Malize: Innovation Key to Navigating Evolving Business Landscape

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Managing Director/CEO, FITC, Ms. Chizor Malize, has urged organizations to maintain agility and seize growth and innovation opportunities in navigating the ever-changing business landscape.

Speaking at the Leadership Workshop for the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) hosted by SmartCity Plc, in Lagos, she said that adaptability is key to remarkable success in an evolving business world.

Malize, who spoke on the theme: “Leading Organizational Change and Building a Culture of Innovation,” emphasized the utmost significance of organizational change and innovation. 

“In the current landscape of disruptive technologies and ever-evolving customer expectations, businesses must wholeheartedly embrace innovation in order to not just survive, but truly flourish. Resisting change leads to stagnation and obsolescence, while embracing innovation ensures relevance and the ability to anticipate market trends and seize new opportunities” she said. 

Chairman of the Board of Directors at SmartCity Plc, Ademola Aladekomo, highlighted the transformation of SmartCity Plc into a fully technology-driven entity. 

He emphasised that this achievement was due to the organisation’s persistent drive for organisational change, constant reinvention, and unwavering commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological trends that shape today’s world.

Former president of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Adesina Adediran, placed significant emphasis on the imperative for organizations to leverage emerging strategies to fuel growth. He specifically highlighted the criticality of technology adoption as a catalyst for innovative digital transformation. 

Continuing, Malize highlighted the imperative for change in multiple facets of an organization, spanning structure, processes, systems, and culture, stating that a transformative mindset is pivotal in addressing inefficiencies, improving performance, meeting market demands, and fostering employee engagement. She added that identifying areas necessitating change is essential for leaders seeking to guide their organizations toward success.

Drawing upon the remarkable example of FITC, she revealed the organization’s astounding feat of seamlessly transitioning to a remote work environment within 24 hours after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown in 2020. 

She said, “our ability to swiftly adapt to a fully remote mode of operation was not a result of foreseeing the future, but rather a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, and staying abreast of technological advancements in our daily organizational processes. This proactive preparedness empowered us to effortlessly navigate and adjust to any situation we encountered.”

This exemplifies the power of preparedness and the need for organizations to proactively embrace technological advancements, ensuring agility and resilience in the face of unexpected circumstances. By cultivating a culture of innovation and readiness for change, organizations can position themselves for long-term success in an ever-evolving business landscape.

According to Malize, to effectively lead change, it is imperative to possess a comprehensive understanding of the change process and its impact on individuals and organizations alike.