Construction Kaiser

Leading with Trust in Challenging Times: CEO Igbuan Okaisabor Joins Business Leaders at Harvard Business School Event

At a recent Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria (HBSAN) event, Igbuan Okaisabor, the CEO of Construction Kaiser Limited (CKL), had an engaging discussion with other business leaders about building trust, especially during challenging times. As a private sector panelist, Okaisabor shared valuable strategies CKL has implemented to foster trust within its ecosystem and among stakeholders. This left attendees with actionable insights into effective leadership. The event also featured distinguished business leaders including Adedotun Sulaimon, Abubakar Suleiman, Fola Laoye, Danladi Verheijen, Fola Aiyesimoju, and Ladi Balogun. They engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on trust-building in today's dynamic landscape.

Igbuan’s talk shed light on the successful approaches CKL has embraced to establish and maintain trust with various stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders, and the public sector. Here are the key insights shared during the session:

  1. Embracing Transparency and Open Communication: With trust as a cornerstone of CKL’s operations, Okaisabor emphasized the importance of transparency. CKL actively engages in openly sharing information regarding its activities, decisions, and goals with stakeholders. By fostering an environment of open communication, the company demonstrates its commitment to building trust and valuing the input of its stakeholders.
  2. Demonstrating Consistency and Reliability: Consistency plays a pivotal role in building trust. Regardless of external challenges, CKL remains steadfast in upholding its core values. Okaisabor stressed that the company’s unwavering commitment to consistency builds trust over time.
  3. Employee Engagement and Empowerment: Recognizing the significance of its employees, The organization actively provides growth opportunities and involves employees in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment.
  4. Agility in Response to Trends: Adapting swiftly to evolving trends is crucial for building trust in times of uncertainty. Okaisabor highlighted CKL’s proactive response during the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the safety of its employees and clients. The company implemented strict health and safety protocols on job sites even before government mandates, demonstrating CKL’s commitment to protecting its stakeholders and their well-being.
  5. Leveraging Technology for Social Good: CKL firmly believes in harnessing technology to address societal challenges and promote positive change. CKL fosters trust among stakeholders who witness the organization’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility.
  6. Fostering Home-Grown Businesses: In his talk, Okaisabor emphasized the importance of nurturing home-grown businesses that contribute to national development. In line with this vision, CKL launched the Graduate Entrepreneurial Skill program in collaboration with the Kaiser Foundation for Social Development’s Graduate Entrepreneurship Scheme (GES). Through this initiative, CKL guides aspiring entrepreneurs in the Nigerian construction industry, fostering local content and infrastructure development, and thereby strengthening the nation’s economy.
  7. Building Trust with the Public Sector: As a representative of the private sector, Okaisabor highlighted the need to build trust and goodwill with the public sector. He proposed reducing policy uncertainties to encourage investment and emphasized the importance of engaging in policy dialogue and participating in public-private partnerships

In conclusion, Igbuan Okaisabor’s talk at the Harvard Business School Alumni event underscored the vital role of trust in leadership, particularly during challenging times. CKL’s commitment to transparency, consistency, employee empowerment, agility, technology for social good, fostering home-grown businesses, and building trust with the public sector serves as a shining example for organizations navigating uncertain times. Through these inspiring strategies, CKL continues to thrive and contribute positively to society. It sets an example for others to follow in building trust and driving success in today’s complex business landscape.