In the vibrant heart of Abu Dhabi, under the soft glow of a May morning, an extraordinary gathering unfolded. Senior executives from across Nigeria and beyond convened for TEXEM UK’s transformational executive development programme—Digital Innovation: Stimulating a Culture of Intrapreneurship in a Digital Age. Over the course of four meticulously designed days, what began as a cohort of high-potential leaders evolved into a community of purpose-driven changemakers, fuelled by shared insights, strategic rigour and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
From the outset, the tone was set with an air of curiosity and vision. Dr. Alim Abubakre, Founder of TEXEM UK, welcomed participants with a powerful call to action: “In times of disruption, curiosity becomes our most strategic asset. Leadership today demands that we ask better questions and build better futures.” His words echoed throughout the week, grounding each moment in a greater mission—to lead not by authority, but by influence, innovation, and integrity.
The opening day immersed participants in the rich cultural and historical context of the UAE. A visit to a heritage destination became more than sightseeing—it transformed into a masterclass on leadership through perspective. Delegates were reminded that understanding history and culture is essential to navigating the complexities of contemporary governance and global leadership.
The afternoon brought a dynamic exploration of digital excellence in practice, providing participants with front-row access to real-world examples of how organisations are harnessing innovation to redefine customer experience and operational efficiency. By evening, conversations around the dinner table were no longer introductions—they were beginnings of collaboration.
Tuesday was a turning point. Framed around the theme of strategic leadership in a digitally disruptive era, it confronted the reality that the future does not belong to the biggest, but to the boldest. In a fast-changing world defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, participants dissected what it truly means to lead with vision.
Practical sessions guided executives through the art of aligning culture with strategy, embedding innovation into daily practice, and creating ecosystems where intrapreneurial ideas could flourish without fear of failure. The fireside chat chaired by Abubakre was especially profound—executives shared authentic challenges and discovered the immense value of peer-driven insight. The day ended not in closure, but in reflection, with an interactive knowledge quiz that doubled as a celebration of learning and camaraderie.
Wednesday deepened the journey by linking governance with innovation. As discussions unfolded, it became clear that digital transformation must be governed by integrity and transparency to have enduring impact. In a session led by Abubakre on strategic perspectives on organisational culture, participants applied rigorous frameworks to assess the visible and invisible elements shaping behaviour within their institutions.
They uncovered blind spots, challenged assumptions, and began to design cultures that reward trust, accountability, and experimentation. The evening’s visit to a flagship commercial hub was not recreational—it was strategic. Participants analysed design, customer flows, and experiential branding, drawing parallels with their own organisations’ service delivery and internal culture.
By Thursday, the cohort had not only absorbed insight—they had internalised a new mindset. The day’s theme—resilience, innovation and leading through adversity—could not have been moretimely. With crises becoming the new normal, executives explored how to lead through the storm, not just survive it. They learned from powerful real-world stories of leadership under fire, understanding that composure, clarity and courage are forged in moments of trial. Sessions on strategic storytelling provided tools to inspire teams, mobilise boards, and influence stakeholders with authenticity and purpose.
The final session brought it all together in a symbolic crescendo—an energetic, competitive quiz, the awarding of certificates, and deeply moving closing reflections.
