Tony Elumelu charged executives to rethink how they lead in an era of constant change
Tony Elumelu Redefines Leadership For 2026
Tony Elumelu says leadership in today’s world must move beyond authority and titles to something far more fundamental: relationships.
Speaking at his first executive knowledge-sharing session of 2026, the leading philanthropist and business leader challenged executives to rethink how they lead in an era of constant change, stressing that “leadership cannot be passive, cannot be complacent, and cannot afford to be distant.”
The chairman of the financial superpower which just posted an oversubscribed rights issue observed that the shifting global and business environment presents both opportunities and threats, making clarity of purpose and discipline of execution more important than ever.
Yet, he argued that effectiveness in leadership often lies in simplicity. “Leadership is often about simplicity — the clarity of an objective, the discipline of execution, and the courage to lead with authenticity,” he said.
Reflecting on his early career, Elumelu shared how a former boss profoundly shaped his leadership philosophy. That influence, the master of commerce explained, did not come through hierarchy or fear, but through deliberate relationship-building.
“He trusted me, and I wanted to repay that trust,” Elumelu said, noting that his motivation to perform was driven by respect for the relationship that had been built, not by authority.
He also recalled moments beyond the office that reinforced those lessons, including shared meals that doubled as exposure and learning.
“Those moments were not about comfort or food; they were about connection, exposure, and learning beyond the office,” the founder of high-impact Heirs Holdings said, explaining how such experiences pushed him beyond his comfort zone and shaped his growth as a leader.
The champion of shared prosperity in Africa said those experiences now inform how he engages with his own teams, emphasising that authority alone does not drive results.
“An enabling environment matters more than just authority,” Elumelu noted, stressing that “a leader removes obstacles for others. We have to remove hurdles to enable our people deliver.”
As organisations begin the year, the visionary under whose guidance UBA grew from a national bank to a global institution serving over 50 million customers and creating more than 40,000 direct jobs urged leaders to reflect on their approach to engagement and accessibility.
And, warned against repeating old methods in a changing environment, noting that “we cannot do things the same way and expect different results.”
Elumelu insists leadership is ultimately a commitment to people, not just tasks or outcomes.
“Leaders don’t just commit to tasks; they commit to people,” he emphasized, adding that when leaders build trust, clear roadblocks, and execute with conviction, “the results will follow, not by chance, but by design.” Read More
