After my fifth year in the workforce, I was a People Manager in the Econet call-centre and surrounded by hundreds of equally-talented and motivated colleagues. Thinking of my work universe as a microcosm of the global talent pool, it was evident to me that I needed to distinguish myself through intellectual rigour and a wider network to compete effectively.
LBS Executive MBA was an easy decision. It is the best graduate school in Nigeria and it also enabled me to continue gaining work experience whilst gaining executive education and exceptional network opportunities.

The programme leveraged impact via insights and was very relatable. The learnings were practical and easily replicable. The case studies were also carefully curated to reflect relevant and more importantly, mostly current, global and local business problems. This made a huge difference in my engagement and ease of learning. For example, one of the case studies we handled in EMBA10 was from the company I had worked for in 2007… talk about relatable, meaningful learning!

The robust, engaging discussions and debates we had around solving the Case Studies were my first exposure to strategic communication in a complex environment and prepared me for my future engagements. I think LBS did a fantastic job in the selection of that cohort. They brought together a very diverse group of participants, with students from very varied backgrounds who complemented each other well. Many of us from that cohort remain actively connected today, 12-13 years later.

My company believes in putting the right people in the right places to make the right decisions. We’re intentional about fostering an environment where leaders are enthusiastic, accountable, authentic and able to translate global objectives into local action. People who have grown up or spent significant time in a market are uniquely positioned to understand the nuances of local businesses and communities – and are vested in seeing them succeed. I think my case is a testament and proof point of that philosophy. We also believe in leadership at all levels – offering employees global opportunities to learn, develop and reach their full potential. Our local teams are global talents. While my entire education and work experience had been in Nigeria, the company has connected me with opportunities to lead a function across Middle East and Africa – and if I so desired, other jurisdictions.

I have shared this example to show that there will always be a case for the contribution local talent and expertise can make to the success of global companies. As an added benefit, as local professionals are exposed to international business challenges and experience, they can also return and share that knowledge with others back home.

I instill the philosophy of actively embracing challenges. This philosophy comes from the lens of the leadership I have received, as well as words once spoken to me (leveraging a biblical analogy) –“ if there are no giants in the land, then the land is not flowing with milk and honey.”
They have also learnt to have a very healthy respect for local nuances, to be quick to listen and learn from the local experts and be ready to adapt strategy, product and services to that learning.
I would say the most important learning is the value of building relationships. Every contact you make at any phase can be potentially important to your business or career – either directly or as a catalyst.

Every relationship, work experience, interaction, business or personal challenge, even the “good, bad and ugly” idea, if harnessed properly, can help make you successful. They all contribute to making you a uniquely valuable resource.

Don’t be distracted by the successes of others and the competitiveness of this global village. Instead, focus on being the most authentic version of you.

Therein lies the confidence you need to really care about the people and businesses you lead, where you realize it’s way more important to focus on grooming your people as leaders, after all, a rising tide lifts all boats!