By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa Plc, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, has shared the experience and lessons he has gathered over time, which have helped him to steer the ship of the telecommunication firm smoothly.
Speaking in his keynote address at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Sharing Experience Series 2023 over the weekend, Mr Ogunsanya also shared how his diverse work background has given him a wide-ranging perspective that has helped him lead Airtel as an organization.
In his presentation on the theme, Leading to Impact, the Airtel Africa boss further shared practical advice and leadership principles for developing effective and impactful leadership.
“Companies keep competing with the past, and capturing market opportunities requires you to compete into the future without losing focus of the present. It’s either you are satisfied with your previous experiences or you keep looking out for future achievements.
“It is essential for every individual and organization to have a purpose because something must drive you asides from profit-making, and you will be amazed at how that will drive you into the height of success that you intend to accomplish,” he stated.
Mr Ogunsanya described telecoms as an industry that empowers both individuals and organisations by eliminating certain barriers simply by connecting people.
While speaking on the impact of telecoms on driving growth in Nigeria, he informed the audience that Airtel had transformed lives by connecting people to their loved ones and their passion, experiences and opportunities.
According to him, Airtel Africa’s $57 million partnership with UNICEF was sealed to connect schools in the 14 African countries of its operations to the internet, thereby granting African Children access to digital learning, with 620 schools across Nigeria already connected.
Speaking on how Airtel is fostering gender diversity and financial and digital Inclusion across Africa, he said, “Airtel just launched a program called Airtel Women Network to encourage women to take an active part in technology.
“Through this platform, we are encouraging our women through mentorship and networking, and at the end of the day, we want them to be able to pitch ideas to us and get the resources to fund projects in the long run. I encourage diversity not because it is the right thing to do, but because it adds diverse value to an organisation.”
“In the area of driving financial inclusion, through our Payment Service Bank, Smartcash PSB, we are able to connect people in the rural areas to financial activities, and we are also using this platform to drive women empowerment programs where we train women to become PSB agents,” he said.
The NBCC Sharing Experience Series was designed two years ago to provide a platform for accomplished leaders in the organized private sector to share their experiences in the areas of entrepreneurship and professional careers.
Previous editions have seen speakers like the Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Jim Ovia; and the founder/CRO of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Mrs Adenike Ogunlesi, among others.
Adedapo Adesanya