By: Theresa Moses
The Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce’s (NSACC) February 2024 Breakfast Forum, sponsored by AIICO Insurance PLC, witnessed a compelling discourse on equipping workforces for disruption and change.
The Guest Speaker, Akshat Kumar, Chief Learning Officer at AIICO Insurance PLC, made a thought-provoking presentation on “Building Future-Proof Leaders: Equipping Your Workforce for Disruption and Change.”
The event was held on Thursday, February 29th, at Orchid Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Kumar, a showcased a remarkable background, including key roles such as the former Head of L&D at New York Life India and the former Head of Management Development at ING Vasya.
His significant contributions were acknowledged with the prestigious ‘Global Learning and Development Leader 2017’ citation by the World HRD Congress and the ‘Best Training Leader Africa 2020’ accolade by Employer Branding CHRO.
With an extensive international footprint, Kumar has travelled to five countries, delivering executive training programmes and keynote speeches at international events. Armed with a first-class MBA and specialisation in Human Resource Management, he exemplifies a global perspective in the field of Learning and Development.
Kumar’s expertise extends across various domains, holding certifications in Leadership Training, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Sales Training, and completion of the IMPACT trainer’s programme from the University of Auckland. He is also certified in Situational Leadership II, Coaching and Feedback, Competency-Based Interviewing, Generative Team Building, and Creative Training Techniques.
Acknowledged for his instrumental role in designing and leading impactful leadership, behavioural, and sales training interventions, Kumar strategically employs blended learning methods, including e-learning, instructor-led sessions, consulting, facilitating, and coaching. His approach includes meticulous measurement of training effectiveness aligned with organisational objectives.
Beyond individual accomplishments, Kumar has showcased leadership in establishing a successful training vertical, leading a team of competent trainers. His holistic approach to learning and development, coupled with a global mindset, positioned Kumar as a transformative force in shaping the future of organisational growth and success.
During his presentation, Kumar emphasized the critical importance of equipping organisations with future-proof leaders, preparing the workforce for disruption, and transitioning from past-oriented learning to sensing and actualizing possibilities in the emerging future.
He outlined a comprehensive talent development framework while stressing the significance of continuous learning and adaptation. Kumar delved into the intricacies of navigating disruption in the digital age and highlighted the need for organisations to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape.
Kumar continued his presentation by accentuating the impact of digital disruption over the past decade on various sectors, citing examples such as the rise of e-commerce platforms like Jumia in Nigeria and the proliferation of FinTech and InsurTech companies.
He shed light on the psychological aspects of digital disruption, noting how digital transformation has altered consumer behaviour and decision-making processes, emphasizing the influence of platforms like Google, Facebook, Spotify, and Netflix in guiding individual choices.
Highlighting the impending biotech disruption, Kumar envisioned a future where technology transcends surface-level interactions to analyse intricate biological and neurological reactions. He warned of the potential loss of individual autonomy and decision-making capabilities as technology becomes increasingly adept at predicting and influencing human behaviour.
Addressing the impact of digital disruption, Kumar highlighted the role of organisational readiness in navigating disruptions, likening it to the fertility of soil determining agricultural yield. He underscored the significance of an organisation’s interior condition, including factors like trust, engagement, and openness to change, as crucial in determining the efficacy of interventions.
“The success of an intervention depends on the interior condition of the individual. Just as fertile soil yields abundant growth, organisations must cultivate an environment conducive to innovation and adaptation.”
The Chief Learning Officer elucidated the three essential qualities for learning from the emerging future, which he coined the “Three C’s”: Curiosity, Creativity, and Courage. He stressed the importance of maintaining curiosity in an age where information is readily accessible, advocating for an open-minded approach to learning. Kumar emphasised the role of creativity in problem-solving, emphasizing the need for emotional engagement and an open heart to foster innovation.
Furthermore, he underscored the necessity of courage in challenging conventional norms and fostering a culture conducive to experimentation and risk-taking.
“In the digital age, curiosity is vital despite the illusion of having all answers at our fingertips. Creativity flourishes not with logic, but with an open heart attuned to emotions and sensations. Courage is the willingness to embrace risk and venture into uncharted territories, essential for organisational growth.” Kumar said.
Delving deeper, Kumar delineated the four fields of conversation proposed by MIT, elucidating their implications for organisational dynamics. From “Talking Nice,” characterised by superficial exchanges, to “Talking Tough,” marked by confrontational dialogue, he navigated through the progression towards “Reflective Inquiry” and ultimately “Generative Flow,” indicative of collective creativity and synergy.
Illustrating the power of collective action, Kumar recounted the transformative potential of collaborative dialogue and collective creativity, citing examples such as Nigeria’s successful containment of the Ebola virus outbreak by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola in 2014.
In his closing remarks, Kumar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and reiterated AIICO Insurance PLC’s commitment to driving innovation and customer-centricity. He reiterated the company’s core values of service excellence, trust, teamwork, and professionalism as foundational pillars guiding their mission in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The forum concluded with attendees reflecting on the imperative of cultivating future-proof leaders equipped to navigate uncertainties and capitalize on emerging opportunities in an ever-evolving business landscape.
As Kumar aptly encapsulated, “Success in the face of disruption hinges on organisational readiness and the cultivation of a culture that fosters curiosity, creativity, and courage.”
The Breakfast Forum served as a platform for industry leaders to exchange insights and strategies for building future-proof organisations amidst unprecedented technological advancements. With AIICO Insurance PLC at the forefront of driving innovation, the event underscored the imperative of adaptability and resilience in the face of disruption.
Osayaba Giwa-Osagie, Chairman, Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, and other executive directors attended the forum.
About AIICO Insurance Plc
Established in 1963, AIICO Insurance Plc is a financial services group with a prominent presence in insurance, health maintenance, and asset management. With a history rooted in the American Life Insurance Company, AIICO has evolved into a key player in life assurance, general insurance, health insurance, and asset management.
Post-consolidation in 2007, AIICO strategically acquired NFI Insurance PLC and Lamda Insurance Company Limited, expanding its reach and strengthening its position. Committed to being the insurer of choice, AIICO is the market leader in retail life insurance and retirement services, complemented by leading insurance asset management and health management businesses. Their diverse expertise empowers organisations and individuals nationwide.
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