Technology hub, The Nest has advocated for leadership excellence for budding entrepreneurs.
The Nest noted that in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of business, operational proficiency alone is no longer sufficient to ensure an enterprise’s success, stressing that while technical expertise is crucial, true leadership demands a unique set of skills, ones that can navigate through shifting trends and inspire teams to reach new heights.
Indeed, the Strategic Leadership Webinar, hosted by The Nest Innovation Park, brought together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and founders to address this leadership gap and explore solutions in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The keynote address was given by Dr. Emmanuel Toye Sobande, a business management consultant with expertise in strategic leadership.
Dr. Sobande, also a distinguished lawyer, Lead Consultant, and President of Stephens Leadership Consultancy LLC, is also the author of “The Leadership Myth: Why Leadership Principles Do Not Work in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasised that leadership is not an inherent trait but a set of skills that can be cultivated through self-awareness and an open mind. He highlighted the key facets of leadership, including innovation, change management, problem-solving, and the ability to inspire and influence others.
Sobande’s words resonated with one of core objectives – the creation of an enabling ecosystem that equips entrepreneurs and founders with the essential leadership capabilities required to navigate the complexities of the business landscape.
He articulated that success as an entrepreneur extends beyond a deep understanding of one’s field, it requires emotional intelligence, the ability to inspire and guide others, and the capacity to innovate.
The distinguished panel included luminaries such as Dr. Kole-Dawodu Olubunmi, Director of the Lagos State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Additionally, Mrs. Kemi Ogunkoya, Co-Founder of LeaderX App, and Bolaji Cole, Director of the Centre of Entrepreneurship at Yaba College of Technology enriched the discourse.
Meanwhile, in recognition of his dedication and pioneering role in shaping the world of entrepreneurship and leadership, The Nest extended an International Merit Award to Dr. Sobande. Miss Light Ohwoka, the Convener of the Webinar and Head of Entrepreneurship at The Nest, highlighted that this accolade celebrates his unwavering support for entrepreneurship and leadership, in alignment with The Nest’s vision of entrepreneurship as the engine of economic growth and leadership development.
