Today, we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Emmanuel Imevbore, a seasoned Business and Executive Coach. In this engaging conversation, he shares his leadership journey, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his thoughts on the future of leadership and business success. Let’s dive in!
ALI: Dr. Imevbore, it’s great to have you on Chat with ALI! To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into leadership?
Dr. Emmanuel Imevbore: Thank you for having me! Leadership has always been a part of me. From as far back as I can remember, I was always placed in leadership positions. However, one defining moment for me was during my Master’s Degree studies. My lecturers and colleagues frequently entrusted me with responsibilities, citing my confidence, energy, and communication skills. That was when I fully embraced my ability to lead and make an impact.
ALI: That’s inspiring! What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
Dr. Emmanuel Imevbore: The best advice I’ve ever received is: “Strive to be authentic in all that you do, because your character and actions matter more than the mere words you speak.” Authenticity in leadership builds trust, and without trust, leadership crumbles.
ALI: That’s so true. Now, let’s talk about lessons learned. What’s one mistake you made early in your career that turned into a valuable lesson?
Dr. Emmanuel Imevbore: A good friend once visited me at midnight, requesting a significant loan. I had a gut feeling that the money wouldn’t be repaid, but I lacked the courage to ask for guarantees or draft a loan agreement. As expected, the money was never returned. That experience taught me the importance of financial intelligence and to only give what I can afford rather than lend money without proper structure.
Check out “God Did Not Come to the Party” – A thought provoking book on Leadership and Taking Responsibility by Dr Emmanuel Imevbore
ALI: That’s a lesson many can relate to. Moving on, what are some daily habits that have had the biggest impact on your success?
Dr. Emmanuel Imevbore: Writing and reading every day have been game-changers for me. I often work on multiple books simultaneously, keeping my mind active and creative. My focus is on business development, leadership, personal growth, and success coaching. These habits help me stay sharp and ahead of the curve.
ALI: With leadership evolving so rapidly, what skills do you think will be most critical in the next 5–10 years?
Dr. Emmanuel Imevbore: Great question! Three critical leadership skills stand out:
- Adaptability Through Agility – Leaders must be flexible enough to navigate uncertainty.
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – Strong self-awareness and interpersonal skills will be essential for managing teams.
- Digital Literacy – With the rise of disruptive technologies, leaders must understand and leverage digital transformation.
ALI: That makes a lot of sense. Now, leadership requires balancing authority and empathy. How do you navigate this balance?
Dr. Emmanuel Imevbore: Authority is a powerful tool when used wisely. Setting clear expectations, roles, and responsibilities fosters accountability. However, effective leadership also requires active listening, acknowledging different perspectives, and showing empathy—even when making tough decisions. The best leaders know how to blend both for the good of their teams.
ALI: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Dr. Emmanuel Imevbore: I’d tell my younger self three things:
- Be Patient with People – Strong relationships take time and effort.
- Take More Risks – Growth happens outside the comfort zone.
- Commit to Lifelong Learning – The best investment you can make is in yourself.
ALI: That’s powerful advice! Finally, any last words for our readers who aspire to be great leaders?
Dr. Emmanuel Imevbore: Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Stay authentic, adaptable, and always hungry for knowledge. That’s the key to long-term success.
ALI: Thank you, Dr. Imevbore, for such an insightful conversation! Your wisdom will surely inspire many.
Dr. Emmanuel Imevbore: My pleasure! I enjoyed our conversation.
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