The highlight of the Excellence in Leadership Conference (ECL) I attended this year was a satire about Nigeria and how things are here. It was mostly hilarious, but there were many truths said that needed to be heard. But it really wasn't about the country; it was about the attributes of an innovative leader.
Going to conferences isn't really something I do, though, but I was eager this time. I mostly wanted to step about and be in social functions and meet people in person, and I wanted to learn what people way ahead in my country could teach about being innovative as a leader.
ECL is an annual event by Daystar Church, among many of their programs designed to empower people to do better for themselves and for their communities and nation at large. I don't know about previous editions, but this one had a few young people, and I kind of liked that as they would have more relatable things to teach.
I thought to try something a little different this time in a social gathering like this. I wanted to meet and make acquaintances with people—at least one. I normally mind my business and remain polite. But it was when I tried to meet people that I realised that I hadn't actually been exercising skills in interacting with people. I went for it anyway.
A man advertising business approached me to hand me his business card, and the next thing I knew, we were having a good talk. And the conversation eventually led to an actual acquaintance. It turned out that this man was genuinely interested in meeting people as well, and then we clicked. The next day, we were calling ourselves brothers. I think he's at least ten years older than I am, though.
Yet another person way older, but a father this time. Right where we were trying to order food to eat, we met and had a very interesting conversation about fatherhood. He had a thirteen-year-old son that's ambitious. His kid is involved in a lot of things and doing so well in them all that I wondered what I was doing at that age. Most likely playing video games.
I was content with the two people I met and had conversations with. I remain connected with them both, and it felt alive to actually do that after so many weeks working remotely and mostly having virtual interactions with people.
And, yes, the experience of being in a big space with influential people sharing insights on being innovative as a leader was fulfilling. I look forward to the next one, but I'm also on the lookout for similar ones. Any suggestions?
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