Strategic Leadership Needed to Succeed in Digital Age, Says Ex-UK Africa Minister

PERSPECTIVE

The highly anticipated August programme, “Strategic Leadership for Success in a Digital Age has been slated for August 21 to 24, 2023.

According to a recent statement by TEXEM UK, the programme offers an exclusive opportunity for executive directors, non-executive directors, CEOs, chief investment officers, and COOs to unlock the full potential of strategic leadership and drive their organisations to success in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The programme offers an array of benefits, starting with a five-night stay at DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, providing a conducive environment for immersive learning and the perfect setting for networking and knowledge-sharing with fellow industry leaders.

The TEXEM UK statement noted that staying ahead in the digital age “requires more than just an understanding of cutting-edge technology,” adding that the programme focuses on empowering participants with the requisite skills and knowledge needed to become exceptional leaders who can drive their organisations to unparalleled success.

The programme is expected to position participants as a strategic leader prepared to excel in the digital era, including enhancing refining their leadership skills, equipping them to steer their organisations towards optimal results and helping them to stay abreast of the latest technological tools crucial in today’s fast-paced business landscape.

Participants will discover “how to leverage digital advancements to gain a competitive edge,” develop the right action plans essential for positive change within an organisation and learn effective strategies to foster progressive transformations.

The TEXEM that programme ‘will empower you to lead your organisation confidently, even when faced with challenges,” honing participants’ managerial competence, participants “will master the art of transforming organisational challenges into profitable opportunities,” including equipping them with the requisite skills to identify threats early on, leveraging digital technology to safeguard their organisation from potential collapse.

The programme’s faculty includes Prof John Peters, Prof Paul Griffith, Ambassador Charles Crawford, and Sir James Duddridge.

TEXEM UK said it would deploy a diverse range of learning tools, including discussions, role-play, presentations, company visits, short videos, and games, to foster a rich and immersive learning experience.

“Our methodology, which involves case studies and tested approaches, will enhance your cognitive skills, analytical rigour, and decision-making capabilities,” its statement said. “Moreover, it will strengthen your interpersonal skills, stakeholder engagement credentials, communication prowess, leadership quotient, and team spirit.”

Duddridge, former Minister for Africa and member of parliament stated that “providing leadership in politics and business has become progressively more difficult.”

He added, “The digital age is a great opportunity, but there are also risks. A thriving political career or business can be killed in a tweet or even a retweet. Business and political leaders need to understand all their utterances can be sent around the world with a click of a mouse.”

The former UK minister urged leaders to be consistent in communication.

“What is less well understood is the need for safe spaces to develop ideas, test concepts, and challenge conventional wisdom away from the glare of the digital age,” Duddridge noted.

With global economic challenges of high inflation, managing in a fluctuating foreign exchange world, rising operating costs and stiff international competition, global leaders “must understand the pitfalls and opportunities of a digital age,” said Duddridge, stressing that “Texem is well placed to provide a forum to discuss these issues and unite global leaders in a safe space to reflect, return and lead.

Ifeanyi Ani, CEO of Total Pension CPFA, and TEXEM alumnus, said he found TEXEM workshops enlightening.

Ambassador Mustafa Sam, non-executive director of Jaiz Bank and TEXEM alumnus, noted that the TEXEM programme was enriching through its use of unique teaching techniques.