Obi James Consultancy Limited

We asked Obi to celebrate the women who have hugely impacted her career, and her focus was on her mentors and closest ladies who she refers to as the wind beneath her wings: 1️⃣ Arunma (AEEM) Oteh - Her mentor, Board Chair, role model and big sister “Thank you for being beautifully, uniquely and unapologetically YOU. You are a blessing to so many of us across the world. “ 2️⃣ Suniti Chauhan - Her mentor (and former boss during her Morgan Stanley days). “Sunni's inclusive and empowering style of leadership continues to inspire my work every day. Her dedication and visionary leadership taught me to make choices that still positively impact the work I do today. Her active involvement in charitable and philanthropic activities has been and remains remarkable. Thank you for ALWAYS being there for me.” 3️⃣ Dr Pirkko Ezewuzie (her mum) - “Dr Pirkko Ezewuzie is the best listener, challenger and coach I have ever known. I also happen to have connected with her even before I was born, because she is my mother. Thank you for nurturing our authenticity and self-expression.” 4️⃣ Niina Ezewuzie - She raved about her big sister & best friend, Niina - who, according to her, "always has her back and without whose ever-present and reassuring presence she would not have taken the many risks that have propelled her forward". 5️⃣ 'Unbound Sisters' family - Anne-Rose Obidi, Tina Ogundipe and Kome Brown. She describes them as her haven and those she leans on for regular soul food, honest feedback, and to ensure that she works to live, not lives to work! 6️⃣ Abigail and Adora - "These young leaders, who I call my "warrior girls", are my life's greatest blessings. They are my best teachers and my ultimate ‘Why’. #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #WomenLeadership #CelebrateWomen

We just had Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of reflection, sacrifice, and renewal observed by many Christians. It mirrors Jesus’ time in the wilderness, where he fasted, faced challenges, and deepened his purpose. For those who work with Christian colleagues, Lent may mean: - Fasting or dietary changes: some may give up certain foods (e.g., meat on Fridays) or meals during the day. - Increased focus on reflection and prayer: colleagues might take time for quiet contemplation or step away briefly for prayers. - Commitment to service and generosity: Lent encourages acts of kindness, so some colleagues may engage in charitable activities or volunteer work. Creating an inclusive work environment means respecting these practices, offering flexibility where possible, and being open to learning about different faith traditions. Wishing all who observe a meaningful and reflective Lenten season.

Looking forward to joining 100s of HR Leaders at today's HR Vision event in London. ✅️ I will be speaking about THAT Leadership Gap that we really can no longer avoid! ✅️ I will also be sharing how HR and L&D Leaders can use their power and privilege to drive crucial and much-needed change. Looking forward to catching up with colleagues, clients and new connections too!

So, I had to write as I process why diverse leaders - myself included - can get overwhelmingly triggered by power imbalances and privilege. Here's a personal reflection on moments in my own career and a reminder that leadership is as much about self-awareness and empathy as it is about driving results. In it, I explore the responsibility we all have to acknowledge and share the privileges we hold, so we can build truly inclusive environments.

🛑 Who Gets to Lead? The Unspoken Privilege of Language in Global Teams! I've been reflecting a lot lately on leadership and the power of language - especially after witnessing the recent meeting between Trump and Zelensky, which was both painful and heartbreaking to observe. Their exchange exposed not just general power imbalances, but specifically how language can privilege certain voices over others. This article isn't about the politics and all the other power dynamics at play - it's about the language barrier and how it shapes who gets heard and who gets to lead. It’s a reminder that true leadership means creating spaces where every voice, regardless of linguistic background, is valued and empowered. ✅ As we process and debate what we just witnessed, ask yourself where you may inadvertently be abusing the privileges and power that you hold.

In the past few months, my team and I have worked closely with several organisations undergoing restructuring. These experiences have been deeply emotional - witnessing roles put at risk, people facing the loss of their security, and those remaining behind grappling with anxiety and uncertainty. It’s a stark reminder that in our careers, it’s not just about performance. Our personal brand, visibility, and relationships matter just as much. But too often, we only reflect on these when we're already in crisis. Having once arrived in the UK with no connections, I know what it’s like to build a support network from scratch. It took years of nurturing relationships, balancing service with self-care, and learning how to be seen and valued. If you or someone you know is facing job uncertainty, I hope this article provides both practical guidance and encouragement. Hang in there! You are not alone and this too shall pass!

Where do you stand on the inclusive leadership spectrum - truly sharing power or just making room for others in theory? Pleased to share my latest piece for HR Vision, where I pull back the curtain on the concept of “Let Go Leadership” and the practical SHARE framework (Seek feedback, Have accountability, Adapt, Reconnect, Empower). Yes, it’s a powerful - AND sometimes uncomfortable - call for leaders to relinquish control, embrace vulnerability, and foster genuine inclusion. I dive into the big challenges: ✅ Cultural Resistance and how to break through “we’ve always done it this way” mindsets ✅ Systemic Biases that quietly hold organisations back ✅ Accountability Fatigue and why leadership teams often stall when it comes to real change 🛑 Here’s the blunt truth: if we keep clinging to top-down leadership, we risk losing our best talent and stalling innovation. Inclusive leadership isn’t a buzzword - it’s the bedrock of future-ready organisations. When leaders step aside and let the team lead, everyone wins. Read and reflect on what part of inclusive leadership challenges you most? Better still, get in touch and let's discuss over a cuppa or join us at the HR Vision event in March!

I’m so excited to share that I’ll be speaking at HR Vision London! As someone who spent over a decade in HR - ultimately leaving as a Vice President in Learning & Development - I couldn’t be more thrilled to return to my HR roots alongside some of my incredible client companies and industry peers. Having spent the last two decades developing both future and experienced leaders to build high-performing organisations, I look forward to sharing practical leadership lessons that bridge my in-house HR experience and my extensive work in leadership development. If you’ll be at HR Vision London, come say hello! I’ll be sharing actionable strategies to close leadership gaps that are quietly eroding many organisations competitiveness and ability to retain top talent. I can’t wait to connect and hope to see you there!

What a privilege it was to moderate this esteemed panel on Public Leadership at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford with the following: ✅️ HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano and Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria ✅️ Olusegun Aganga CON, Former Minister of Finance; and Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment of Nigeria ✅️ Mrs Kemi Adeosun, Former Minister of Nigeria and former chairman of the Board of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) This was part of the Distinguished Speakers Seminar Series of the 60th birthday celebration of the honourable Arunma (AEEM) Oteh and the launch of her remarkable book, All Hands on Deck! 🥇All Hands on Deck has within hours of its launch become an Amazon UK #1 Bestseller, a US #1 Bestseller and an International #1 Bestseller! Huge congratulations, happy birthday and happy book launch to one of the most remarkable, living legends I know!

As leaders, we often avoid mixing politics with our professional lives, and rightly so. But today, I want to step away from politics entirely and focus on something far more universal: the role of leadership in times of uncertainty and anxiety. Today's swearing in of Donald Trump is stirring up strong emotions across many communities. ✅️ Regardless of personal political leanings, it’s undeniable that many people - our colleagues, teams, and communities - may be feeling unsettled, uncertain, or even fearful about what these changes mean for them. The secure ground they once stood on might now feel very shaky. ✅️ In moments like these, silence is still communication. As leaders, choosing not to acknowledge the emotional climate within our teams can send unintended messages. It may be interpreted as indifference, lack of awareness, or even dismissal of the feelings and concerns of those we lead. ✅️ In our Leader as Coach programme where we train leaders to employ more coaching in their leadership, we tell them that they don't need to have all the answers. They don’t need to make grand political statements or align themselves with one side or another. What they do need to do is check in. ✅️ Checking in doesn’t require long speeches or dramatic gestures. It’s as simple as creating space for dialogue, asking thoughtful questions, and showing genuine care for how your people are feeling. A quick conversation or a small acknowledgment can go a long way toward making someone feel seen and valued. ✅️ Here’s why this matters: when people feel that their leaders are attuned to their concerns, they are more likely to trust them, stay engaged, and collaborate effectively - even during turbulent times. Leadership is not just about driving results; it’s about fostering connection and creating safe spaces where people can thrive. ✅️ Here’s why this matters: when people feel that their leaders are attuned to their concerns, they are more likely to trust them, stay engaged, and collaborate effectively - even during turbulent times. Leadership is not just about driving results; it’s about fostering connection and creating safe spaces where people can thrive. So, I encourage you to pause and reflect: 1) Have you checked in with your team recently? 2) Do they feel supported during these uncertain times? 3) What can you do to help them feel grounded and secure within your organisation? The role of a leader is not just to navigate the path forward but to walk alongside the people they lead, offering reassurance and care when it’s needed most. Silence is communication. Please use this moment as a reminder to lead with empathy and intention. The world is always watching, but more importantly, so are your people. ✅️ What are you doing to check in with your team during uncertain times?