StreSERT, Kotter: How Organisations Can Unlock Opportunities During Crisis

StreSERT Integrated Limited (SIL), in collaboration with Kotter Training urged organisations to build up their change capabilities as a stratagem to developing a competitive advantage that will allow them survive and thrive in an economic landscape with increasing volatility and uncertainty.

Speaking during the breakfast roundtable for select business leaders, showcasing Kotter Change Leadership, held in Lagos, Managing Consultant, StreSERT Integrated Limited, Roselyn Onalaja, stated that though Nigeria is facing an economic crisis that has created unprecedented challenges for its citizens and businesses, the seeds of opportunity abound and organisations need to develop the capacity to seize these advantages.

Speaking on the theme: “From Crisis to Opportunity: Building Change Leadership Capability to Thrive Through Times of Volatility and Uncertainty,” she said inflation, unemployment, currency devaluation, rising costs of living, fluctuating oil prices, limited industrial diversification and policy reforms are shaping and reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape and testing the social and business structures. According to her, these challenges demand that organizations adapt quickly to new realities, making cost efficiency and innovation their central strategies.

“At the national and sub national level, there is a pressing need for policies that stabilize the economy and support long term development. Change Management Principles suggest that governments should be transparent and inclusive in policy reform efforts. Clear messaging and citizen engagement help build trust. And all of these are crucial for successful implementation of difficult economic measures,” she stated. 

During the panel session, moderated by Patrick Awodu, Chief Operating Officer, StreSERT Integrated Limited, Deputy Head Operations, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Funke Amobi; Dr. Jumoke Aleoke-Malachi, Head Talent, Wema Bank and Yemi Faseun, Chief Talent Officer, TY Talent Partners spoke on ways organisations can thrive in periods of uncertainty and unlock opportunities in the midst of crisis.

Amobi, said crises present some of the biggest opportunities for companies to thrive. She listed strategic planning, financial management, operational adaptability, and human capital management as key elements that organisations need to efficiently implement to survive in periods of crisis and sustain growth.

On his part, Faseun while corroborating Dr. Aleoke-Malachi position, add that organisations desirous of change should beside focusing on the corporate objectives of the change effort, ensure that there must be something in it for the people.