Leadership is a journey marked by both triumphs and challenges, and the lessons we glean along the way are often more valuable than the destination itself. Adedotun Sulaiman, the Board Chairman of Parthan Partners took the virtual stage at the CFA Society’s 7th Quarterly Leadership Series to share his wealth of experience and wisdom with us.
As we dive into these insights, you’ll discover that leadership isn’t just about titles and positions; it’s about purpose, character, and the relentless pursuit of a better tomorrow. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, the wisdom shared here is universally applicable, providing guidance for anyone on their own leadership journey. So, let’s explore 9 powerful leadership lessons we took out from him at the session.
“My philosophy basically is that we’re here for a purpose. Everybody’s here for a purpose. So, you’ve got to know who you are. Find your purpose and stick to it. Be the best you can be at doing it and do it for a very long time.”
He passionately conveys the importance of leaders having a clear purpose that guides their actions and decisions. In a world where it’s easy to become distracted by the noise of daily life, having a mission serves as a North Star, providing direction and focus.
Leaders who are driven by a mission are not just working for personal gain but for a greater cause. They understand their strengths and endowments and use them to uplift others and contribute to society. This sense of purpose not only inspires them but also motivates their teams and colleagues to work toward a common goal.
A mission-driven leader is not swayed by short-term gains or immediate gratification. Instead, they are committed to the long-term vision, knowing that meaningful change takes time.
Identifying individuals with ambition, integrity, problem-solving skills, and leadership potential is crucial for building high-performing teams.
Talent identification goes beyond simply acknowledging skills and abilities; it involves providing opportunities for growth and development. Leaders should empower their team members to reach their full potential, offering guidance and mentorship along the way.
By fostering a culture that values talent identification and growth, leaders not only benefit their organizations but also contribute to the professional growth and fulfillment of those they lead. This approach creates a positive feedback loop of excellence within the team and the broader organization.
“Life is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time to get anything done. You need to take a long-term view of everything.”
Success, he highlighted, is not an instantaneous achievement but the result of sustained effort over time. Leaders must adopt a long-term perspective, understanding that meaningful change and accomplishments require endurance and resilience.
In a world that often celebrates quick wins and instant gratification, his lesson serves as a reminder that enduring success is built on a solid foundation. Leaders should not be discouraged by temporary setbacks or be impatient for immediate results. Instead, they should embrace each challenge as an opportunity for growth and learning.
“Slow down, take your time. Allow the seasoning to set in. There’s no need to rush to be an MD at 30 or retire at 40. Do not skip the process.”
“Not everything works out the first time the way you want it. The best response is to persevere. Learn from your failures. A dark period is an opportunity for continuous learning.”
Mr. Sulaiman highlights the importance of learning from failure. Failure is an inevitable part of any leadership journey and should not be feared or shunned. Instead, it should be embraced as a valuable source of lessons and growth.
He acknowledged that not everything in his career went smoothly, and he experienced failures and setbacks along the way. However, he viewed these failures as opportunities for learning and improvement. Failure is a natural part of life and leadership. It’s something that everyone encounters at some point, and it should not be viewed as a sign of inadequacy or defeat.
That’s not all, there’s more. Read here: Keys to Successful Leadership
Or watch the full session here.