Olaotan Soyinka: The Most Influential Black CEOs to Follow, 2024 | CIO Views Magazine

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Editor’s Views

Trailblazers Charting New Courses in Business Leadership

In today's ever-evolving business realm, a cohort of influential Black CEOs stands out as trailblazers, reshaping industries and redefining leadership norms. Through their visionary guidance and unwavering commitment, these leaders inspire and empower others, transcending barriers and leaving a lasting impact. Among these pioneers is a cadre of exceptional individuals who have risen to prominence through their innovative strategies, resilience, and dedication to excellence. Their journeys serve as beacons of inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of diversity, inclusion, and forward-thinking leadership. As role models for aspiring professionals, these CEOs exemplify the values of integrity, perseverance, and adaptability, offering invaluable lessons in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. By following their paths and absorbing their insights, individuals can gain invaluable wisdom and inspiration to propel their own careers and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future.

At CIO Views, we honor these empowering leaders by dedicating this issue titled, “The Most Influential Black CEOs to Follow, 2024,” to them. Featuring as the cover story we have covered the successful journey of Olaotan Soyinka, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc. We have also included the inspiring stories of Dr. Georges ALE, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of SDP - Project Management; Dr. Blessing Mudavanhu, Chief Executive Officer of CBZ Holdings; John Martin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Young Black Leadership Alliance; and Fiona Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of Fdzi.

CIO Views is a business magazine that mainly focuses on business leaders, their journey, views on current economic states and all other relevant subjects that refer to the business world. Our goal is to be a leading source of information dedicated to providing our readers detailed perspectives and views of successful business leaders that are transforming the business outlook and redefining their goals. With exclusive editions on various industries like software, education, healthcare, technology, real estate and many more, CIO views is driven to promote excellence in the world of business.

20. Dr. Georges ALE

26.

Olaotan Soyinka

A Visionary Leader Transforming the Insurance Landscape with Integrity and Innovation

Olaotan Soyinka,

a visionary leader in the insurance industry, serves as the Managing Director and CEO of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc. With a career marked by resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence, he has steered the company towards remarkable growth and success .

Olaotan's leadership style, rooted in integrity and service has not only elevated the company's position in the industry but has also inspired a new generation of leaders. Through his dedication to mentorship and his unwavering optimism, he is shaping the future of the insurance sector in Nigeria.

Embracing Impactful Leadership as Success

Olaotan believes that success as a leader means positively impacting all stakeholders, including customers, staff, board of directors, regulators, the environment, family, and the community. He emphasizes, "My idea of success is when I'm able to impact all these various stakeholders in a positive manner."

Reflecting on his career, Olaotan notes, "It's always a delight when I see customers who have suffered an unfavourable situation, and at the end of the day when the company comes in and we make good their losses,

there is this health satisfaction." He views leadership as a journey of continuous positive impact, stating, "Over the years, I just feel that leadership is all about making positive impacts wherever you find yourself."

Rising Above Challenges on the Journey to Leadership

When reflecting on the challenges that shaped his leadership journey, Olaotan emphasizes the importance of learning from difficult experiences. He shares, "From where I come from,

they always say that if you say you have experience, they will ask you, who is your teacher?" This perspective has guided him to see challenges as opportunities for growth.

Growing up without the privileges of wealth, Olaotan learned to make the best of every situation. He recalls, "I've always been focused on what are those things that I need to do to make it in life." He draws inspiration from an adage, "He who wants to eat the honey that is in the rock would not look at the axe edge because it's not

easy to take honey from the rock." This mindset has helped him face challenges head-on and extract valuable lessons from them.

Olaotan views challenge as obstacles meant to be surmounted. He believes that overcoming challenges not only strengthens one's character but also prepares them for future obstacles. He concludes, "Challenges should propel you to a higher pedestal in life."

Navigating Career Paths in the Insurance Industry

Olaotan's career path into the insurance industry was not initially planned but rather a result of serendipity. He shares, "I studied insurance at Providence. I grew up liking the profession of accounting, but one way or another, I found myself studying insurance at the University of Lagos Akoka, one of the most prestigious universities in Nigeria."

After completing his education, Olaotan continued to diversify his experience, working in the soil industry during his mandatory youth service and later with Shell Petroleum Development Company. He then transitioned into banking before finally settling in the insurance industry. He reflects, "Since that time, all has become history. It's been a highly interesting journey all the way."

Despite his initial interest in accounting, Olaotan has embraced his role as a thoroughbred insurance professional. His diverse experiences have enriched his journey and shaped his success in the industry.

Evolving Landscape of the Insurance Industry

Joining Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc was more than just a career move for Olaotan; it was finding a home where he could grow personally and professionally. He explains, " I actually joined the company at a time in my career when I wasn't looking for a place to work. I was looking for a home."

For Olaotan, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc ticked all the boxes, offering a culture of professionalism, growth opportunities, and a team of people he admired. He felt that the company would allow him to blossom both as an individual and as a professional. Reflecting on his decision, he says, "It couldn't have

been any other place in the industry at that time, and I'm glad that I joined Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc ."

Olaotan has witnessed significant changes in the insurance industry since he first joined, particularly in terms of innovation and technology. He notes, "The industry has actually moved greatly from the traditional insurance practice."

He recalls his early days at International Standard Insurance Company, a company that revolutionized insurance practices in Nigeria. Through innovative approaches and the introduction of technology, they changed the perception of insurance from being the "poor cousin" of banking to a dynamic and innovative sector.

Olaotan acknowledges that while the industry is still growing and evolving, there has been remarkable progress. He believes that technology and innovation have played a crucial role in this transformation, enhancing the delivery of insurance products and services to consumers. He highlights the company's approach to technology , particularly in servicing the oil and gas industry, as a testament to the industry's advancement.

Navigating the Impact of COVID19 on the Insurance Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities for the insurance industry, according to Olaotan. He reflects, "COVID did a lot in that area. For example, you and I are having a meeting on Zoom. It showed us that we could do a lot more with technology than we're doing because at that time we had to work off-site and then we discovered areas in which we needed to invest in technology .”

PropellingGrowthand Excellence

Under Olaotan's leadership, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc has undergone significant growth and transformation. Since its inception in 1995, the company has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, evolving from a modest capitalization to a robust financial entity. With a current share capital of N7.5 billion and assets exceeding N17 billion, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc stands as a formidable player in the Nigerian insurance industry.

Through strategic mergers and acquisitions, including with Confidence Insurance Plc, Coral International Insurance Company Limited, and Prime Trust Insurance Company Limited, the company has expanded its market reach and strengthened its position within the sector. This consolidation has propelled Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc to the forefront of the industry, achieving an average annual growth rate of 30%.

Underpinning this success is a commitment to excellence in people, technology, and processes. The company's investment in talent and innovation has enabled it to continually improve its services and enhance customer satisfaction. With a vision to be among the top five insurance companies in Nigeria, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc is poised for continued growth and innovation.

Supported by a distinguished Board of Directors and a network of offices across the country, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc is well-positioned to deliver on its mission of providing insurance and financial services of global standards. The company's dedication to creating value for shareholders and enhancing the everyday lives of customers underscores its commitment to sustainable growth and excellence in the insurance industry.

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of technology in customer service and highlighted the importance of reaching customers beyond physical locations. Olaotan notes, "Given the population of Nigeria, it is not sufficient to serve our customers with brick and mortar. With technology, we can reach the far corners of the country. And most importantly, we now even play more in the international space."

While COVID-19 initially posed a threat to the business, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc was able to overcome the challenges and emerge stronger. Olaotan believes that the pandemic ultimately reinforced the importance of technological innovation and remote work in the insurance industry.

Achieving the Pinnacle of Leadership at Sovereign Trust

Before joining Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Olaotan's journey was marked by diverse experiences that shaped him as a leader. He reflects, "Apart from my academic qualifications, which to a larger extent, as I said, by Providence, I studied insurance and I've done all that is required academically."

His time at Shell Petroleum Development Company proved invaluable, especially as the company ventured into oil and gas insurance . Olaotan had already built relationships in the industry that he could leverage. His experience as an insurance broker, focusing on client servicing, further honed his skills in understanding and meeting customer needs.

Upon joining Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc , Olaotan worked in various roles, including underwriting, marketing, and specialized product offerings. His dedication to

continuous learning and improvement led him to participate in training both locally and internationally.

Notably, his experience in the London market, working with brokers and insurance companies, provided him with a global perspective that enhanced his leadership capabilities. Collectively, these experiences have greatly influenced Olaotan's leadership style and approach, making his journey in the industry both rewarding and impactful.

Leading

with Purpose to the Pinnacle of Achievement

Reflecting on his career, Olaotan considers his position as the leader of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc as one of his greatest achievements. He shares, "One thing that every person sets out to do in life when embarking on a journey or an enterprise is to get to the pinnacle of what you're doing."

Under Olaotan's leadership, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc has achieved significant growth, doubled its revenue and performed well in all indices. He credits this accomplishment to the grace of God and views it as a testament to his dedication and leadership in the industry.

As the CEO of the company, Olaotan's primary responsibility is to provide leadership and ensure that the organization moves steadily toward its goals. He explains, "The work of a leader is to make people go where they ought to go, make sure that there is congruence along the strata of the organization."

Operating with an open-door policy, Olaotan values the input of others, recognizing that collaboration and harnessing various opinions are essential for success. He emphasizes the importance of working with like-

minded individuals to achieve the company's objectives.

Olaotan's daily routine is dynamic, focusing on ensuring that the organization is on track to achieve its goals. He closely monitors key performance indicators through a dashboard, stepping in to provide direction when needed. His approach highlights his commitment to effective leadership and driving the company toward success.

Finding Balance and Motivation in Life and Leadership

Balancing personal and professional life can be challenging, but for Olaotan, faith plays a crucial role. He says, "I strongly believe that apart from your professional qualification, your personality, there is a God there and with his backing, there is nothing that should be impossible." This belief in divine support gives him the strength and grace to face each day's challenges.

To keep himself and his team motivated, Olaotan employs a mix of approaches. He believes in the "carrots and sticks" approach, rewarding good behaviour and addressing negative behaviours promptly. Leading by example is also key. He states, "I lead from the front. As a leader, I don't believe in just talking. When you say something, do it. Let people take an example from you." This commitment to integrity and action inspires his team to perform at their best.

Embracing the Journey: Reflections on Leadership and Legacy

For Olaotan, achievement is not a destination but a continuous journey. He reflects, "If I say that I've achieved all that I've dreamed of, then the next thing is just to leave the world." He believes that each level of success

should serve as a stepping stone to greater heights, acknowledging that the world is constantly changing, presenting new challenges and opportunities.

As a leader, Olaotan's message to aspiring leaders is clear: "Leadership is a call to serve, not a call to lordship over your followers." He emphasizes the importance of leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and service, ensuring that one leaves a place better than one found it.

Describing his leadership style, Olaotan identifies with the concept of a servant leader. He sees leadership as a call to serve, embodying humility and a commitment to the well-being of others. This approach guides his outlook on leadership, inspiring others to follow his example.

Pioneering a Global Vision for Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc

Olaotan envisions Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc as a leading brand in the global insurance and financial services sector. He states, "Our vision is to be a leading brand providing insurance and financial

services of global standard." Recognizing the global nature of the insurance industry, Olaotan aims to expand the company's reach and establish it as a global brand.

On a local level, the goal is ambitious yet achievable. Olaotan aims for Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc to consistently rank among the top five insurance companies in the industry. This ranking will be based on key metrics such as asset size, capital base, return on investment, share price, and profitability. He emphasizes the importance of building a company that will endure for centuries to come, providing a solid foundation for future leaders to build upon.

At the core of the company's operations are its values. Olaotan emphasizes superior customer service, innovation, professionalism, integrity, empathy, and team spirit. These values guide the team in their daily operations and form the foundation for the company's success.

Shaping the Future: A Vision for Mentorship and Optimism

Conclusion

Olaotan's ambition to influence the current generation revolves around mentorship. He believes in pouring himself into the next generation of leaders, stating, "I believe that I can do more in the area of mentorship."

He aims to extend this mentorship beyond Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc , seeking a platform within the industry to impart knowledge and experience. He emphasizes the importance of passing on knowledge to the new generation, ensuring that they benefit from past experiences and contribute to improving the industry.

When asked to define himself in one word, Olaotan chooses "optimist." He holds a strong belief that things can only improve, reflecting his positive outlook on life and leadership. This optimism underpins his approach to mentoring and influencing others, driving him to make a lasting impact on the industry and the leaders of tomorrow.

Olaotan Soyinka stands as a beacon of leadership in the insurance industry, exemplifying the qualities of a true visionary. His commitment to excellence, coupled with his belief in mentorship and optimism, sets him apart as a leader who is not only focused on achieving success but also on ensuring a lasting impact.

Under his guidance, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc continues to thrive, setting new standards of excellence in the industry. Olaotan's legacy of leadership and service will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.

Dr. Georges ALE

Chairman & CEO - SDP - Project Management

Revolutionizing Africa’s Infrastructure Project

Management

Georges ALE, a distinguished scholar with an impressive educational background in civil engineering (Ph.D.) and an MBA from INSEAD, has carved a niche for himself in the construction industry over the past 25 years. Having successfully led several large projects and subsidiaries under the umbrella of renowned construction companies like VINCI Construction, VINCI Concessions, and Colas across Africa, the Middle East, and France, Georges's latest achievement is his recent stint as Managing Director of Colas Africa.

In a bid to address the dearth of specialized infrastructure project management structures in Africa, Georges launched SDP, a project development company, in 2021. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Georges identified a gap in the African infrastructure development sector, which inspired him to establish SDP, a one-of-a-kind firm that will revolutionize project development in Africa.

Stepping into His Entrepreneurial Journey

Georges initiated the development of SDP after conducting a SWOT analysis of various stakeholders in Africa's construction industry. The statistics revealed that over 80% of infrastructure projects failed to meet their objectives in terms of quality, cost, and timely delivery. SDP aims to address this issue by reducing failure rates in countries that face significant infrastructure demands but have limited resources.

Another key finding was the lack of local capacity in the African construction industry, resulting in a small market share for local companies. Additionally, there is a low percentage of structured projects in the financing landscape in Africa. To improve this, the private sector needs to play a more significant role, but this requires better legal frameworks, asset protections, and a greater understanding of structured financing mechanisms by local private actors.

Georges has encountered numerous challenges throughout his career, including frequent relocations, multiple job transitions, and working in a multicultural environment. However, his greatest challenge to date has been launching SDP in 2021. To pursue this endeavour, he left a comfortable executive role in a large corporation to create a startup dedicated to providing intellectual services in an industry that places a significant emphasis on tangible results.

In this capacity, Georges was responsible for structuring the company's offerings, defining an appropriate organizational structure, recruiting a diverse team, and providing training in the field of infrastructure project management. Additionally, he was tasked with building a comprehensive database of experts in all areas related to the development and construction of major infrastructure projects, covering all phases, from identification and feasibility studies to technical design, financing,

construction, and operation. Overall, Georges faced several challenges while launching SDP, but he was able to successfully overcome them through his hard work and dedication.

Leading in Infrastructure Project Management in Africa

SDP is a global consulting firm specializing in infrastructure project management. Its team of consultants includes engineers, financial analysts, and lawyers who work together to provide top-notch intellectual services to public and private clients in Africa. SDP offers project management

assistance and consulting services in project finance and the implementation of public-private partnerships.

SDP's mission is to collaborate with project owners, both public and private, to help them plan, coordinate, and monitor the execution of their projects. Its services can be enhanced to include Project Management Office (PMO), Planning, Piloting, and Coordination, and 360° project audit assignments. It is concerning to note that failure rates for projects in Africa are very high, exceeding 80%, whether it be in managing deadlines,

costs, or infrastructure quality.

SDP aims to reduce these failure rates for both private industrial project owners and the public sector. Additionally, it provides assistance to companies with their restructuring, the transfer of skills, project management, and the implementation of operational procedures.

SDP plays a critical role in promoting controlled and sustainable infrastructure development in Africa by prioritizing local capacity building and addressing important issues such as digital technology, climate change, and ethics.

Georges envisions SDP becoming a reference firm in Infrastructure Project Management for Public and Private Clients in Africa by 2030. The company's core values of ethics, competence, benevolence, and exemplary leadership guide all its activities and team management. By adhering to these principles, SDP is well-positioned to achieve its goals and make a meaningful contribution to infrastructure development in Africa.

Demonstrating Expertise and Professionalism

Georges is delighted that in just over a year, SDP has earned the trust of several companies who approach him for restructuring assignments to improve their operations and organization. Additionally, these companies have entrusted SDP with managing certain projects in their portfolio.

Moreover, governments, industrial, and mining companies have also placed their trust in SDP to help them define, design, and manage the

implementation of their investments. This is a testament to the expertise and professionalism of SDP's team and the quality of services provided. Georges is proud to see his vision for SDP becoming a reality and looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact on infrastructure development in Africa.

Solutions to Improve Infrastructure Development Processes

Georges recognizes that cost and time overruns have unfortunately become a norm in the construction industry. He believes that analyzing costs can be viewed from two perspectives. Firstly, there are intrinsic costs that are compared to other places in the world, and projected costs taking the same ratios outside Africa into account. Typically, construction costs are divided into three main categories: 40% for materials and supplies, 40% for equipment, and 20% for personnel (including workers and supervisors). However, much of the equipment and human resources needed for

construction projects are often imported, resulting in significant logistics costs. Therefore, construction projects tend to be more expensive in Africa compared to other regions.

Secondly, compared to the already high projected costs, there are cost overruns linked to project management defects that lead to poor coordination and significant time overruns. These issues result in increased costs and delays that are detrimental to the success of projects. It is essential to address these challenges to improve the infrastructure development process in Africa.

SDP also recommends the implementation of digital tools to improve project management and reduce costs and time overruns. The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), for example, can allow for better coordination and collaboration between all stakeholders

involved in the construction process. SDP also recommends the establishment of proper risk management strategies to identify and mitigate potential risks that may lead to cost and time overruns. Additionally, the establishment of effective contract management mechanisms can help to ensure that all parties involved in a project are held accountable for their actions and that the project is delivered on time and within budget.

Highlighting Global Efforts to Accelerate Infrastructure Development in Africa

According to Georges, there is a growing global awareness in the industry about the urgent need to accelerate infrastructure development in Africa, including the efforts of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) program. Europe has pledged to mobilize $150 billion at the 2021 Europe-Africa summit, and President Joe Biden recently announced a plan to mobilize $600 billion by 2027 for infrastructure development in developing countries at the G7 meeting. Although these are currently only pledges, there is expected to be a significant influx of multilateral funding. This presents both opportunities and challenges, as weak local capacities may struggle with the implementation and management of major projects. The construction sector is expected to remain active and attract international players from around the world, but there is a need to develop local actors. The adoption of digital technology in project implementation will greatly impact the way in which projects are carried out, which is positive news.

Supporting for Access to Private Financing

Georges highlights the issue of access to financing, particularly the increasing importance of private financing. Improvements are needed in legal frameworks to secure transactions, better feasibility studies, and greater knowledge of structured financing mechanisms by African stakeholders. The construction sector in Africa faces major challenges, some of which Africa should take a leading role in addressing. The volumes of data generated by construction activities are enormous and currently underutilized. Digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the use of BIM or CIM can help infrastructure managers build large databases useful for new projects. The

use of local materials is also a major challenge, and better connections must be established with universities and research centers to strengthen human capital and develop frameworks that align with local technical and environmental realities. Local capacity building in the construction sector must be intensified. Climate issues, including high CO2 emissions from construction, must be addressed. Ethical issues and effective compliance procedures are critical to fighting corruption in the sector, as are issues related to controlling deadlines and costs and more generally managing construction projects.

A Symbol of Leadership and Inspiration

Georges was honored to receive recognition from the President of the Republic of Niger, who decorated him and elevated him to the rank of Officer in the Order of Merit of Niger. The President mentioned that Georges symbolizes the ideal model of a leader that they wish for the youth of Niger and Africa - successful, unifying, innovative, and committed. This was a proud moment for Georges, and he remains dedicated to Africa, and in particular, his home country of Benin.

Dr. Blessing Mudavanhu

CEO - CBZ Holdings

A Gifted Mathematician Bringing Change through Prolific Leadership

Many business leaders find their business direction over the course of time by maximizing their opportunities. Dr. Blessing Mudavanhu, Chief Executive Officer of CBZ Holdings Limited is one who had always focused on academics, which saw him complete his Mathematics Ph.D. qualification with flying colors. He had not considered getting into the business world. However, while treading the journey, he ended up being in business, and ever since that, he has never looked back.

He shares, “I have come to appreciate that the best learning experiences are when change takes place unexpectedly or unplanned. These times have taught me to be clear about my objectives, be professional, and fight to provide platforms where people respect each other and build trust for the greater good.”

For Dr. Blessing, one of his greatest achievement will always be obtaining the Fulbright Scholarship that helped him fulfill his dream of attaining his Mathematics Ph.D. qualification.

Comprehensive services and values of CBZ Holdings Limited

CBZ Holdings Limited is a renowned African investment company for the last four decades. Commencing its operations in Zimbabwe, it has been listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and is one of the leading institutions in the country.

Ever since its inception, CBZ Holdings has built an wide-ranging portfolio of businesses that encompass Banking, Short and Long Term Insurance, Asset Management, Property Investments, and Agriculture. Besides this, the company also has an offshore investment arm based in Mauritius as part of its regionalization strategy. He adds, “We have 9 subsidiaries called CBZ Bank, CBZ Capital, Datvest, CBZ Life, CBZ Agro-Yield, CBZ Risk Advisory, CBZ Properties, CBZ Insurance, and CBZ Red Sphere Finance.”

CBZ Holdings consists of 4 main clusters as part of its portfolio of businesses namely, Banking, Investments, Insurance, and Agriculture. These are designed to make sure that all complementary businesses are grouped together and their synergies are exploited well. Dr. Blessing says, “With this, many significant synergies have been unlocked both within each cluster of business as well as between the clusters themselves. These synergies and efficiencies

have been further enhanced by the CBZ Group's digital strategy, which has seen significant investment being made into computer systems as well as connectivity throughout the group.”

Moreover, a plethora of client-facing platforms have been designed, implemented, and launched that have further enriched the business efficiency.

There are six core values of CBZ Holdings Limited that make the company stand apart from its competitors. All of them are explained below:

Ÿ Integrity

Ÿ Focusing on Customer's Needs

Ÿ Focusing on Staff's Needs

Ÿ Thriving in Product Innovation

Ÿ Defining Corporate Citizenship

Ÿ Working as a Big Team

Vision for CBZ Holdings Limited

Talking about the vision for the company, he shares, “My vision for the company is to provide our customers with a dynamic, integrated financial service offering which we will scale up for growth in the coming years and to provide our shareholders with a profitable business.” Stating Peter Drucker's words, he strongly believes “Quality in a service or product is not what you put into it. It is what the customer gets out of it.” Thus, he gives utmost importance to proffering the best to the customers so that they can derive the most value from their products/service.

Keeping such customer-centric views, he states that the company is still driven by the commitment and dedication to serve the wide-ranging interests of communities at large.

Further, he adds, “At CBZ Holdings, we will continue to play a distinguished and catalytic role in furthering the Zimbabwean Government's distinct socio-economic policies, which seek to transform the Zimbabwean economy by encouraging the economic participation of entrepreneurial businesses that form the backbone of the economy” Also, they aim to open new opportunities for all the existing as well as upcoming entrepreneurs, and sectors of the economy.

Life at CBZ Holdings Limited

At CBZ Holdings Limited, Dr. Blessing has a pivotal role in handling the different business aspects of the company. He helps in shaping change and driving the business into the future. For this, he mainly provides direction, inspiration, and guidance to the employees so that they can harness their inner potential and talents and aid in channeling the growth of the company in a better way. He is also responsible for building teams that strive hard to achieve the common goal of expanding business and reach the next level of business.

As the Executive director, he knows the right tactics to make his fellow staff understand the vision and make the right moves to derive growth in the best way.

Maintaining good health is crucial to keep the brain functioning meticulously throughout the day. He adds, “I run a lot in the early mornings. This gives me the opportunity to start my days early and to use the time to plan and organize my day.” Being an avid reader, he devotes most of his time to reading as much as he can.

The future roadmap of CBZ Holdings Limited

Being in an ever-changing world, Dr. Blessing says, “Our goal as a business is to ensure we are part of that momentum of change and digitize our financial services offerings so that they impart convenience to all the clients.”

He follows Steve Cannon's words, “Customer experience better be at the top of your list when it comes to priorities in your organization. Customer experience is the new marketing.” Thus, the entire company wants to attain its goal of creating a broad portfolio of businesses that become market leaders and are also capable of generating sustainable earnings, an attractive dividend yield, and long-term capital growth.

He further shares that all of them must be based on sound business principles and deliver good financial results that will ultimately transform the lives of people. In a nutshell, he plans to make a difference in their communities, both internally and, externally.

John Martin

CEO and Co-founder - Young Black Leadership Alliance

When Leadership is a Calling

John Martin, CEO and Co-founder of Young Black Leadership Alliance (YBLA), has one vision - to develop young Black men and women into positive leaders in their community now and in the future. This “Blessed” leader, as he describes himself, is on a mission to create young Black leaders who will be a force of change in the world.

The Visionary

John has an interesting story to describe his inspiration to start YBLA. While watching his favorite team play football, his wife Tammy asked him, “What are you passionate about?” The obvious answer at that moment was, “this game.” But the question bothered him immensely because he did not have an appropriate answer. After much prayer, he was inspired by a

vision from God during a “Get Motivated” conference to start an organization to develop the next generation of Black leaders. His research in this area revealed that the education system was failing Black students on a large scale all over the country. He knew at that moment that it was his calling to do something, anything, to change that situation.

Thus began John's journey. Early on, the couple had demanding full-time jobs and worked on the organization full-time as well. Their leadership team also worked full-time and volunteered for YBLA after work. Over time, they built momentum and with grit, perseverance, and generous corporate and individual investors, the business grew to support a paid staff of twelve.

No Pain, No Gain

John firmly maintains that the only way to get better is to challenge yourself. He says you must strain your muscles to make them stronger and that the same is true in other areas of life. Challenges make you stronger and are necessary to reach goals. "But you must seek challenges within reason and for a reason. Be intentional about where you are going. Overcoming your challenges should move you closer to your goals," he advises.

The Transformational Approach

In his research, John discovered that the education system has not changed significantly since the early farming days and the system was failing many Black students. He knew a change was overdue. Following his calling, YBLA was born. This innovative system identifies, educates, and empowers young Black leaders. YBLA provides college readiness support, life skills, and leadership training. They also provide training and support for the parents of their young leaders. Black students who show academic promise and grit are

often overlooked by enrichment programs. YBLA identifies highachieving students and works to help them succeed academically and to make a positive impact in their community. This work begins in high school, continues through college, and goes into their early professional careers. Their statistics show this process works. This method ensures long-term success and positive economic mobility. It also helps them become peer mentors, role models, and change agents within their communities and beyond.

The organization empowers its young leaders to become change agents who transform and impact their communities for the rest of their lives through local and international service. As these leaders become successful, they in turn train others to follow in their footsteps. This selfsustaining system is a transformational approach to improving the life outcomes of Black families and communities.

The Positive Impact

Innovation is the answer to disruption and the key to long-term success.

John thinks about innovative ideas by constantly asking himself and his team, “How would Google or Amazon run our business?” John comprehends that these companies are on the cutting edge of innovation, and they consistently reinvent the way things are done. He then tries to reinvent the way they help their Black leaders become successful and significant; to use innovation to help a young person learn more efficiently and effectively.

The best recognition for John is watching young leaders from the YBLA program now leading, mentoring, and inspiring others. Hundreds have gone through the program. These leaders have launched more than twenty for-profit and nonprofit businesses. Some have authored books or have created a scholarship program to give back to Black students. This is John's reward!

Black Leadership Pipeline

John's vision is to make YBLA the best leadership development program on the planet! They are creating a Black leadership pipeline that will produce successful, significant leaders. Eventually, these leaders will positively impact people around the world.

John's BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) is to develop ten thousand young, Black leaders who positively impact one million people across the country over the next ten years. He is positive that this will have an immediate and tremendous impact on the Black community. He foresees a significant long-term result. These ten thousand leaders will go on to leave an even greater and positive imprint on the communities they serve during their lifetime.

As YBLA develops and expands its Black leadership pipeline around the

nation, John and his team are connecting high-potential Black college students to internships and jobs with YBLA's corporate partners. This program, called the YBLA Black Talent Pipeline, is an innovative approach to connect America's leading companies with top Black talent from the YBLA pipeline. “This is a great opportunity to fill the diversity needs of our partners while connecting our young leaders to top companies.” John says.

Lead By Example

The CEO and President of YBLA shoulders a noble responsibility. John sets their vision, makes it plain and understandable, and communicates it widely and often. He recognizes that it is imperative to inspire the team, lead by example, and use his time and talents to ensure that all team members have an opportunity to succeed. As a non-profit leader, he is the main fundraiser and marketer. He works with the board of directors to ensure that they align with the mission and comply with laws and regulations that govern non-profit organizations.

John starts his day early with prayer and Bible study. He says this starts his day off right and keeps him spiritually grounded. Next, he checks his emails to identify areas that require immediate attention. If there are no fires, he focuses on things that demand the most creativity: strategic planning, grant writing, or program development. He devotes one or two hours to creativity. The team then has a mid-morning huddle to synchronize and energize. He then applies his time to a series of back-to-back virtual meetings with sponsors, partners, board members, or teammates. He treasures the opportunity to spend time with the young leaders, virtually or in person.

A Steppingstone to Significance

Success is making the most of your God-given gifts and talents. Success allows you to take care of yourself and your family, and to help others around you. For John, success is not enough. He strives to be significant every day. His goal is to live a life of significance, using his gifts and talents to bless others.

John works with his wife Tammy in YBLA. As co-founders, this couple

has found the perfect work-life balance. They integrate the things they love into the business. Their passion is sharing their experiences with young people who lack opportunity. Their reward is working with young people and exposing them to transformational opportunities. Their motivation is their young leaders' success. Young people from the YBLA program are now actors, authors, entrepreneurs, professionals, inventors, business leaders, and philanthropists.

John's message to everyone is to get started today doing something that you love! He regrets not starting earlier. He reflects, "It is hard work, but finding what you love and are good at will get you out of bed every morning. Time will fly. I want to live with passion, love deeply, laugh every day, and strive to leave a legacy."

Fiona Daniel

CEO & Founder - FD2I

Helping Businesses Foster More Inclusive Workplaces

In recent years, Diversity and Inclusion - two interconnected concepts have garnered a lot of attention; one cannot exist without the other. Diversity without inclusion creates a toxic work environment. Even the most progressive companies fail to create an atmosphere where everybody feels that they belong. An inclusive work environment is one that makes everyone feel equally involved, valued and supported in all areas of the workplace and Fiona Daniel founder and CEO of FDI 2 understands this and helps businesses foster more inclusive practices to create a stronger company culture.

I'll Rise Up

Fiona held several roles within diversity and inclusion from being a Global Head of Employee Networks to Senior Global Diversity and Inclusion Relationship Manager to UK Head of Diversity and Inclusion throughout her 25-year career in the Financial Services Industry.

Along the path, she was inspired by many people who have left an indelible mark on her journey. But her main source of inspiration remain the impactful words by her father - “Sometimes you just need the right setting to truly shine, and you may need to do that on your own terms”

The transforming moment for Fiona was a few years back. She recalls, “I came into work one morning in 2016 listening to 'Rise Up' by Andra Day for the first time and I was moved. It became my mantra and daily motivation for three years. I remember I was at home, outside, listening to that very song and I saw a beautiful bird flying free, and I knew I had the key all along to open my own cage. I was ready to fly. I would rise and find the right setting to shine in. I went into work and made the biggest life changing decision of my life, I gave my notice and have not looked back since.”

Fiona is also extremely grateful to her executive coach. She states, "I

was blessed to have an amazing executive coach too, and after a couple of sessions the pieces fell together and FDIwas born.” 2

In Spite Of The Ache, I Will Rise A Thousand Times Again

Fiona faced many prejudices which many black employees face. She says “I worked in corporate environments for over 25 years and reflecting over the years on not seeing any black men and women in those higher echelons made me question myself and my values. Facing the roadblocks which many black women face of having the ambition and drive to progress versus being overlooked, watching others whose 'face fits' be given a role that you know you can do and have consistently demonstrated you can do, the roadblocks of microaggressions, assumptions, stereotypes,biases, etc. All those things taught me a valuable professional lesson and were an additional inspiration to establish my own business."

Her takeaway from this was, “I am the captain of my own ship, and placing my fate in the hands of others is not a long-term strategy for personal success,. I would rather be sailing to the beat of my own drum towards an environment where I am valued, accepted for myself self and can thrive.”

Fiona strongly believes that challenges make us stronger. She

believes that these challenges are the essentials that have heavily contributed and helped shape who she is, help her grow, and be resilient.

2 FDI Redefining Businesses

FDIprovides expertise in 2 supporting companies who truly want to make an impact with their diversity and inclusion efforts with an inside-out approach that works. She adds, “We help companies shift from diversity to inclusion and work hands-on with them to provide the practical know-how to do that across their whole business.”

Fiona contributes to redefining businesses by enabling businesses to first understand what diversity and inclusion mean and what it means for them as a business. She explains, "Often business cite the business case of diversity and inclusion but not their own business case. Second, is enabling businesses to both see and include diversity and inclusion in their strategic planning. This sometimes means breaking down business strategies bit by bit and rebuilding them with diversity and inclusion in mind. This is not about changing the strategy or the strategic priorities this is about enhancing it with diversity and inclusion incorporated and diversity and inclusion becomes a key enabler of achieving business success. When a business desires a culture of integrity and innovation, I contribute by focusing and

implementing diversity and inclusion to include values, behaviors, addressing and putting right the systems, and processes that inhibit an inclusive culture by excluding those that are different and retain the status quo, and suppress integrity, creativity and innovation”

Work-life Balance

Fiona wears many hats in her company. A regular day for her is generally running the business, one moment consulting with a company, next working with clients designing and implementing their diversity and inclusion strategy, and next managing the finances. She can accomplish this as the business is still in its infancy phase, but as it grows she expects to take a back seat and focus even more on strategy, growth, investment to expand. Fiona likes to learn so learning more about running a business is also on the cards. Her view is to grow as the business grows.

Being a CEO and handling so many responsibilities is not easy, to top it up, Fiona is also a caregiver. She understands the importance of balance in personal and professional life and tries to maintain this balance for her well-being and health. She adds, “I am very upfront about, being a caregiver so everyone I interact with knows that I have equally important obligations, it's who I am, and I

have made it part of my email signature too to include how and when I work.”

High Like The Waves, We'll Rise Up

Achieving equality at the workplace remains a top challenge for businesses mainly because many companies believe they already have a diverse and inclusive culture. However almost half of Britain's workforce believe that the employers could do more. Fiona works with employers to create a more inclusive workplace as she knows what it's like to be different and not included. She adds, “We know the huge benefits when you are included and it's that belief which ensures we remain highly

motivated and inspired to deliver the best service.”

Her vision for the company is mainly about growth; She envisions FDI to be one of the UK's leading 2 diversity and inclusion specialist companies. She states, “We are still in our infancy yet, demand for what we do and how we do it is increasing, so the focus is on the right business structure to enable us to meet to the growing client base.”

Fiona's personal goal is to step back from active design, delivery and consultancy and be a CEO running the business, setting the direction, and making key decisions that impact the direction and the people who make the business what it is.

Fiona concludes by giving a small message for aspiring businesswomen - “Don't underestimate the influence, experience and impact you have, a good business head and common sense will get you halfway there, belief in yourself and passion will take you the rest of the way. Don't let fear hold you back, let drive and ambition to fulfil your dreams and push you forward”

SUCCESS BUSINESS

SUCCESS JOURNEYS OF BUSINESS LEADERS

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