Ayo Owodunmi is a management consultant and culture transformation expert with over a decade of experience, shaping leaders and organisations. He has worked with global brands including Microsoft, Spotify, Canada Life, and CIBC, helping them thrive in diverse and dynamic environments. A published author and professor at Conestoga College, Owodunmi is passionate about empowering immigrants and leaders. His bold approach to innovation, inclusion, and organizational transformation has made him a sought-after speaker, trainer, and advisor. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, he spoke on how Nigeria’s social and economic environment has shaped his leadership style. He examined the current leadership culture in the country, and offered insights on how inclusive, ethical, and innovation-driven leadership can unlock Nigeria’s economic potential. Excerpts:
How did growing up in Lagos shape your understanding of leadership and resilience?
Growing up in Lagos grounded me. Nigeria teaches resilience early on how to adapt, persevere, and keep going even when systems are imperfect. I learned the power of culture, family, community, and faith. Leadership isn’t about title; it’s about responsibility, service, and showing up for people. Those early lessons have shaped how I lead today.
Which aspects of Nigeria’s social and economic environment influenced your leadership style?
Nigeria teaches resourcefulness. You learn to do more with less, navigate complex systems, and negotiate effectively. Empathy is key because everyone is facing challenges. These experiences shaped a leadership style that is people-centered, practical, and solution-driven rather than purely theoretical.
Having worked in both Nigeria and Canada, what leadership gaps does Nigeria need to address urgently?
Every country has gaps, but Nigeria needs more relatability and psychological safety. Many leaders overlook frontline staff who often see problems first and have the best solutions. Mid-level managers bridge staff and leadership perspectives. When people don’t feel safe to speak up, feedback is lost, innovation suffers. I’ve seen ideas from frontline staff in Toronto generate over $200 million simply because leaders listened and created a safe space for input. That’s the power of psychological safety.
How has your immigrant experience shaped your view on opportunity and economic systems in Nigeria?
Being an immigrant shows you which systems work and which block potential. Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. Fair systems unlock potential faster than individual brilliance. Nigeria has immense talent we need systems that let people contribute fully without unnecessary barriers.
What leadership and culture lessons can Nigeria learn from global best practices?
Leadership development must be intentional, not accidental. Strong cultures are built through clarity, consistency, and accountability. Leaders must be trained in behavior, communication, and decision-making, not just strategy. Culture is shaped daily by what leaders tolerate and reinforce. Compliance alone is not enough we must push excellence from the top down.
How would you describe Nigeria’s current leadership culture in public and private sectors?
There are strong leaders doing great work, but many organizations operate with high hierarchy, fear-based authority, and limited feedback loops. This slows decision-making and stifles innovation. The opportunity lies in trust-based leadership and clearer accountability. Culture committees can help embed these practices.
Which leadership behaviors most limit Nigeria’s economic growth?
Poor delegation, fear of dissent, weak accountability, micromanagement, and top-down control slow progress. When everything flows to one person, decisions are delayed and innovation is stifled.
How can Nigerian organizations move toward inclusive and innovative leadership?
It starts with mindset. Leaders must be enablers, not gatekeepers. Empowerment drives speed, ownership, and innovation. Practical steps include giving teams real decision-making authority, creating safe feedback channels, rewarding initiative, and training managers in inclusive leadership. When people feel trusted, they perform better and care more.
You co-created the Ring Framework for culture transformation. How could it apply to Nigeria?
The Ring Framework focuses on alignment leadership behavior, systems, values, and daily practices reinforcing each other. In many Nigerian organizations, culture is too dependent on one leader. When that leader leaves, everything collapses. The framework shifts organizations from personality-driven to system-driven leadership, ensuring clarity, consistency, and sustainable growth.
How does leadership quality affect Nigeria’s economic performance?
Leadership directly impacts productivity, investor confidence, job creation, and service delivery. Poor leadership breeds delays, waste, and mistrust. Strong leadership creates focus, accountability, and momentum. Leadership-driven reforms around talent, performance, and accountability could unlock significant growth.
What leadership systems are missing in Nigerian businesses?
Most lack succession planning, governance, and intentional leadership pipelines. Everything flows through the founder, limiting scale and increasing risk. Leadership development clarifies roles, builds capable teams, and prepares businesses to thrive beyond the founder.
How should leaders harness Nigeria’s young population?
By taking young people seriously investing in skills, mentorship, and meaningful responsibility. Give them real problems to solve, involve them in decisions, and support them with coaching and accountability. When trusted, they contribute powerfully to economic growth.
What role does inclusion play in unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential?
Inclusion is an economic strategy. When people feel valued, they contribute ideas, energy, and commitment. Exclusion creates silence, which kills innovation. Nigeria has talent across regions, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Inclusion ensures that talent shows up fully, boosting productivity, collaboration, and trust.
How can leaders better integrate women and young people into decision-making?
Inclusion must be intentional. Systems should create access, representation, mentorship, and leadership pipelines. Women and young people should be trusted with responsibility and accountability. Designed into systems, inclusion becomes sustainable, not symbolic.
From your experience as a Canadian City Councillor, what governance practices could Nigeria adopt?
Transparency, clear roles, citizen engagement, data-informed decision-making, and strong accountability mechanisms. When people trust the system and believe their voices matter, local governance drives meaningful impact.
How does ethical leadership influence investor confidence?
Ethical leadership reduces uncertainty. Investors seek clear rules, fair processes, and predictable decisions. Minimising corruption and building credibility attracts capital, stabilises economies, and strengthens growth.
What traits are most important for public office holders in Nigeria?
Integrity, competence, humility, courage, and the ability to listen. Public office is stewardship, not status it requires leaders who care for public trust.
How can local government drive grassroots economic development?
By empowering small businesses, simplifying regulations, investing in infrastructure, and partnering with community leaders. Responsive local leadership makes development visible where it matters most.
How important is education to Nigeria’s long-term growth?
Education is foundational. It must go beyond technical knowledge to develop critical thinking, leadership, collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Universities should build leadership capacity alongside academics, preparing graduates to solve problems and create value.
How can innovation-driven leadership help Nigeria compete globally? What role should the diaspora play?
Innovation-driven leadership allows Nigeria to leapfrog challenges and adapt quickly. The diaspora brings global exposure, systems thinking, and networks. Aligned with local realities, this knowledge can strengthen leadership and accelerate competitiveness.
