𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁.

On Wednesday, 16th July, I had the honour of speaking at the Community Practice Pharmacist Association gathering at the British Council Hall on a topic I hold dear — 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁.

Leadership isn’t a reward for waiting. It’s the result of clarity, confidence, and deliberate choices. I shared insights drawn not from theory, but from lived experience — from navigating corporate boardrooms across three continents, to building systems, mentoring emerging leaders, and shaping policy and education. Please below my entire speech.

Good Evening distinguished colleagues, professionals, and future-focused leaders. Let me begin with a simple truth!

Leadership doesn’t just happen. It’s earned, shaped, and strategically positioned for.Yet too many people are still waiting — waiting to be tapped on the shoulder, waiting to be discovered, waiting for someone to hand them a seat at the table.

But here’s what I’ve learned: the leaders who rise don’t wait. They prepare — intentionally. They lead NOT by default, BUT by design. And I know this because I have lived it!

As we all know, my professional background is in pharmacy. That’s where my journey started. But deep down, I knew I was wired for something broader (note I did not say BETTER) — something to influence systems, to shape policies, to develop people, and to create long-lasting impact.

So, in 2020, and after almost thirty years in the corporate world in senior roles with companies like Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, BD and Beckman Coulter, I made the bold move to transition into management consulting from my then role with Beckman Coulter as Head of Strategic Development for all our High Growth Markets in Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa. It wasn’t a straightforward path. Indeed, there was no guidebook to follow. I had to learn to articulate my value beyond my various degrees and certifications, build the right networks, and navigate rooms where I was not expected BUT where I knew I belonged!

This year, I have also had the privilege of helping others do the same — especially through initiatives like the Level Up Mentorship Program, including its Corporate Edition, where I have helped emerging leaders across six countries in Africa, Europe and USA own their voice, clarify their path, and step into purpose-driven influences.

So, when I speak about strategic positioning for leadership, I am not sharing theory — I’m sharing lived experience. I’m sharing what it takes to rise on purpose, not by chance.Are you positioning yourself for leadership — or are you just hoping to be noticed?Because let’s be clear: Hope is not a strategy. Clarity is. Confidence is. Connection is.And over the next few minutes, I want to show you what I believe we need to do to lead — not later, not eventually — but now and by design!

Understand Your Unique Leadership Profile

The foundation of strategic leadership is self-awareness. Before you can lead others, you must know who you are as a leader, NOT what others think you should be. You need to know the unique value you bring to the table.

Leadership is not about titles. It is about knowing some fundamental truths about yourself:

1.     What are your strengths?

2.     What are your blind spots?

3.     What are your values?

4.     What is your voice?

Because I can assure you that when you cannot define these truths for yourself, someone else will certainly do so!

In my journey, I’ve worn many hats — from healthcare to consulting, policy to capacity-building. But one space that has sharpened my leadership lens is academia.I currently lecture in Social Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice at Central University and also serve as an external examiner for the Applied Projects Capstone Programme at Ashesi University. I assess not just academic output, but how students are growing as ethical, critical thinkers and future changemakers. These roles continue to remind daily of one fact: Leadership is not a destination. It is a DISPOSITION. It is about how you show up when no one is watching. How you influence authority. How you build systems and frameworks that outlive you.

And I didn’t land these roles by coincidence — I positioned myself by saying yes to spaces aligned with my core strengths: clarity, connection, and cross-disciplinary insight. So, if I ask you now: Do you know your leadership signature? What will be your answer? If the answer is NO, then my dear colleague, it is time you define it. Because if you do not know what you stand for, how will others follow you?

Develop a Personal Leadership Strategy

Once you know who you are and understand your leadership profile, the next move is to strategize. Not just drift. Design. I always ask myself if even companies have a strategy… why not you.

Let me introduce a simple framework I have taught and live by. It is called The 3Vs. VISION. VALUES. VEHICLE.

VISION: Where are you going as a leader? This is not about your next job title. It’s about your legacy.Ask yourself these questions:“What do I want to be known for in 5 to 10 years?”“Whose lives do I want to impact, and how?”My vision became clear over time — to be a bridge across disciplines: from health to policy, consulting to education. And to build people and systems that thrive long after I’m gone.That vision helps me say no to distractions — so I can say yes to purpose.

VALUES: What are your non-negotiables? The things you cannot compromise on? Your deal breakers? Your values are your leadership compass especially when pressure or compromise comes.

Mine are very simple:

·       Integrity – I must be able to stand by what I say or do.

·       Impact – I want to be useful, NOT just visible.

·       Growth – If I am not evolving, then I am not leading.

Today I charge you to do this. Write down your values. Revisit them from time to time. Live them!

VEHICLE: What platforms will carry your leadership forward? This is where many people get stuck. You may have the vision and values, but are you in motion? Or you are just on the hamster wheel? Lots of activity BUT no motion?I’ve found my vehicles in teaching, consulting, and public speaking. But your vehicle might be a nonprofit board, a digital platform, or leading a team innovation project. Don’t wait for the “perfect” role. Start with what’s in your hand.Your vehicle may change, but your direction must remain consistent. Let the vision be clear, and the focus sharp. Always.

Build and Leverage a Strategic Network

Leadership is not a solo pursuit. You need a strategic ecosystem, not just contacts.From my experience, there are five kinds of people every leader should cultivate:

1.     Mentors – those who’ve gone before you.

2.     Sponsors – those who mention your name in rooms you haven’t entered.

3.     Peers – who grow with you and hold you accountable.

4.     Challengers – who question and sharpen your thinking.

5.     Mentees – because pouring into others keeps you grounded.

Audit your network. Who’s missing? And more importantly — who are you serving in your network?Strategic relationships aren’t about what you can get. They’re built on mutual respect, consistent value, and shared mission.Don’t wait to build relationships when you need them. Build them before you need them.

Communicate Your Aspirations and Achievements Clearly

Here’s a leadership truth no one tells you: Good work doesn’t always speak for itself. In his book Thing Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe tells us of an old Igbo proverb “The lizard that fell from the Iroko tree says if nobody will praise me, I will praise myself’. You must learn to speak for your work — with humility and clarity. WITHOUT ARROGANCE! This is NOT self-promotion. It is called STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION. Let me share what I personally employ in this. I call them the 3Cs.

1.     CLARITY: Be specific about the kind of leader you are and what you are working towards

2.     CONSISTENCY: Say it often, across platforms and conversations.

3.     CREDIBILITY: Back it up with results, testimonials or demonstrated impact.

Craft your 30-second leadership statement: “I help (WHO) achieve (WHAT) by leveraging (HOW).

My leadership statement is as follows: I help multidisciplinary teams improve corporate deliverables and goals by integrating strategic consulting, systems thinking and evidence-based decision-making. It is in my LinkedIn profile and in the Bio of my website. Use it the same way. Say it when you introduce yourself

Your voice is part of your leadership assets. Use it wisely.

My Concluding Challenge & Vision

We’ve talked today about clarity, intention, and design. You do NOT wait for leadership. You grow into it. And growth is not passive. It’s a series of bold, deliberate decisions.Leadership isn’t reserved for a few. It starts when you start showing up differently — with courage, with conviction, and with purpose.So, here’s your challenge:

1.     Write your leadership statement. Don’t wait for others to define you. Say who you are, what you stand for, and the impact you are committed to making.

2.     Identify one strategic contact this month. Reach out. Start a conversation. Build your network with intention — not just transaction.

3.     Say YES to one opportunity that aligns with your future leadership path. Even if it scares you. Especially if it stretches you.

MY FINAL THOUGHTSI always mention the word KAIZEN whenever I speak. It is from two Japanese words kai (change) and zen (good). It basically means “continuous improvement”. In other words, BETTER NEVER STOPS.  I urge us all to take those initial little steps towards leadership. INTENTIONALLY. They may be small, but take them. It is the consistency that will lead to your success and leadership.

PARTING WORDS

Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow colleagues. I am fully aware that you may not control timing. Or recognition. Or the pace of the system. But if there is something you can control, it is this. You can control how you prepare, how you position yourself, and how you lead. So, I’ll leave you with this:LEAD BY DESIGN, NOT DEFAULT.THE WORLD IS NOT WAITING FOR PERFECTION — IT’S WAITING FOR SOMEONE READY.

So, my question to you as I take my seat is this. Are you ready to be that someone?Thank you.