Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has underscored the importance of strong relationships between leaders and their teams as a critical driver of effective leadership and organisational success.
Elumelu made this known on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, during the first executive knowledge-sharing session of the year, where senior leaders gathered to reflect on evolving leadership practices amid a rapidly changing global environment.
According to Elumelu, leadership in today’s world cannot afford complacency or distance, stressing that the increasing pace of global change presents both opportunities and threats that demand intentional and authentic leadership.
“The world around us is constantly shifting, creating opportunities and threats. Leadership cannot be passive or complacent. It must be grounded in clarity of purpose, discipline of execution, and the courage to lead with authenticity,” he said.
Speaking on the theme “The Power of Relationships,” Elumelu noted that leadership goes beyond authority and command-and-control structures, emphasising empathy, accessibility, and trust as essential tools for success.
“As a leader, investing in relationships with your team, going beyond command and control, and channelling empathy will significantly improve your success,” he stated. “Leadership is not about hierarchy; it is about engagement.”
Elumelu shared personal experiences from his early career, recalling how a former boss’s intentional approach to building relationships profoundly shaped his leadership style.
“He trusted me, invested in me, and challenged me beyond what I thought I was ready for. I didn’t want to disappoint him, not out of fear, but out of respect for the relationship we built,” Elumelu said.
He further narrated how informal interactions outside the workplace—such as shared meals—played a key role in his professional development, describing them as moments of exposure, connection, and learning that extended beyond office walls.
“Those experiences were never about food. They were about connection, exposure, and learning beyond the office,” he noted.
The Heirs Holdings chairman stressed that creating an enabling environment is more important than exercising authority, explaining that leaders must actively remove obstacles that prevent their teams from delivering results.
“Leaders don’t just commit to tasks; they commit to people. A leader’s role is to remove hurdles, clear obstacles, and enable others to succeed,” he said.
As organisations enter the new year, Elumelu urged leaders to reassess their leadership approach, remain open to change, and empower their teams to take ownership of their work.
“If we lead with conviction, build trust, remove roadblocks, and execute without excuses, the results will follow—not by chance, but by design,” he added.
I