarkable success in Oyo State, Adedeji was appointed Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council in March 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. For over two years, he has worked diligently towards Nigeria’s ambitious goal of achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production through faithfully implementing the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP). Adedeji’s unwavering dedication and strategic acumen have propelled Nigeria closer to this vital objective. As a Fellow of Chartered Accountants (FCA) and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Adedeji possesses a formidable wealth of knowledge and expertise in the financial sector. His deep understanding of finance and taxation is an invaluable asset that will drive revenue growth and economic stability under his guidance. One of the most striking aspects of Adedeji’s leadership is his versatility and ability to reinvent himself in the face of challenges. He has a unique talent for transforming revenue challenges into impactful growth and innovation opportunities. Adedeji’s strategic outlook and his unwavering commitment to excellence distinguish him as a transformative leader capable of driving financial change and shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape.
TEXEM, UK’s founder, Dr Alim Abubakre, articulated that “Mr Zacch Adedeji’s life and ethos reflect the words of General Douglas MacArthur, who said that a ‘true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent’. We implore him to take this well-deserved appointment to consolidate his impact and secure his legacy as the technocrat who developed actionable policies on the nation’s quest to achieve inclusive and sustainable prosperity”.
TEXEM UK commends Zacch Adedeji on his well-deserved appointment as Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on revenue matters. His remarkable journey from a state Commissioner to a Presidential Special Adviser inspires aspiring leaders across Nigeria. Adedeji’s accomplishments demonstrate the incredible possibilities that arise from passion, dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We implore him to inspire the development of policies around the following areas: They are improving compliance risk management and strategies, Modernising debt collection processes, operations and tools and Fostering internal control. Other areas that Adedeji should explore reforms include developing and implementing better strategic planning and performance management frameworks, organisational risk management and information security and enhancing business processes and project and change management. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Zacch Adedeji and wish him immense success in his new role. May his tenure be marked by groundbreaking achievements, sustainable revenue growth, and a prosperous future for Nigeria. TEXEM UK proudly stands behind Adedeji as he continues to drive Nigeria’s revenue transformation with his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.
A Visionary Leader Driving Landmark Judgments and Transforming Taxation
We at TEXEM UK are delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi on her recent appointment as Director at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in Nigeria. This remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional skills, dedication, and visionary outlook towards driving transformative change in taxation. Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi’s journey to this esteemed position has been characterised by unwavering determination and remarkable accomplishments. As a seasoned counsel, she has displayed an outstanding commitment to justice, consistently securing numerous landmark judgments for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ms Oniyangi’s promotion to the exalted position of Director is well deserved because of her excellent analytical credentials, charismatic yet humble mien, inspiring audacity, uncommon patriotism and impeccable moral compass that sets her apart. Her fantastic ability to make good decisions, outstanding coordination credentials, profound positive impact and unwavering dedication led to her appointment as the Coordinating Secretary of the Tax Appeal Tribunal, further expanding her influence and solidifying her reputation as a legal luminary and goal-getter. In fact, the President of the Lower Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Higher Tax Appeal Tribunal in the UK has praised the Tax Appeal Tribunal under her leadership, acknowledging its superiority in areas such as the deliberation and disposition of justice. The Nigerian system’s speed and efficiency in recruiting and retaining commissioners surpass the UK’s, making it more effective in delivering judgments. This recognition is a testament to Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi’s exceptional leadership and the positive changes she has brought to the tax appeal system. Beyond her professional achievements, Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi’s personal story is an inspiration to all. As a single mother who tragically lost her husband many years ago, she has demonstrated unwavering strength and resilience in raising her family while excelling in her professional endeavours. She is an outstanding role model in stability and integrity, embodying the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Her success is a testament to her self-drive, motivation, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Ms Hajara Oniyangi is an illustrious alumnus of TEXEM as she attended our executive development programme, Effective Leadership for Sustainable Success, held between June 12th – July 24th, 2021. Sir Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that count.” These words aptly capture the spirit of Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi. She embodies the characteristics of a driven and determined individual who consistently delivers exceptional results, regardless of the challenges or targets. Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi’s appointment as a Director at the FIRS is a significant milestone for her and for the advancement of tax administration in Nigeria. Her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence will propel FIRS towards greater heights, facilitating economic growth and promoting compliance in the Nigerian tax landscape. We are confident that under her guidance, the FIRS and the Tax Appeal Tribunal will continue to contribute substantially to the nation’s development and fiscal stability. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us recognise and commend Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi for her outstanding achievements and for being a beacon of inspiration. Her tireless dedication, determination, and remarkable results speak volumes about her character and unwavering commitment to excellence. Her appointment is a testament to her strategic leadership and illustrious career, exemplified by many landmark judgements she has secured for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Dr Alim Abubakre, Founder of TEXEM, UK, said, “Ms Hajara Oniyangi’s personality epitomises Peter Drucker’s wise statement that the effective leader sees leadership as a responsibility rather than rank and privilege. I encourage her to continue her penchant for good judgement, excellent collaborative streak, diplomatic outlook, impressive self-awareness, and the awesome collaborative quotient that will serve her well in her pursuit of enduring impact. I encourage her to see this elevation as a call for more distinguished service to society and encourage her to seize this unique opportunity to complete the journey of writing her name in gold”.
TEXEM UK extends our heartfelt congratulations again to Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi on this well-deserved appointment. May her tenure as Director at the FIRS be filled with continued success, innovative initiatives, and a lasting impact on the taxation landscape in Nigeria.
TEXEM UK, a leading executive development consulting firm, is thrilled to congratulate Mrs Chinwe Iloghalu on her recent appointment as the Executive Director of Lagos and Corporate Banking at Polaris Bank. This significant achievement is a testament to Mrs Iloghalu’s decisive, focused, responsive, and compassionate leadership style and her remarkable contributions to the growth and development of the organisations she has served and the financial services industry.
While Mrs Iloghalu’s career in the banking sector began after she completed her studies in Industrial Chemistry at the University of Benin, her leadership journey was from birth having been blessed to be inspired by an iconic father who rose to become an executive director of a leading multinational pharmaceutical company at the age of 40. She started her banking career as a corps member and later joined Ecobank Nigeria Plc. Her dedication, hard work, charisma and dexterity in managing change propelled her to positions of increasing responsibility, where she made significant contributions to renowned institutions such as Zenith Bank and Fidelity Bank.
With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Mrs Iloghalu can demonstrate a commendable track record of achievements. She possesses over 15 years of leadership and senior management experience at banks with impressive competitive advantages in Nigeria. Her most recent role as General Manager and Regional Bank Head at Fidelity Bank PLC showcased her exceptional abilities in effective stakeholder engagement, visioning, and empowering clients to thrive. For example, her contributions to nation-building by contributing to Fidelity Bank’s pedigree in championing excellent service delivery for SMEs demonstrate her unparalleled commitment to driving inclusive economic growth and empowering entrepreneurs. At Zenith Bank, she contributed to the profitable growth of critical financial clusters in Lagos. In the process, she unlocked great value and made an indelible impact at Zenith Bank by building strong networks, leveraging valuable connections in the ecosystem and creating sustainable value and optimising profitability for the benefit of key stakeholders.
Mrs Iloghalu’s success thus far reflects her capability and commitment to lifelong learning. For example, she possesses competence in digital marketing, customer Engagement, Planning and Analytics for value addition. She participated in the TEXEM executive development programme on the 16th and 17th of October 2019 on Developing Interpersonal Influence, addressing Vulnerability, and achieving Authenticity for value creation. TEXEM proudly commends Mrs Iloghalu for her strategic leadership and outstanding contributions to the banking industry. Her ability to engage stakeholders, embrace visionary outlooks, and foster collaboration and innovation is commendable. It explains why she was chosen as the President of her cohort. As the President of the Alumni Network of her cohort, Mrs Iloghalu has demonstrated exceptional communication skills, emotional intelligence, and an ability to inspire and influence others. Her appointment as Executive Director is a testament to her competence, capability, and potential to drive success for Polaris Bank, even in the face of challenges.
As Executive Director of Lagos and Corporate Banking at Polaris Bank, Mrs Iloghalu is well prepared to lead a range of strategic responsibilities to drive growth and profitability. She has the requisite strategic leadership quotient required to develop and implement strategies, oversee risk management frameworks, champion a learning culture, and build relationships with key stakeholders. TEXEM believes that she has what it takes to ensure regulatory compliance, manage financial resources, and maintain the bank’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
Dr Alim Abubakre, Founder of TEXEM, UK, opines: “Chinwe has a growth mindset as she reflects the maxim that leaders are learners, which epitomises the evergreen ethos of President John F Kennedy who articulated that ‘Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other’.
Her impressive capability to inspire her team and support young professionals to unleash their full potential, always encouraging them to be their best despite challenges, sets her apart. Her recent appointment is a call to do more with less, unlock scarce value for the benefit of society and consolidate her legacy as a vibrant strategic leader. TEXEM firmly believes that Mrs Chinwe Iloghalu’s appointment as Executive Director at Polaris Bank marks an exciting new chapter in her distinguished career. Her exceptional skills, experience, and dedication to excellence will undoubtedly contribute to the bank’s continued success and positive impact on the Nigerian banking industry. We wish her the best in her new role and are confident that she will excel in leading Polaris Bank’s Lagos and Corporate Banking division to new heights of lofty achievements.
TEXEM UK, a leading consulting organisation dedicated to promoting excellence and societal development, is thrilled to celebrate her alumnus Ann Iyonu, the Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, on being selected as one of the 16 prestigious Global Yale Fellows. This recognition is a testament to Ann’s outstanding contributions to humanity and exemplary societal leadership. Ann Iyonu participated in and completed the TEXEM executive development programme Building Resilient Organisations for sustainable success, which held between August 22-24, 2022, in Birmingham, UK.
The Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program at Yale University is renowned for its commitment to fostering global leadership and promoting internationalism. As a core element of Yale’s ongoing dedication to nurturing leaders who can drive positive change worldwide, the programme has become synonymous with excellence and impact.
Thus, Ann Iyonu’s selection as a Global Yale Fellow is a momentous achievement for Nigeria and the continent of Africa for recognising her remarkable achievements, strategic leadership and unwavering commitment to making society a better place. Throughout her career, Ann has consistently displayed initiative, resilience, dynamism, and a vibrant spirit that has propelled her forward in her endeavours. Her exceptional dedication to helping society and unwavering support for security, good governance, democracy, and societal betterment make her an outstanding leader. While attending the TEXEM programme, she actively participated and portrayed impressive emotional intelligence and ability to think critically, infectious drive, commendable capacity to multitask and inestimable capability to inspire.
TEXEM UK firmly believes that this prestigious global recognition will serve as a catalyst, inspiring Ann Iyonu to continue her remarkable work and make an even more significant impact on society. With this fellowship, Ann has been bestowed with an extraordinary opportunity to expand her influence, network, and knowledge, further empowering her to drive positive change on a global scale.
Ann’s selection as a Global Yale Fellow reflects positively on the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, an organisation dedicated to advancing democracy, good governance, and peace across Africa. Her accomplishments highlight the Foundation’s commitment to fostering leadership and excellence in the service of humanity.
TEXEM UK congratulates Ann Iyonu, her family, and her friends on this momentous achievement. We are confident that this recognition will only fuel her passion and determination, motivating her to mentor more high-impact leaders who will join her in shaping a brighter future.
Dr Alim Abubakre, Founder of TEXEM, UK, says “that this global recognition of Ann Iyonu for her sterling qualities, impressive potential, and the positive difference she makes and will make in the future is a call for more service to humanity. Ann exemplifies the principle that hard work, dedication, altruism and societal leadership will always result in an enduring legacy. We hope her success thus far will spur her to do more and inspire others to emulate her”.
As Ann embarks on this prestigious fellowship journey starting in August, TEXEM UK cheers her on, offering our unwavering support and encouragement. Together, we will continue to work tirelessly towards creating a better society that upholds the values of security, good governance, and democracy that we all hold dear.
Once again, congratulations to Ann Iyonu on this well-deserved honour. Her dedication and leadership is celebrated, and we eagerly anticipate more remarkable contributions she will make during her time as a Global Yale Fellow and beyond.
A Leader with Unmatched Dedication and Vision for a Thriving Nigeria
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is abuzz with excitement and anticipation as Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia assumes his new role as Deputy Chief of Staff to the President. This momentous appointment marks a significant milestone in the Senator’s illustrious career and promises a bright future for Nigeria under his dynamic and visionary leadership.
TEXEM, a distinguished organisation renowned for helping leaders and their organisations to optimise their capability to win, holds a unique perspective on Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia’s capabilities. In its 13-year history, TEXEM has worked with numerous accomplished leaders, including ministers, governors, senators, vice-chancellors, professors, and judges. However, Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia’s achievements are unparalleled and genuinely exceptional.
Among the over four thousand executives TEXEM has had the privilege of offering services to, Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia is the first to have consistently emerged victorious in three out of four assessments (in three (3) consecutive days out of four (4))—an extraordinary feat in itself. Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia attended the TEXEM programme “Optimising Legislative Impact”, which helped legislators challenge assumptions, network, share best practices, and brainstorm on inclusive growth and nation-building strategies held at Birmingham, UK, between 5th – 9th of July 2021. His strategic leadership abilities, unmatched emotional quotient and inspiring attention to detail have consistently propelled him to success. Furthermore, the Senator’s punctuality has been commendable, as he has never arrived late for any session—a testament to his discipline and dedication.
TEXEM joins the entire nation of Nigeria and the African continent in congratulating the Federal Republic of Nigeria for selecting such an illustrious, dynamic, and impactful leader. Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia’s antecedents, pedigree, attention to detail, and moral compass make him an ideal candidate for the Deputy Chief of Staff role. In addition, his wealth of experience and expertise in the public and private sectors will undoubtedly contribute to sustainable, inclusive growth and nation-building.
As Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia assumes this crucial position, there is no doubt that he will serve as a beacon of good governance. His commitment to excellence and visionary outlook will inspire others to follow suit. With Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia at the helm in the position of Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Nigeria has the opportunity to position itself on the path to greatness and success. Dr Alim Abubakre, Founder of TEXEM, said, “this call to service is a unique opportunity for Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia to epitomise John F Kennedy’s famous maxim: Ask not what Nigeria can do for you-ask what you can do to the nation. Thus, TEXEM encourages Senator Hassan Hadejia to please urgently deplore his unparalleled strategic leadership quotient to inspire his team to help develop the nation’s vast potential and enhance the various comparative advantages of Nigeria (such as her dynamic and educated youths) and position her to be on the trajectory to becoming first among equals in the committee of great nations.”
TEXEM firmly believes that appointing Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia as Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria is a significant step towards achieving a thriving and prosperous nation. Accordingly, the TEXEM family extends its warmest congratulations and expresses unwavering support to Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia as he embarks on this new chapter of his distinguished career.
May the leadership of Senator Hassan Ibrahim Hadejia pave the way for a Nigeria that thrives on inclusivity, progress, and sustainable development. Together, let us work towards a brighter future under the able guidance of this exceptional leader.
TEXEM UK, a leading executive education and consulting services provider, congratulates its esteemed stakeholders and alumni on their recent success in the Nigerian bipartisan political landscape. Dr Alim Abubakre, the founder of TEXEM, UK, stated that “by celebrating these visionary stakeholders and spurring them to do more, the organisation is acting as an excellent corporate citizen and living its ethos”. He said, “TEXEM’s ethos includes inspiring executives and organisations to motivate their stakeholders, optimise performance, maximise impact and achieve sustainable success”. The TEXEM stakeholders that the organisation celebrates include Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, Rt. Hon. Akin Alabi, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Rt. Hon. Amadu Usman Jaha, Distinguished Sen. Umar Sadiq, Distinguished Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Distinguished Sen. Mpigi Barinada, and His Excellency, Dapo Abiodun, have all been re-elected to their various political offices in Nigeria.
Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, of Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency in Kogi State, has been re-elected to the House of Representatives for another term. He has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills in his constituency, and his re-election is a testament to his dedication to serving the people of his constituency. TEXEM UK celebrates Hon. Abdullahi’s achievements and looks forward to his continued service to his constituents.
Hon. Akin Alabi of Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency in Oyo State has also been re-elected to the House of Representatives for another term. Hon. Alabi is a distinguished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author who has made significant contributions to the development of his constituency. TEXEM UK celebrates his re-election victory and looks forward to his continued service to the Nigerian people.
Hon. Chinedu Ogah currently serves as the Federal Representative representing the Ezza South/Ikwo constituency of Ebonyi State. He has been re-elected to the House of Representatives for a new term. His re-election is a testament to his excellent leadership qualities and dedication to serving his constituents. TEXEM UK congratulates Hon. Ogah on his re-election victory and looks forward to his continued service to Nigeria and the people of his constituency.
Hon. Amadu Usman Jaha represents the Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok constituency of Borno State at the Federal House of Representatives. He has been re-elected for another term after demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and dedication to serving his constituents. TEXEM UK celebrates Hon. Jaha’s re-election victory and looks forward to his continued service to the Nigerian people.
Sen. Umar Sadiq of Kwara North Senatorial district, Kwara State, has been re-elected to the Nigerian Senate for another term. He has distinguished himself as a leader with a passion for the development of his constituency and the nation at large. TEXEM UK celebrates Sen. Umar Sadiq’s re-election victory and looks forward to his continued service to the Nigerian people.
Sen. Akon Eyakenyi has been elected Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State. She has been a respected voice in the Nigerian Senate and has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a passion for service. TEXEM UK congratulates Sen. Eyakenyi on her new appointment and wishes her the best in her new role.
Sen. Mpigi Barinada has been re-elected as Senator for Rivers South-East senatorial District of Rivers State. He has been a true representative of his people, championing their cause and working hard to bring development to his constituency. TEXEM UK celebrates Sen. Barinada’s re-election and looks forward to his continued service to his constituents and advancing more regulations to accelerate inclusive, sustainable development.
Finally, TEXEM UK congratulates His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, for re-election for a second term. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in his first term in office, and his re-election is a testament to his commitment to serving the people of Ogun State. During his first term, he initiated various infrastructural development projects to improve the lives of the people of Ogun State. TEXEM UK celebrates his re-election victory and looks forward to continued service to the Nigerian people.
TEXEM UK is proud to have Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, Hon. Akin Alabi, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Hon. Amadu Usman Jaha, Sen. Umar Sadiq, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Sen. Mpigi Barinada and His Excellency Dapo Abiodun as its esteemed stakeholders and alumni. We recognise their remarkable achievements and contributions to developing their constituencies and the Nigerian nation. Their re-election and election victories are a testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to service.
As a leading provider of executive education, TEXEM UK remains committed to promoting leadership excellence and professional development in Nigeria and beyond. We believe that impactful leaders like Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, Hon. Akin Alabi, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Hon. Amadu Usman Jaha, Sen. Umar Sadiq, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Sen. Mpigi Barinada, and His Excellency Dapo Abiodun are vital to the development and progress of Nigeria, and we are committed to supporting them in their endeavours.
Once again, we congratulate Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, Hon. Akin Alabi, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Hon. Amadu Usman Jaha, Sen. Umar Sadiq, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Sen. Mpigi Barinada, and His Excellency Dapo Abiodun on their re-election/election victories and wish them continued success in their respective roles. Dr Alim Abubakre said, ” I hope this congratulatory message will encourage these politicians to renew their determination to help more people and deploy their communication prowess and quick-witted capability for societal good. He advised “that this renewed call to service should buoy them to act more decisively and enjoy receiving criticism as it is a means of growing and optimising their capability to enshrine good governance.
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Eur Ing Professor Andrew D Chambers
Twice mentioned in House of Lords’ debates as an authority on corporate governance and internal auditing and by The Times as ‘a worldwide authority on corporate governance’ Andrew has been a non-executive director of a FTSE250 financial institution, a well-known mutual, small software companies. He has served on the board of an NHS acute hospital trust and a prominent charity – usually having chaired their audit committees. He was Dean of what is now the leading Cass Business School, where he is professor emeritus, and until 2013 was Professor of Corporate Governance at London South Bank University. He was Professor of Audit and Control at the University of Hull from 1994-98 and has held visiting professorships at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium (twice) and Birmingham City University.
He has worked as a Specialist Adviser to the House of Lords’ Economic Affairs Select Committee’s Inquiry into Auditors: Market concentration and their role that led to audit market reforms. Andrew was one of a seven-member UK committee that published Internal Audit Guidance for Financial Services. He has been a member of the UK FRC’s Auditing Practices Board and until recently chaired Accountancy Europe’s Corporate Governance and Company Law committee (Brussels).
Andrew has received The Institute of Internal Auditors’ (UK) Distinguished Service Award and the Bradford Cadmus Memorial Award of the global Institute of Internal Auditors.
Author of more than twenty books, including Chambers’ Corporate Governance Handbook (8th ed., 2020), Operational Auditing Handbook – Auditing Business & IT Processes (2nd ed., 2010, Wiley, ISBN 0470744766), and Tolley’s Internal Auditor’s Handbook (2nd ed., 2009, LexisNexis, ISBN
Clive Carpenter
Clive Carpenter is an international banker with a proven track record in management at board level, with a reputation for providing innovative solutions and implementing them.
He is accomplished at analysing and resolving challenges and operating in highly demanding environments.
With over 45 years experience in business and finance, principally in the banking industry and, latterly, extending to private sector development, especially in developing countries, he is also a registered Trustee being Chairman of the Royal Over-Seas League’s Trust (registered charity number 306095).
He has worked and resided in Kenya, Nigeria and The Netherlands, in addition to the UK, and travelled to many other African countries in the course of his work, giving advice and providing solutions.
Financially qualified (FCIB), qualified in corporate governance (C.Dir.), together with strong people and communication skills.
He is a Prudential Regulatory Authority Authorised Person – reference CXC01975 with Senior Management Function – SMF 12 – Chair of Remuneration Committee.
He is established as a fully independent non-executive Director and adviser/consultant on the key financial and management issues affecting businesses and the implementation of good governance, most especially in developing countries in Africa. He is also a mentor to many young executives.
Author of published articles on African issues and popular public speaker/lecturer.
Frank Aigbogun
Frank is a journalist and publisher of BusinessDay newspaper, which he co-founded in 2001. He began his journalism career at the Guardian and moved on to Vanguard, where he rose to the position of editor of all the titles of the newspaper. Frank served for many years as the Lagos correspondent of the Associated Press, AP.
Mr Aigbogun holds a degree in Mass Communication and is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School.
He was a member of the vision 2010 committee that was tasked by the federal government with drawing up a long term economic vision for the country and served as alternate rapporteur for the sub-committee on competition and deregulation. He has also served on the governing board of Nigeria’s National Competitiveness Council.
Professor John Peters
John Peters, Former Chair of Association of MBAs, Top Word Leadership Speaker and Survivor Par Excellence, has been Visiting Professor in many UK Universities (E.g. Aston and Henley Business School)
John Peters came to the world’s attention in January 1991, when his bruised and battered face flashed onto television screens around the world as a prisoner of war. It was his disfigured image that became a potent symbol of Saddam Hussein’s ruthless aggression. He has written two best-selling books and the documentary, ‘Tornado Down’ was Independent Documentary of the Year and a BAFTA Award Nominee. He has extensive international TV, radio, PR and media experience.
John Is an experienced International consultant working with senior leaders. He has followed Mr Nelson Mandela on stage in South Africa, followed Heads of State and spoken for Royalty. At home with corporate, government or third sector audiences, he speaks on resilience, leadership, dealing with uncertainty, agility and high-performance mindset.
On leaving the RAF, he founded Monkey Business, providing business-critical development, consulting and coaching – through a leadership lens for senior business teams. Working internationally with corporates, governmental and the Third Sector, Monkey Business provides business-critical development, consulting and coaching through a leadership lens. Using his Gulf War, POW experience, international media exposure, award-winning Human Factors development programme and instruction in high-performance aviation and 20 years’ consultancy business, John challenges leaders’ approach and provides practical tools that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
High-Performance Leadership with Mayors of Moscow (simultaneous translation)
Change Management. Top 50 Civil Servants in Cabinet Office, HM Government UK
Senior Leadership Programme, NATO
Board of the travel business of E4bn turnover, 10000 employees.
Developed a dysfunctional Board into the leadership team and introduced values organisation-wide programme.
Board of leading terrestrial TV Company was not expected to achieve estimated sales of £180 million. Our solution re-energised the team. £205 million in sales achieved.
Provision of cultural change programme to regional directors of a major Bank following an acquisition/merger. Within three months, the Bank achieved record sales.
Following a significant safety incident, conducted a culture/leadership programme for a utility company, achieving every stretch target and ½ bn(half a billion-dollar) Investment.
Prof. Delves Roger was former Dean of Qualifications and Professor of Leadership Practice at Ashridge Executive Education. His special Interests are helping others to understand the roles of authenticity, emotional intelligence, ethics, values, principles and integrity in leadership and the development of ethical decision-making methodologies. Roger has an MA in English Literature from St Catherine’s College, Oxford and is a Fellow of the RSA (Royal Society of Arts). He is qualified in a range of psychometric tools and has designed and led tailored, open, and qualifications programmes. He has taught across most of Western Europe and in Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Rumania, Qatar, America, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, Brazil, Australia, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria. Roger previously worked for the international advertising agency DMB&B (D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles) where he was a UK Board Director. He spent several years as Principal Consultant at Ellis Hayward/Academee and then six years as a Programme Director within Cranfield’s Centre for Customised Executive Education. He has been at Ashridge since April 2008. He is the co-author of The Top Fifty Management Dilemmas (Pearson, 2014), and Branded Britain (Bloomsbury), due to be published in 2017. He is also co-editor of inspired Leadership (Bloomsbury), published in late 2016.
Professor Rodria Laline
Rodria Laline is a professor of governance and strategic management practice. At global operating enterprises, she is renowned for her board oversight, advisory and co-creative expertise. She is co-founder of the MYBP Board Program at Harvard, was director of corporate governance programs at Nyenrode, and assistant Professor in business studies at the University of Amsterdam.
Rodria has been CEO of global innovation and R&D collaborations with IBM, DEC, HP, ING, KPN, Bull, Elsevier, Siemens, and Philips. She was a member of Oracle General Management, GIIC e-commerce thought leader at Global Information Infrastructure Commission and board member of the Open Software Foundation. She holds a doctoral degree in molecular chemistry and quantum physics.
In 2005, she founded Intrabond Capital with offices in Hong Kong, Amsterdam, San Francisco, and New York. During her long career in the corporate world, she held independent non-executive director positions and chaired various boards. She is an alumnus of IMD Switzerland and is certified by the American Association of Corporate Board Directors (NACD) on boards’ role in strategy and risks.
She regularly lectures on governance, including at HORASIS, INSEAD, the ING Banking Group, BNY Mellon Standish, IESE Business School, and ICLIF FIDE. She is currently visiting faculty at TEXEM, ASRE MRE, and a board advisor and supervisory board member overseeing ESG investments in the built environment with transformations in green, circular, and digital economies.
Mike Wilkins
Michael Wilkins is a Managing Director at S&P Global Ratings based in London where he has global responsibility for the division’s sustainable finance research activities. Michael experience at S&P Global Ratings includes three years as global head of Sustainable Finance and seven years as head of Infrastructure Finance Ratings, the analytical group within S&P Global Ratings which covers utilities, project finance, PPPs and transportation in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Michael was also co-head of the Corporate Securitisation group. He joined S&P Global Ratings in London in January 1994 and has also worked in the Melbourne and Hong Kong offices. Michael’s expertise encompasses the European power, water, environmental, transportation and social infrastructure sectors. Previously, Michael worked for Water UK, the trade body representing the UK water industry. He also worked for four years as a journalist on various UK daily regional newspapers and global business publications. Michael is a visiting fellow at Cambridge University Judge Business School where he leads the Sustainable Finance elective on the Masters of Finance program. He is also a frequent guest lecturer at the London Business School MBA programme, Oxford University’s Smith School of Enterprise & the Environment, UCL, the London School of Economics. He is a member of the FSB Taskforce on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the G20 Sustainable Finance Study Group (SFSG), the advisory council of the Smith School Sustainable Finance Programme and the Climate Bonds Initiative. Michael has a Bachelor of Arts degree within Modern Languages at Bristol University. He also holds an MBA in Finance from the Cass Business School and additionally has a Certificate of Carbon Finance & Analytics from the London Business School.
Sir Ambassador Richard Gozney
After graduating from St Edmund Hall, Oxford in 1973, Sir Richard Gozney joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and went on to have a varied career in diplomacy.
In 1989, after foreign postings that included Jakarta, Buenos Aires and Madrid, Sir Richard was Private Secretary to three Foreign and Commonwealth Secretaries: Sir Geoffrey Howe, John Major and Douglas Hurd. In 1993 he was appointed British High Commissioner to Swaziland. After serving three years in Swaziland, he was appointed Head of the Foreign Office Department advising on the foreign policy aspects of defence and then Chief of the Intelligence Assessment Staff.
Sir Richard returned overseas when he was appointed British Ambassador to Indonesia in 2000 and then British High Commissioner to Nigeria in 2004. In 2007 Sir Richard’s last FCO posting was as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Bermuda.
Sir Richard has many outside interests, and these include bird watching, walking and sailing.
Dr. Graham Wilson
A behavioural scientist, author and commentator on many aspects of management, leadership, organisation and personal development, I have been very fortunate in the range of experiences that my career has opened up for me. In most cases, my colleagues and I have delivered pioneering, and some quite exceptional outcomes.
My primary interest is in facilitating the learning and development of leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs – individually and collectively.
As a confidant to some elite leaders in global business, government and the not-for-profit sectors, I help them navigate their complex worlds to achieve outstanding results. My publications list includes nine books and over 300 articles.
Having worked in many areas of executive education, today I prefer to contribute through more formal academic environments as a member of a team delivering larger scale, longer-term, or more intensive programmes, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels; developing my research themes; and collaborating with others.
For five years, from 2012, I developed and led the leadership strand of the GCAP/Smith School (University of Oxford) ‘Adaptation Academy’ – helping senior leaders in the field of climate resilience hone their abilities to influence highly complex political landscapes. A further book on distributed leadership is in preparation now.
In October 2013, I began teaching at The Oxfordshire Business and Enterprise School in Abingdon, which is an inspiring environment with a very diverse range of mature students. This confirmed my enjoyment of longer-term class facilitation and adult education. Through TOBES, I teach undergraduate and Masters’ level Human Resources Management (leading to CIPD qualifications), and undergraduate level Multicultural Management, Personal Development and, most recently, Engineering Management.
Professor Michael Mol
Michael J. Mol is a Professor of Strategic and International Management in the Department of Strategy and Innovation at Copenhagen Business School. His research focuses on the strategic management of larger firms, with particular interests in innovation, especially management innovation and open innovation, sourcing strategy, especially offshoring and outsourcing, and strategy in Africa. His publications have appeared in among others Academy of Management Review, California Management Review, Global Strategy Journal, Research Policy, Organization Studies, MIT Sloan Management Review, and Strategic Management Journal. He has also (co-)authored four books. He has won several research awards, including the best article award from AMR. He serves on the editorial boards of nine academic journals including Academy of Management Journal, California Management Review, Global Strategy Journal, and Journal of International Business Studies.
Rt. Hon. Mark Simmonds
Until recently, RT. Hon Mark Simmonds was the Foreign & Commonwealth office Minister with responsibilities for Africa, the Caribbean, UK Overseas Territories, International Energy and Conflict Prevention. He served as a Member of the UK Parliament for 14 years.
He now has several international roles including senior consultant to Kroll, Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Global Investment platform Invest Africa, Senior Advisor to Farallon Capital, Non-Executive Director of African Potash and Chairman of the Counter-Extremism Project (UK).
Ambassador John Buck
Former UK Ambassador John Buck is an experienced and capable facilitator between business and governments, particularly in the international oil and gas industry. His vast experience qualifies him in the fields of energy; EU and UN issues; Southern and South-East Europe; international negotiation; alternative dispute resolution, mediation, foreign policy, diplomacy, corporate diplomacy, government relations.
Following an early career as a probation officer and social worker, John spent more than 25 years with the British Diplomatic Service (including as British Ambassador to Portugal) before joining a leading British energy company as Group Director, Government and Public Affairs. He now represents clients in their negotiations and dealings with governments. He also delivers executive training in negotiation and diplomatic skills to senior representatives of international organisations.
During his Foreign Office career, John was involved in EU, UN and human resource issues and was posted to Bulgaria, Cyprus and Portugal. He was Principal Private Secretary to successive Cabinet Ministers in the Cabinet Office and Director for Iraq in the FCO during the year following the 2003 military intervention. John’s final post from 2004-2007 was as Ambassador to Portugal, where he focused on EU issues and supported partnerships between British and Portuguese companies in the IT, renewable energy and water sectors.
During his time in the energy industry, John had responsibility for a global network of government relations specialists in the company’s most critical overseas assets. Specific projects included developing an improved framework for assessing and mitigating political risk; advising on the political context in West African countries. He was also involved in building relationships with the authorities in South American countries to support its commercial partnerships; deepening government relationships in Central Asia to underpin operations and business development. Also, he ensured a good understanding of UK Government policy, levering UK Government resources when necessary to support the company’s ambitions and operations overseas.
Professor Wim Vanhaverbeke
Wim Vanhaverbekeis Professor Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Surrey Business School (UK) and is visiting professor at ESADE Business School and till recently also at the National University of Singapore. He published in different international journals such as Organization Science, Research Policy, Journal of Product Innovation Management, California Management Review, Journal of Management, Journal of Management Studies, Small Business Economics, Journal of Business Venturing, Technovation, etc. He was co-editor with Henry Chesbrough and Joel West of “Open Innovation: Researching a New Paradigm” (OUP, 2006) and “New frontiers in open innovation” (OUP, 2014). He published a management book “Managing open innovation in SMEs” (CUP – 2017) and an academic volume “Researching open innovation in SMEs” (World Scientific Press – 2018).
He is a dedicated open innovation and innovation ecosystem researcher collaborating with different partners around the globe. His current research focuses on the implications of digital strategies and sustainability requirements for the management of innovation ecosystems. He established the European Innovation Forum with Henry Chesbrough in 2012 and is co-organizer of the World Open Innovation Conference 2016. He is a frequently asked speaker at leading international conferences and an adviser for several globally operating companies.
He consults and organizes workshops for multinationals and technology companies. He was recognized by the International Association of Management of Technology (IAMOT) as one of the top 50 authors of technology and innovation management during the period 2008-2012. He was appointed as member of the Advisory Committee of the Research Center for Technological Innovation of the Tsinghua University from April 2018 till March 2021.
Dr Tony Raven
Cambridge Enterprise’s role is to support University staff and students in creating world-class societal benefit through commercialisation of their world-leading research and scholarship. Tony’s aspiration for Cambridge Enterprise is to ‘have fun and make a difference’ supporting the full breadth of opportunities across the campus, from archaeology to zoology, with an ambition worthy of a university of Cambridge’s international standing.
This strategy has resulted in tremendous growth for Cambridge Enterprise; since 2011, its venture funding capacity has grown by 730%, the number of spin-outs created has gone up by 250%, and its consultancy support service has increased by 90%. Today, Cambridge Enterprise is one of the most successful offices internationally. Compared to its international peers, it generates more licences per £/$ of research funding and at the lowest cost per licence, while Cambridge University spin-outs have raised the largest amount of investment in total over the past five years.
Starting in academia and before coming back into academia, Tony had a long history as a successful technology entrepreneur. The companies he has founded include Summit Technology, the pioneer of laser refractive surgery, which was acquired by Nestle Alcon in 2000 for $893 million; publicly-quoted Cambridge technology consultancy Sagentia plc; and Diomed Inc, a pioneer of surgical diode lasers which was listed in the US in 2002 before being acquired by a Angiodynamics Inc in 2008.
Tony is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and a Member of the Institute of Directors. He joined Cambridge Enterprise as CEO in December 2011.
