With over 20 years of expertise working with leaders and managers of small, medium, and large-scale organisations, RICHARD OSIBANJO (PhD) is at the moment the Chief of Employees and Director of Organisational Transformation at Intel Company, and Govt Director/Co-founder of CLG. He’s additionally an govt coach, creator and a trusted advisor to govt leaders at Fortune 500 corporations. On this interview with VICTORIA, he shares on organisational methods, hope for a higher Nigeria, and the ability of transformational management. Excerpts.
Who’s Richard Osibanjo?
Richard Osibanjo is a number one skilled on transformational management and senior staff efficiency. He’s an creator, govt coach, and keynote speaker. His work facilities on serving to senior leaders energise their organisations with daring, transformational methods that unlock human potential and new market development. Now Chief of Employees and Director of Organisational Transformation on the Intel Company, and a trusted advisor to govt leaders at Fortune 500 corporations.
Osibanjo was born and raised in Nigeria. A chemist by coaching, he obtained a B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry from the College of Ibadan in Nigeria, an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Science from Loughborough College in the UK, and a Ph.D in Chemistry on the College of California, Davis.
Osibanjo began his profession in analytical chemistry and have become fascinated with the chemistry of individuals, management, and organisations. His journey led him midway around the globe to turn out to be a wanted thought chief in transformational and purpose-driven management.
Richard has a robust message for individuals to guide with function, knowledgeable by his extraordinary profession journey and over 20 years of expertise working with leaders and managers of small, medium, and large-scale organisations.
Richard Osibanjo is the Govt Director and Co-founder of CLG, an academic basis that engages, empowers, and equips rising leaders and native professionals to find their potential and speed up their management journey.
He works with minority youth to pursue STEM careers via an revolutionary, project-based outreach programme. He’s a member of the distinguished Marshall Goldsmith 100 group of coaches, and a John Maxwell licensed coach, speaker, and coach. He’s a Forbes Columnist on Management Technique, and he resides in Portland, Oregon, together with his spouse and two sons. He’s actively concerned together with his church and neighborhood.
What had been the completely different phases of development you skilled early in life and what had been the influences?
I’m grateful for a way I used to be introduced up. My dad, Prof. Oladele Osibanjo, a distinguished Environmental, Analytical Chemistry, and Waste Administration Professor, got here from a humble background. However he all the time stated that training was his approach out of poverty. I keep in mind seeing him keep up till 3 am most nights, then head off to the college at 7am. He was all about books and studying.
My mum, Titilayo Osibanjo (nee Fadoju), who handed away, was an accountant. She was a lady of religion and nice with individuals. Having each of them as mother and father gave me an excellent stability in life, and I’m endlessly grateful for that. My dad taught me the significance of onerous work and being glorious at what you do. My mum taught me to all the time put God first and worth relationships. I’m the youngest of three siblings, and I’m fortunate to have had them handle me. Total, my mother and father’ teachings have formed me. They’ve taught me to work onerous, be variety, and maintain religion on the middle of every little thing. Their classes proceed to information me every single day.
Over 20 years of expertise working with leaders and managers of small, medium, and large-scale organisations, share your findings with us.
That’s an awesome query. Let’s begin with what each employers and workers need, irrespective of how large or small the corporate is. Employers purpose to become profitable by growing income and chopping prices, and workers need to work for leaders who respect their expertise and assist them develop. organisations from a management perspective, you possibly can break it down into technique, execution, and tradition. From my observations and expertise, not many leaders and corporations excel in all three areas. Many occasions, leaders overlook the significance of firm tradition. As Peter Drucker stated, “Technique eats tradition for breakfast.” Whatever the firm’s dimension, one of the best leaders I’ve come throughout are purpose-driven. They’ve a transparent imaginative and prescient, are brave, and create an environment the place their staff can flourish. They domesticate membership fairly than followership.
Who’s a transformational chief?
Transformational leaders are real, purpose-driven, and guided by their core values. They recognise that transformation is first an inside job that manifests externally. They ship leads to the current and form the longer term by inspiring their organisations and clients to embrace change enthusiastically.
Analysis signifies that greater than 70% of transformations finish in failure. The authors of ‘The Founder’s Mentality’ level out that, surprisingly, it’s not a results of issues with technique, know-how, or advertising, however fairly individuals points. This underscores the significance of transformational leaders excelling within the technical facets of their jobs and understanding and main individuals.
An exemplary transformational chief I love is Howard Schultz, the previous CEO and Chairman of Starbucks. He famously acknowledged that Starbucks is a individuals enterprise serving espresso, not a espresso enterprise serving individuals. This mindset shift is profound and demonstrates the transformative energy of embracing a people-first strategy
How does transformational management differ from different forms of management?
In distinction to extra conventional approaches, transformational management’s major objective is to encourage and encourage subordinates and stakeholders to carry out at a better degree. Transformational management focuses on inspiring followers/groups with a compelling imaginative and prescient and beliefs, versus transactional management, which is extra involved with trade and negotiation. Finally, this model drives organisational change and progress by fostering belief, encouraging creativity, and empowering people to realize their best potential.
How can a frontrunner develop transformational management expertise?
A pacesetter’s imaginative and prescient and private growth can restrict an organisation’s development. That’s why it’s important for leaders to be totally dedicated to investing of their development. If leaders don’t develop, it hampers the organisation’s development too. In as we speak’s fast-changing world, adaptability is vital. Leaders should evolve with the adjustments to remain related. They shouldn’t purpose to be the neatest individual within the room however fairly act as facilitators, not dictators.
In Nigeria, we have now a robust cultural worth of respecting elders, which is nice. Nevertheless, we should guarantee this ‘respectful tradition’ doesn’t overshadow one of the best concepts. Whereas age brings expertise and knowledge, it doesn’t all the time have all of the solutions. We should always put together and empower the youthful technology for management roles whereas offering them with mentorship from these with extra expertise.
Having a way of private, nationwide, and company function is one other essential side of transformational management. It’s important for successful the hearts of each workers and clients. Really nice organisations transcend simply being profitable; they purpose to reinforce the lives of their workers, contribute positively to communities, and defend the atmosphere.
How does transformational management contribute to organisational development and success?
You’ve touched on an important level. Organisations and leaders should embrace change in as we speak’s AI-driven world or danger falling behind those that do. Simply take a look at how disruptors like Lyft, Uber, and others have reworked the taxi trade. Transformational leaders are important for navigating this period of uncertainty whereas staying true to their core values.
For Africa, particularly Nigeria, embracing AI is vital to leapfrogging into the longer term. We’re but to expertise our industrial revolution, and AI presents a possibility to speed up progress. Whereas there are issues about job displacement, I imagine it’s extra a few shift in expertise and alternatives. International locations like India have prioritised training and are reaping the advantages.
Schooling is certainly the cornerstone of progress. Entry to sources, particularly within the digital age is significant. Nevertheless, challenges like entry to computer systems, electrical energy, and reasonably priced textbooks persist. Visionary management is required to handle these obstacles and unlock the potential of our individuals.
Regardless of the challenges, Nigerians excel globally in tech, sports activities, and the humanities, highlighting our ample human sources. We’d like extra leaders who prioritise training and innovation. By investing in training and embracing know-how, Nigeria can actually turn out to be the large of Africa.
You companion with minority youths to pursue STEM careers via an revolutionary, project-based outreach programme. How do you do that?
I actively interact globally with varied organisations, universities, and faculties to attain this. In america, there exists a disparity between minority college students and the bulk inhabitants in STEM fields. To deal with this hole, I collaborate with completely different organisations to foster management expertise amongst executives, rising leaders, and college students, thus enabling them to show their imaginative and prescient, technical concepts, and improvements into actuality. Illustration performs a major function, and my background, holding BSc, MSc, and PhD levels in Chemistry, coupled with my senior management place in a tech firm, positions me to bridge the hole successfully.
In Africa and particularly in Nigeria, I work alongside varied organisations to empower leaders with the talents essential to form the longer term and make a constructive affect. I purpose to domesticate a technology of purpose-driven leaders who can drive innovation and progress of their respective fields via coaching programmes, workshops, and mentorship initiatives. By offering steerage and assist, I hope to contribute to constructing a extra inclusive and affluent future for Nigeria and past.
As a co-founder of Join, Study, Develop (CLG), share what the corporate is about with us
CLG is a cohort-based management programme designed to empower executives and rising leaders domestically in Portland, and globally. Over the course of 4 to six weeks, individuals interact in an intensive management curriculum geared toward equipping them with important expertise, increasing their networks, and offering sources to pursue their aspirations.
My major tasks inside CLG revolve round facilitation and convening. I play a pivotal function in guiding individuals via the programme, facilitating discussions, and orchestrating collaborative studying experiences. Moreover, I work carefully with the staff to make sure that the programme runs easily and successfully meets the wants of the individuals.
Some of the rewarding facets of CLG is witnessing the significant connections that emerge amongst individuals as they be taught and develop collectively. It’s actually inspiring to see people come collectively, assist each other, and embark on transformative journeys towards realising their full potential. As a co-founder, I’m dedicated to fostering an atmosphere the place management prospers, and desires are realised.
What are your tasks as Chief of Employees and Director of Organisational Transformation at Intel Company?
Because the Chief of Employees and Director of Organisational Transformation at Intel, I work carefully with my boss and varied stakeholders to make sure that our organisation operates as a cohesive and efficient system. Our focus is aligning our compelling technique, execution, and tradition to create world-changing know-how that improves the lives of everybody on the planet.
In keeping with my boss, Hamid, our goal for the staff is to create an inclusive office the place individuals can convey their genuine selves, do their greatest work, and benefit from the expertise. This includes making certain that our workers perceive the overarching technique, its relevance to their roles, day-to-day actions, and its affect on our broader mission. Execution is necessary for us to fulfill our buyer commitments. So, managing stakeholders, having a sturdy system for monitoring targets and key outcomes, and holding people accountable are important for making a high-performing organisation. Collaboration amongst groups is inspired, with an emphasis on efficient communication and data circulation throughout all ranges and departments.
Along with strategic alignment, I emphasise the significance of managing the individuals facet of change. As an govt coach, I recognise the importance of management alignment and staff efficiency. I collaborate with management groups to facilitate alignment, foster excessive efficiency, and mitigate points comparable to workplace politics or persona clashes that will detract from our collective targets.
Celebrating milestones alongside the transformation journey is crucial for sustaining morale and motivation. Cultivating a tradition of possession amongst workers, the place they really feel personally invested in our mission, is vital to sustained success. By prioritising communication, collaboration, accountability, and celebration, we try to construct a dynamic and resilient organisation poised for continued development and success.
Amongst varied options, why the selection to work at Intel?
Intel holds a deep and private significance for me. As a world pupil, navigating the challenges of securing visa sponsorship after finishing my research felt like climbing a steep hill. Intel was the corporate that opened the door for me, offering not simply sponsorship but additionally invaluable assist for my development and growth. Additionally, it’s a privilege to be working with one of the vital superior know-how corporations on the planet, and with the neatest individuals. The icing on the cake for me is that Intel is a mission pushed firm. Our objective is to make use of our know-how for good.
My journey with Intel underscores the transformative energy of alternative and assist. As I proceed to contribute to the organisation’s success, I stay dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowering atmosphere the place people can thrive and realise their full potential.
What does Nigeria have to do to repair the myriad of challenges we’re in as we speak? From challenges of FX, to excessive value of dwelling, gas value hike and extra, what advise do you will have for Nigerians, corporates and the federal authorities?
I really like Nigeria, and it’ll all the time be in my coronary heart. Rising up in Nigeria and finishing my bachelor’s diploma right here has been a journey stuffed with invaluable classes and experiences. Regardless of the challenges, I’ve no regrets; the resourcefulness and resilience ingrained within the Nigerian mindset have been invaluable presents. The Naija spirit of not giving up, whatever the obstacles, is one thing I deeply cherish.
Whereas I don’t possess a magic resolution to repair Nigeria’s challenges, I firmly imagine that we are able to be taught important classes from profitable nations to speed up our development. Tackling insecurity and having a steady economic system is job primary. Along with this, we have to have a transparent imaginative and prescient for Nigeria: who’re we as a individuals? What are our values? What can we anticipate from our authorities, and what are the tasks of the citizenry?
A compelling imaginative and prescient has the ability to unite Nigeria. Because the saying goes, “My individuals perish with out a imaginative and prescient.” It’s crucial that we transcend political affiliations, tribal divisions, or spiritual variations and unite underneath a standard imaginative and prescient for the nation. This imaginative and prescient ought to prolong past election cycles, political celebration affiliations, short-term programmes, and initiatives and stay steadfast via altering political landscapes.
A rustic divided towards itself can’t progress. We should try to beat tribalism and spiritual divisions that undermine our unity as Nigerians. It’s important to foster belief and collaboration amongst all residents, regardless of their backgrounds.
As an optimist, I’m longing for the success of President Tinubu’s administration. I urge the federal government to prioritise defining, describing, and delivering on the Nigerian imaginative and prescient. This transcendent imaginative and prescient would function a legacy for generations to return, guiding our collective efforts towards a affluent and inclusive future.
Lastly, as Nigerian residents, we should heed the decision to motion. Drawing inspiration from JFK’s well-known phrases, “Don’t take into consideration what your nation can do for you, take into consideration what you are able to do to your nation,” we should every play our half in constructing a greater Nigeria. Nobody else will come to avoid wasting us; we’re accountable for making a nation that works for everybody. Allow us to unite underneath a shared imaginative and prescient for Nigeria and commit ourselves to collective motion in direction of a brighter future for our beloved nation.
There are a number of Nigerians such as you doing nice issues. How does it make you’re feeling realizing maybe, it may have been higher in the event you had been all right here?
I’m uncertain if issues would have been higher if the individuals overseas had all returned. Why? A rose plant will wrestle to develop in sandy soil. The federal government and leaders are accountable for fostering an atmosphere the place individuals can develop. With out that, even individuals from one of the best universities with world-class experiences will wrestle. That stated, having Nigerians with worldwide publicity and numerous experiences generally is a super asset in accelerating the expansion and growth of our nation. Variety of thought, background, and perspective enriches any nation and fosters innovation and progress.
It’s inspiring to see how different nations, like China, the Center East, and India, prioritise sending their residents overseas for training after which leveraging their information and expertise to contribute to their nation’s growth upon returning house. Equally, Nigeria can profit immensely from nurturing a globally linked and numerous expertise pool. By encouraging Nigerians to pursue worldwide training and experiences after which offering alternatives for them to use their studying again house, we are able to harness their experience and creativity to handle the challenges and seize the alternatives dealing with our nation. The query for our worldwide and home people is, do we have now sufficient jobs to go round in Nigeria? Do we have now the infrastructure, and programs to assist superior know-how for these educated overseas? Is there a sense of security in Nigeria?
Like many Nigerians, I’ve confronted challenges due to my inexperienced passport. As an illustration, a financial institution randomly canceled my account a number of years in the past on account of my Nigerian passport. Luckily, my boss on the time knew the financial institution supervisor and vouched for me, ensuing within the account being reopened. Regardless of these obstacles, I stay loyal and firmly imagine in Nigeria’s future. I imagine that although weeping could endure for an evening, pleasure will come within the morning.
What do you hope for Nigeria? What are you doing to make this a actuality?
My dream for Nigeria is that in the future, we’ll take our place within the commonwealth of countries as a affluent nation. We’ll turn out to be a rustic the place, in case you have a dream and are keen to work onerous, something is feasible. Singapore was reworked from a third-world nation to a first-world nation. They aren’t higher than us, so I imagine we are able to do it!
I dream that we’re a rustic the place we see ourselves first as Nigerians earlier than tribe, ethnicity, or faith. I hope we transfer on from our previous of mistrust and, underneath a standard function, we are able to turn out to be a united Nigeria. One nation, one individuals, and one dream that’s indivisible underneath God!
Regardless of being the one one amongst my siblings born in Nigeria and dealing with a number of visa denials from embassies, I by no means felt dangerous about it. I firmly believed that there was a function for my being born in Nigeria. I belief that God doesn’t make errors. With this perception, wherever my function in life takes me, I try to be a model ambassador for Nigeria. I’m happy with my Nigerian heritage.
I take advantage of my affect and voice to encourage traders to put money into Nigeria. As an govt coach, management, and organisation growth skilled, I put money into growing a technology of purpose-driven leaders by partnering with varied organisations in Nigeria and past.
What’s your tackle “Japa”?
The notion that meritocracy doesn’t exist in Nigeria is a major problem. It typically appears that success is dependent upon elements like who you realize, your tribe, or your faith. For these with worldwide publicity or aspirations, it may be disheartening to see that their expertise are valued extra exterior the nation, the place success relies on benefit fairly than connections.
No matter the place we dwell, our primary human wants stay the identical. All of us need to really feel secure, have entry to necessities like clothes, shelter, and meals, and never fear about primary requirements like gas, electrical energy, water, and healthcare. Tragically, private experiences, like my mom’s misdiagnosis and subsequent dying on account of insufficient healthcare, spotlight the pressing want for enchancment in our programs.
As a Nigerian, I deeply want to put money into my house nation and witness its prosperity. Nevertheless, for a lot of, the dearth of an enabling atmosphere makes settling and thriving in Nigeria difficult. It’s essential for the federal government to create situations the place everybody has a good likelihood at success, resulting in extra Nigerians returning house to contribute positively to the nation’s development.
Accessibility and effectivity in authorities providers, comparable to acquiring passports, are important for fostering patriotism and satisfaction in our nation. It’s disheartening to should journey lengthy distances to accumulate a Nigerian passport whereas every little thing could be finished conveniently from home in different nations. Simplifying bureaucratic processes and making life simpler for residents are essential steps in fostering patriotism and nationwide satisfaction.
Moreover, current information about British attorneys being permitted to follow regulationsVICROs in Nigeria raises questions on reciprocity and equity. It’s important for Nigeria to assert itself on a worldwide stage and be sure that our professionals are handled equally overseas. This requires a dedication to ideas of fairness, mutual respect, and recognition of our mental capability while we proceed to develop as a nation.
In essence, to actually embrace Nigerian satisfaction, we should demand and work in the the direction of equality on the worldwide stage, while striving for enchancment and progress within our personal borders. Our potential as a nation is limitless, and it’s time for us to understand it by championing ideas of equity, inclusivity, and respect for all.
As a trusted advisor to government leaders at Fortune 500 corporations, how have you ever been in a position to earn and retain their belief in you?
Belief is a two-way avenue, constructed on consistency and integrity. It’s about delivering on guarantees and changing into an individual of unwavering integrity. As John Maxwell correctly places it, “Nobody cares how much you realize till they understand how much you care.”
Constantly following through on commitments and demonstrating integrity in all actions are important for income belief. Individuals have to know that they will depend on you to do what you say you’ll do. Furthermore, displaying real care and empathy for others goes a long way in constructing belief and rapport.
In essence, belief is cultivated through a mix of reliability, honesty, and real concern for others’ well-being. By embodying these qualities, we are able to set up sturdy and enduring relationships constructed on belief and mutual respect.
To each Nigerian on the market who has misplaced hope, what‘s important to say to them?
It’s a tricky query, particularly since I’m not at the moment dwelling in Nigeria, and I fear my feedback may come off as disingenuous. However,, right here’s the factor: in the event you lose hope, what’s the choice? Grief, disappointment, and unforgiveness are even heavier burdens to bear.
I’ve confronted some extremely tough private circumstances, from the heartbreaking lack of my mom to the upheaval of leaving the UK as a result of my visa not beingRIA renewed. By way of all of it, I haveVICTO have by no means misplaced hope. Sure, people, governments, establishments, mates, and even relations can allow us to down; however,, I’ve realized to maintain my hope and religion in God.
I imagine that even in the darkest moments, God can present concepts, readability, and paths. Whether or not I discover an approach ahead or make one, holding onto hope has always led me to brighter paths. So, irrespective of the challenges, I always select hope over despair. To be clear, religion just isn’t an excuse to not hold our leaders accountable.
Concluding phrases
Within the phrases of Robert Schuller, “Robust occasions are are by no means final, however robust individuals are.” Each downside has an expiration date, and each mountain has a peak. These phrases resonate deeply with me, particularly on difficult occasions.
I’m reminded of the stirring traces of our nationwide anthem:
“Come up, O Compatriots,
Nigeria’s name obeyss
To serve our Fatherland
With love, energy,, and religion.
The labour of our heroes
Shall by no means be in useless,
To serve with coronary heart and may
One nation certain in freedom, peace, and unity.”
These phrases encapsulate the spirit of resilience and dedication that runs through the material of our nation. They encourage us to rise above adversity and serve our nation with unwavering love, energy, and religion. They remind us of the sacrifices made by those who got here earlier than us and urge us to hold their legacy ahead with satisfaction and dedication.
No matter our challenges, allow us to draw energy from our nationwide anthem and stay steadfast in our dedication to constructing a united, peaceable, and affluent Nigeria for all.
