Dr. Alim Abubakre, TEXEM UK Founder
Some Nigerian chief executives were in London in August to undergo Strategic Agility and Agile Strategy in leadership training, conducted by the United Kingdom based leadership development organisation TEXEM UK.
The participants included Olusola Faleye, MD/CEO, Lagos Building Investment Company Plc (LBIC), John Tizhe, Executive Director, NPF Microfinance Bank, and Rabia Wanka, Head of Oil and Gas Transactions, NEXIM Bank.
The programme was titled: “Strategic Agility vs. Agile Strategy: Leveraging the Resource-Based View.”
The event was not just a capacity development programme but an immersive experience that combined cutting-edge leadership insights with practical applications.
The programme was aimed at empowering leaders to navigate the complexities of today’s turbulent environment.
The morning session of the programme on its first day was led by the esteemed Professor Rodria Laline, who spoke on the foundations of strategic agility, setting the stage for a week of deep learning and transformative discussions.
Participants were introduced to the principles of strategic agility, exploring how these concepts provide a critical leadership edge in times of uncertainty.
The afternoon continued with an exploration of effective leadership in change management, where executives learned best practices in implementing change—a crucial skill in maintaining organisational resilience.
The following day blended rigorous academic inquiry with an unforgettable practical experience.
Dr Alim Abubakre, Founder of TEXEM, UK, guided participants through a detailed analysis of strategic agility versus agile strategy, drawing on the resource-based view to provide a robust framework for leveraging organisational strengths to win.
The presentation on “Strategic Agility vs. Agile Strategy: Leveraging the Resource-Based View” provides leaders with a clear distinction between these two concepts, emphasising the importance of organisational flexibility and rapid adaptation in a dynamic business environment.
By leveraging unique resources and capabilities, leaders can sustain competitive advantages and foster resilience against disruptions.
The benefits include enhanced decision-making, faster response times, and the ability to capitalise on emerging opportunities, ultimately driving sustainable success in turbulent times.
The third day was facilitated by Ambassador Charles Crawford, who brought forward big ideas on how to make meetings more effective—a critical component of strategic agility.
Participants were challenged to engage in practical speaking exercises, sharpening their communication skills, which are essential for motivating teams and driving change.
The afternoon was dedicated to case studies highlighting diplomatic agility, providing real-world examples of how strategic thinking can be applied in high-stakes situations.
The day concluded with discussions that distilled vital messages from the day’s activities, leaving participants with actionable insights to bring back to their organisations.
On the final day, under the guidance of Professor Roger Delves, there was a masterclass in emotional intelligence and transformational leadership.
Participants explored how strategic relational management fuels sustainable success, delving into authentic and purpose-driven leadership.
The session culminated the week’s learning, bringing together the threads of strategic agility, change management, and leadership authenticity into a coherent approach to leading in uncertain times.
Throughout the programme, participants were engaged in learning and networking during informal discussions over lunch and dinner, creating connections that are sure to last well beyond the programme.
In their testimonials, the Nigerian participants praised TEXEM for an outstanding and empowering programme.
“A lot has been learned. And, specifically, I like the energy. Sincerely, I’ve had other international programmes, but this is with a difference, the faculties that were brought, the way the programme is structured, you know, around organisation and around self.
“It’s distinct, and I want to recommend it to leaders, to come to TEXEM,” Tizhe of NPF Microfinance Bank says.
“Well, I was coming from an environment where agility is the language, it is not strange…to me, but this programme further exposed me more, like, a firsthand information.
“With this insight I’ve gotten from here, it’s going to help me to move even more faster…” says Faleye, of Lagos Building Investment Company Plc.
Wanka of NEXIM Bank says: “The programme is all about strategic agility, and we’re living in times of disruption.
“The programme has equipped me with some valuable skills in terms of emotional intelligence, in terms of transformational leadership, and these are quite important ingredients and tools for any organisation that wants to thrive and succeed.”
The insights gained at the programme were not just theoretical but practical, providing leaders with the tools they need to drive their organisations forward with confidence and agility.
As we all know, the ability to adapt and lead in turbulent times is not just a luxury but a necessity for sustainable success.
Those who attended now carry with them a strategic edge that will undoubtedly set them apart in their respective fields.
In the words of Charles Crawford “There’s always a fascinating dynamic tension between Agility (quick thinking and quick movement now) and Strategy (setting a long-term goal then methodically driving towards it without getting distracted).
The course allowed participants to think about this tension – and to learn specific skills for getting the balance right.
