Stakeholders in business, governance and civil society gathered in Lagos at a one-day conference organised by Elite Club, focused on the theme ‘Leadership and Executive Presence: Leading in Uncertain Times.’
The conference x-rayed practical strategies for decision-making, resilience, and influence as leaders navigate economic volatility, policy shifts, and rapid global disruptions.
Speakers emphasised that executive presence in today’s environment goes beyond titles, requiring clarity of vision, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire trust amid uncertainty.
Keynote speakers and panellists drawn from the corporate, public and development sectors shared insights on crisis communication, adaptive leadership, and building high-performing teams.
Participants also engaged in interactive sessions on personal branding, stakeholder management, and leading through ambiguity.
In her opening remarks, the convener of the conference, Kelechi Oghene, explained that the conference was designed to equip both senior executives and emerging leaders with tools to stay grounded and drive results.
According to her, leadership today is being tested like never before, stressing that executive presence is not about having all the answers; it is about showing up with confidence, empathy, and the courage to make tough decisions when the path forward is unclear.
Speaking on ‘Leading through crisis without losing direction ‘, Managing Director, Zenith Carex International, Adelana Olamilekan described leadership as a key factor to drive any vision and dream, adding, ‘For any nation to be well governed, the rule of leadership cannot be ruined. Leaders play a very vital role in governing the citizens and directing the affairs of the citizens.
‘There are good leaders and bad leaders. When a nation is governed through good leaders, then the nation prospers. The same thing is also likened to every business.
‘When we have leaders that already have games of any organisation, be it the public or private sector, such organisations do well,
‘There are a lot of situations that have to come when leading. Whether you are leading people in an organisation, in government offices, or even among citizens. We know that times are a bit challenging at the moment, and our business is also human.
‘As human beings, we could fall ill at any point in time. We are vulnerable. The same way we fall sick, we get treated, and we become okay. The same thing is also likened to any business. So, in a situation like this, it is expected that every organisation has to navigate. ‘They have to look at their company policy and corporate governance to ensure that certain decisions that will be taken will be such a decision that can reposition the company for profitability and also ensure certain risks.
‘Certain negative risks are not taken at this time, and also certain investments that are not viable should not be taken at this time. If all these are put into consideration, I think it’s very easy for everyone to navigate.’
Speaking on ‘Leading in uncertain times’, founder of Rinwa Reality, Adunni Rinwa, urged business leaders to prioritise transparency, adaptability, and people-first decision-making.
He noted that in periods of economic volatility and policy shifts, organisations that communicate clearly with staff and customers, while remaining flexible in operations, are better positioned to stay resilient and maintain public trust.
The conference ended with a call to action for participants to translate insights into practice within their organisations and communities.
Organisers said Elite Club will continue to host platforms that develop ethical, forward-thinking leaders equipped to drive impact across Nigeria and beyond.
It is interesting to note that Elite Club is a professional network of executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders committed to excellence in leadership, governance, and service.
Through conferences, masterclasses, and mentorship programmes, the Club provides a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and peer collaboration aimed at shaping the next generation of leaders in Nigeria and across Africa.