In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of business, operational proficiency alone is no longer sufficient to ensure an enterprise’s success.
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.
This need for strategic leadership was recently underscored in a thought-provoking Strategic Leadership Webinar, hosted by The Nest Innovation Park.
The Nest, an organization with its finger on the pulse of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, recognized the critical leadership deficit among entrepreneurs and founders.
The mission of The Nest is deeply rooted in providing the support and guidance necessary for these visionaries to not only survive but to thrive in the ever-competitive business landscape.
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This webinar brought together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and founders to address this leadership gap and explore solutions in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A pivotal moment during the event was the keynote address by Dr. Emmanuel Toye Sobande, a business management consultant with expertise in strategic leadership. Dr. Sobande, 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.”
His insights into strategic leadership in the entrepreneurial world enlightened the audience. Dr. Sobande emphasized that leadership is not an inherent trait but a set of skills that can be cultivated through self-awareness and an open mind.
He eloquently highlighted the key facets of leadership, including innovation, change management, problem-solving, and the ability to inspire and influence others.
Dr. Emmanuel Toye Sobande’s words resonated with one of The Nest’s 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).
SMEDAN plays a vital role in bolstering small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria by offering support services, facilitating access to finance, providing capacity-building initiatives, and advocating for policies that benefit SMEs.
Additionally, Mrs. Kemi Ogunkoya, Co-Founder of LeaderX App, and Mr. Bolaji Cole, Director of the Centre of Entrepreneurship at Yaba College of Technology enriched the discourse.
Yaba College of Technology, as a pioneer in entrepreneurship development, established Nigeria’s first Centre for Entrepreneurship Development.
This center has actively fostered connections between academia and industry, enhancing the dialogue with their insights.
In recognition of his unwavering dedication and pioneering role in shaping the world of entrepreneurship and leadership, The Nest extended an International Merit Award to Dr. Emmanuel Toye 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.
In a world where change is the only constant, strategic leadership is the beacon guiding entrepreneurs towards success.
The Nest, through its initiatives, programs, events, and engaging webinars, is not just illuminating this path but encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace change, innovation, and transformation with open minds and unwavering determination.
In this endeavour, The Nest is not just fostering business growth, it’s nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
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