Africa Coaching Week 2024: Productivity insights with Aisha Ummi Bello Tukur

Aisha Ummi Bello Tukur is a seasoned social entrepreneur and executive function coach recognized for her emotional leadership and transitional intelligence expertise. With nearly two decades of diverse experience, she has held significant roles in business strategy, project coordination, and social development.

As the Founder and Chief Believing Officer of Orbus Global Solutions, a not-for-profit social enterprise, she leads initiatives for transforming societal narratives through impactful projects focused on health, education, and empowerment. Her organization has implemented numerous programs, including providing safe drinking water to communities and facilitating youth empowerment initiatives.

In addition to her role at Orbus, Aisha is the Lead Coach at QA Coaching, empowering individuals to achieve personal growth and clarity. A certified life coach and bonafide member of the Life Coaches Association of Nigeria (LCAN), Aisha was awarded the Coaching Icon Award in 2019 by OLCA Coaching Ltd.

For this year’s Africa Coaching Week, we had a quick chat with Aisha, who can be connected with on Instagram @orbusglobal or @fidnetworks, to glean insights on various topics related to leadership, productivity, and personal development.

When asked how to stay ahead of the curve in a pacey world and remain at the forefront of one’s field, Aisha said: “Staying ahead requires a proactive approach. I always set aside dedicated time for self-study and research to keep my knowledge current. This includes attending conferences, workshops, and webinars that are relevant to my work. I also pursue certifications and courses that enhance my skills. Engaging with industry thought leaders through networking and listening to insightful podcasts helps me gain different perspectives. Embracing a growth mindset is crucial; I regularly reflect on my progress and areas for improvement.”

Delegation can often be a challenge for leaders, her strategy for effectively delegating tasks revolves around clear communication of tasks and expectations. “I believe it’s essential to assign tasks based on team members’ strengths. That way, you empower them and enhance their productivity at the same time. I set measurable goals so everyone knows what success looks like, and I provide regular feedback to ensure we’re all aligned and progressing together,” she said.

When asked about her ultimate productivity hack, seeing that many people are always looking for ways to boost their productivity, Aisha disclosed: “My ultimate productivity hack is a combination of intentionality and flexibility. I use techniques like the Pomodoro technique, which involves 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. This helps me maintain high levels of concentration. Additionally, I’ve learned to say “no” to nonessential tasks that can derail my focus. Creating a conducive work environment by eliminating distractions and practicing mindfulness also significantly boosts my productivity.”

She also took the time to address some of the misconceptions about leadership. To her, the biggest misconception about leadership is that it’s about having all the answers. “In reality, effective leaders do not know it all. Rather, they empower others, foster collaboration, and create an environment where everyone can grow and contribute their best ideas. Leadership is about guiding others and facilitating their success.”

On building a successful business, her key elements for success are fostering a culture of innovation, being resilient, adaptable, and flexible in the face of challenges. “Continuous learning should be a priority as well as investing in people—your team is your greatest asset. Lastly, prioritizing customer satisfaction ensures you’re meeting the needs of those you serve.”

Looking back on her career, the one thing she wish she had known earlier was embracing failure as a catalyst for growth earlier in her career. She stated: “Understanding that failure is not the end but rather an opportunity for learning has been transformative. Focusing on progress rather than perfection has allowed me to take more risks and grow from my experiences.”

In her words, authentic leadership means empowering others while leading with empathy and integrity. It’s about fostering inclusivity and prioritizing people over processes or profits. Authentic leaders create environments where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute.

And to achieving peak performance, the strategies one needs to prioritize are self-care and mental well-being through mindfulness practices. “Strategic time management is also crucial; it helps me allocate time effectively across various responsibilities. Continuous learning keeps me sharp and ready to tackle new challenges.

“The most valuable lesson 2024 has taught me is the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and resilience during uncertain times. The ability to pivot quickly in response to changing circumstances has been vital for both personal growth and organizational success.”

On what excites her the most about the future, Aisha said: “I’m most excited about leading with purpose in the coming years. Expanding my network, exploring new opportunities, and contributing to Africa’s growth story in 2025 are all incredibly motivating. I believe there’s tremendous potential for positive change, and I’m eager to be part of that journey.”