News
Lead Without Title (2)
The greatest challenge facing many organizations globally today is leadership. Nine out of ten Chief Executive Officers of small, medium and big corporations view people as their number one critical success factor. Meanwhile, six out of ten employees end up not having the skills or attitude or attributes they claimed to possess at the interview or stated on their beautifully and professionally crafted curriculum vitae.
Lead without title, is a new management concept recently popularized by Robin Sharma, one of the world’s top success and management coaches- to draw the attention of business executives to the inherent dangers in leading with title both for the organization as well as its people.
Principles of Leading without Title:
Lead without title as a management concept focuses on grooming every employee to have a leadership and ownership mentality regardless of such employee’s position in an organization. The question is: how do we make a cleaner or a security guard in Zenith bank, for instance, to have the same mentality like Jim Ovia, the CEO? The success of any organization depends not on its gross staff strength but on how many leaders it has among its employees. Like the slogan we used to paste on the staff notice board of Nigerian Bottling Company some years back says: ‘take this business as your own and 100% of your decision will be the right ones’. The concept of leading without title aims at making employees to have a new mind-set that leadership has little to do with the title on the business card or the size of an office or the rank of an officer. Furthermore, leadership is not about how much money an individual makes or the naira worth of clothes he wears. Neither is leadership about an individual’s family status. Leadership is a way of life, a philosophy or principle; an attitude and a state of mind. According to Robert Joss, dean of Stanford Graduate School of business: ‘’ by leadership I mean taking complete responsibility for an organization’s well-being and growth, and changing it for the better. Real leadership is not about prestige, power, or status. It is about responsibility’’. Leadership in an organization talks about who gets the problem solved fastest and at the least cost, who fixes it before it breaks, who has banana for the monkeys, who has the staying power, who has the strength of character and discipline, who has the persistence, who sees the big picture all the time and live it…Leading without title entails, a paradigm shift; it is a win-win situation for the organization and its people, the goal for all staff from the Chief Executive Officer to the cleaner is one but the responsibility may differ. Lead without title de-emphasizes ‘big-man syndrome’ in an organization.
Against the backdrop of the foregoing, if there is, therefore, any issue that should occupy the attention of CEOs today, more than any other management challenges, it is how to inculcate the concept of leading without title into the DNAs of our respective organizations. A cursory look at the performances of most of the multinationals companies in Nigeria when the indigenous CEOs took over in the 1980s will reveal a sad scenario of win-lose situation in some organizations. And the winners that emerged in the affected companies are the CEOs and the management staff. The big losers are the organizations they presided over as all the key business indicators of most of these organizations took a fast lane southward, while the respective bank accounts of individuals who managed these organizations swell.
Why Companies should de-emphasis Titles:
It is critical and urgent not only for individuals to lead without titles. But it is equally important for organizations in Nigeria to imbibe the new management concept of leading without titles .Of late, especially since the consolidation exercise of banks and insurance companies, the penchant for companies to parade their ‘ titles’ has gone to a dangerous level. Awards that have no meaning or bearing to the business are being sought by several organization from doubtful and obscure corners with a view to looking good. Even, some organization gave themselves awards! But the truth is, the companies that win at the end of the day the biggest share of the mind of consumers will be determined by the consumers based on only three variables: value for money (VFM), fit for purpose (FFP) and speed of delivery (SOD).Title has no place in the winning game! Why then this unbridled quest for titles? What lessons can we learn from the failure of organizations which had led with titles in the past? Can an herbalist anoint a pastor? – If no, why then should a bank seek legitimacy from those who know next to nothing about banking? Organizations need to be careful because many have gone the way of Daewoo company- in the process of leading with title. Not too long ago in Lagos, almost all the management staff of a big multinational were sent parking when the Board found out that the Management team had inflated the revenue and profit of the said company by unbelievable figures just to look good. It will be recalled that this same company and its leadership had been declared as the ‘’best’ in almost every key business indicators shortly before the bubble burst.
As the world marks International Youth Day, attention once again turns to the opportunities and challenges facing young people as they prepare for work, financial independence, and adulthood.
In Nigeria, the urgency is clear. According to UNICEF, about 7% of young people aged 15–24 possess basic ICT skills, highlighting a wider gap in the skills required to participate effectively in an increasingly digital economy.
At the same time, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, continues to prioritize skills development, job creation, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
For PalmPay, youth empowerment goes beyond corporate social responsibility. It is an investment in the people who will shape Nigeria’s workforce, businesses and economy.
This belief is reflected in initiatives focused on financial literacy, employability, digital skills and access to opportunities.
Through its Graduate Trainee Programme, PalmPay provides young graduates with opportunities to gain workplace experience, develop professional skills and build careers in a fast-evolving industry.
The investment also extends to financial education. Through its NYSC Financial Literacy Programme, PalmPay brings practical financial education to young Nigerians at an important transition point, helping Corps members develop better habits around saving, spending, budgeting and protecting their money.
For young women, Purple Woman provides another pathway to economic empowerment, creating opportunities for internships, learning and professional development while supporting greater female participation in the technology sector.
Speaking on the importance of youth empowerment, Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s young population is one of its greatest assets, but unlocking its potential requires access to the right skills, knowledge and opportunities. At PalmPay, we are committed to equipping young Nigerians to learn, earn and thrive in an increasingly digital economy. We believe that investing in young people today is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria.”
These initiatives reflect a broader belief that youth empowerment is most meaningful when young people are given the knowledge, exposure and opportunities to apply what they learn.
A graduate given workplace exposure today can become tomorrow’s business leader. A Corps member who develops sound financial habits can carry those lessons into their career and personal life. A young woman given access to professional opportunities can gain the confidence, experience, and networks to create opportunities for others.
Investing in young people is a great strategy for building a stronger, more productive, and more inclusive economy.
This International Youth Day, PalmPay reaffirms its commitment to investing in young Nigerians and contributing to a broader national ambition where the young population is not just counted, but equipped, employed, empowered, and positioned to lead.
Mobility technology company, Moove has raised $250 million in a Series C funding round at a valuation of $2.1 billion, reaching unicorn status.
The startup will deploy the fresh capital to build out autonomous vehicle infrastructure, expand fleet ownership, construct robotics-focused “Nests” for charging and maintenance, and grow its autonomous workforce from 150 to 500 by year-end.
The company plans to enter additional global markets, reflecting a strategy to build the operational infrastructure required for large-scale autonomous transportation rather than simply supplying vehicles.
Led by Mubadala Investment Company and co-led by Woven Capital, Toyota’s Growth Fund, and Ion Pacific, the round also included new investors BlueCrest Capital Management, Sona Asset Management and The Raptor Group, alongside existing backers BlackRock, MUFG, Franklin Templeton and Uber.
“Autonomous mobility is becoming an infrastructure race requiring fleets, charging systems, maintenance, data infrastructure and continuous city-level operations,” said Ladi Delano, co-founder, co-CEO and advisory board chairman of Moove.
Founded in Lagos in 2020, Moove has grown into a global mobility platform employing about 3,300 people across 29 cities in 13 countries, operating approximately 42,000 vehicles and reaching $420 million in annualised recurring revenue.
It has expanded organically and through acquisitions, including Kovi in Brazil and Tokyo Taxi in Japan. Moove also operates autonomous vehicle fleets in partnership with Waymo in Phoenix and Miami, with London expected to join its footprint.
The $2.1 billion valuation places Moove among Africa’s small group of tech unicorns, alongside Flutterwave, OPay, Moniepoint, Andela, Chipper Cash, Wave, Tyme, MNT-Halan and Interswitch.
The $250 million round is the largest single funding deal announced by an African startup this year, though EV mobility firm Spiro raised $270 million cumulatively across two separate rounds.
Heirs Life Assurance, the specialist life insurance company of Heirs Insurance Group, has appointed Pastor Jerry Eze as an Independent Non-Executive Director on its Board, effective August 10, 2026.
L – R: Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Life Assurance; Pastor Jerry Eze, incoming director, Heirs Life Assurance
The appointment reinforces Heirs Life Assurance’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion and accelerating insurance adoption by strengthening public trust, consumer education, and long-term financial resilience across Nigeria.
Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria’s insurance penetration remains below one percent – among the lowest globally – highlighting the need to expand financial protection and build greater public trust in insurance.
As Heirs Life continues to pursue its mission of making insurance accessible to every Nigerian, Eze’s appointment brings a unique perspective on community engagement, value-based leadership, and broad societal impact.
Pastor Jerry Eze is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, a growing multinational ministry with 34 branches across West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe and North America.
He is also the convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), one of the world’s largest digital prayer platforms, reaching millions of people daily. Through his ministry and humanitarian initiatives, he has become one of Africa’s most influential voices, championing hope, compassion, and community transformation.
Beyond ministry, Eze is the Founder of the Jerry Eze Foundation, a faith-led philanthropy where he provides housing support and grants to vulnerable and underserved communities.
In 2026, he announced N1billion in grants to support young entrepreneurs across agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, further advancing enterprise development and economic opportunity.
Before entering full-time ministry, Pastor Jerry Eze built a career in development communications, serving as a Communications Specialist on a World Bank HIV/AIDS programme and with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and International Relations from Abia State University and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Speaking about the appointment, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman, Heirs Life Assurance, said: “Pastor Jerry brings an exceptional combination of integrity, influence, and a deep understanding of people and communities.
“As we continue our mission to democratise access to insurance, his insight will help strengthen consumer trust, deepen financial inclusion, and reinforce our commitment to protecting the financial future of millions of Nigerians.
“We are delighted to welcome him to the Board of Heirs Life Assurance and the broader family of Heirs Insurance Group.”
Commenting on his appointment, Pastor Jerry Eze said: “I am honoured to join the Board of Heirs Life Assurance at a defining moment for the insurance industry. Financial security empowers individuals, families, and businesses to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence and resilience.
“I look forward to working with the Board and Management to advance the company’s mission of making insurance more accessible, relevant, and impactful for every Nigerian.”
Heirs Life Assurance has become one of Nigeria’s leading specialist life insurance companies, ranking 7th on the Financial Times list of Africa’s fastest-growing companies.
It is one of the three insurance businesses of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company, with investments across 24 countries and four continents.
Combining an omni-channel digital presence with physical branches spread across the country, Heirs Life continues to redefine life insurance through innovation, customer-centric solutions, and a commitment to making financial protection accessible to every Nigerian.
Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs Life Assurance, Heirs General Insurance, and Heirs Insurance Brokers, collectively serves over 3 million people directly and indirectly.
The Group is championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance.
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