The Visionary Leadership Conference (VLC) 2024 hosted by Immerse Coaching Company across three continents focused on Africa’s journey towards transformation.
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The event brought together leaders across Africa who came together to explore how visionary leadership can leverage talent, technology, and thought leadership to shape Africa’s transformation. 

The multi-continental event, stretching across Lagos, Nigeria; Houston, Texas, and London, UK was a five-part event including the US Pod, Main Convening in Lagos (Virtual and In-Person), The Dinner and Awards Ceremony, and the UK Pod, gathered over 450 changemakers and visionaries to drive bold conversations around Africa’s most pressing challenges and needs.

Founder of Immerse Coaching Company, Debola Deji-Kurunmi, noted that Africa’s rise and enthronement is a leadership question and it captures the core of Africa’s journey toward transformation in a world where the quality of leadership determines the future of nations, visionary leaders must emerge to guide Africa toward its full potential.

Starting on September 21st, the journey kicked off with the US Pod in Houston, Texas. The powerful insights of speakers such as Jokotade Adeniyi, Dr. Harry Akinola, Tolu Olumuyiwa, Nike Tokan-Lawal, Azhanae Nichols, Ife Shoola, Bralade Koroye-Emenanjo, and Debola Deji-Kurunmi set the stage for transformative discussions about leadership in a global and African context.

The conference’s heart, however, was its main Convening in Lagos, held on September 27th and 28th, which brought together leading voices like Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, Brett Johnson, Busie Matsiko-Andan, and sector-specific leaders such as Dr. Abiola Salami, David Ubanyi, Pastor Dami Oluwatoyinbo, Dr. Dele Osunmakinde, Pst. Gideon Mbah, Joycee Awosika, and Frederick Adetiba.

As the last chapter of VLC 2024, the UK Pod on October 5th also brought together a powerful array of thought leaders, including Dr. Oleg Konovalov, Debola Deji-Kurunmi, and a panel of dynamic leaders such as Tunde-Success Osideko, Tobi Otokiti, Debola Kupoluyi, Oluseun Ajayi, Bunmi Oduah, Ayanfe Egede, Olajumoke Osadola, Aderonke Ige and Ifeoluwa Ogunbufunmi. The discussions were geared toward driving leadership in a global context, with a particular focus on juxtaposing diaspora relevance in pan-Africanism.
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The Visionary Leadership Conference 2024 kicked off with a powerful virtual session, where Debola Deji-Kurunmi delivered an empowering welcome speech, emphasizing that “Africa’s rise and enthronement is a leadership question.”. She encouraged attendees to embrace their roles as catalysts for change, saying, “Your personal transformation should end in the transformation of the world”.

Brett Johnson’s keynote introduced the LEMON Leadership framework, providing participants with tools to understand and strengthen their leadership styles, while Busie Matsiko-Andan urged participants to dream big, no matter the challenges they face, reminding them that visionary leadership requires unwavering commitment, even in the most challenging environments. The day ended beautifully with industry-specific Communities of Leadership Practice (CoP) sessions led by expert leaders.

Day two held at Admiralty Conference Centre in Lagos, continued with Deji-Kurunmi’s address on the importance of visionary leadership in Africa’s transformation. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo delivered a keynote emphasizing the importance of vision in leadership. She encouraged leaders to maintain clarity in their vision, especially during difficult times, and to lead with excellence as they build their legacies.

A dynamic panel discussion followed, featuring leaders such as Tosin Sanni, Oluwatoyin Shodipe, Haoma Worgwu, Funke Alomooluwa, and Bodam Taiwo who explored the need for collaboration, and innovation in addressing Africa’s challenges.
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After a special debate segment, the day concluded with a transformative coaching session led by DDK. She spoke on expanding leadership capital and the importance of building a vision of transcendence. DDK challenged attendees to reflect on their past achievements and map out strategies to elevate their leadership from success to significance.

One of the most memorable moments of the Lagos convening was the Immerse 10th Anniversary Dinner and MoBalo Awards. The evening featured exquisite dining, great music, and an inspiring documentary chronicling the 10-year journey of Immerse Coaching Company. The awards recognised excellence and commitment across various categories, celebrating both Immerse’s journey and the individuals who have contributed to its success.

Across the five unique convenings, the message was consistent; Africa’s transformation requires visionary leadership, collaboration, and bold action. The energy, insights, and connections fostered throughout the conference have planted the seeds of change in individuals and organisations committed to pioneering a new Africa.
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