As part of our commitment to equipping business leaders with actionable tools and a supportive community, the Stanford Seed Nigeria Abuja Tactical Workshop took place on the 28th of August, 2025 at Stratton Hotel, Abuja.

This event brought together members and guests for an enriching afternoon of learning, leadership, and collaboration. Designed specifically for leaders to gain practical insights and exchange experiences, the workshop combined impactful teaching with interactive peer-to-peer engagement.

The session was moderated by Mr. Toba Obaniyi, Communications Secretary of the Network, who served as Master of Ceremonies.

The day kicked off with a compelling welcome address from Mr. Oyaje Idoko, Chairman of the Tactical Workshop Committee. His opening remarks effectively set the tone, giving attendees a clear overview of what to expect from the day's events.

Spotlight on Stanford Seed

The workshop began with an introduction to Stanford Seed by Kwame Kurankyi-Dadson, Seed Network Manager (West Africa), who shared details about the Seed Transformation Program, the entry point for non-members to join the Network. He highlighted the program’s benefits, including access to cutting-edge business knowledge, mentorship, and a thriving community of entrepreneurs driving impact across Africa.

Mastering Strategic Conversations

Next, Sade Olufemi-Ayoola, Business Transformation Advisor at Stanford Seed, introduced the day’s facilitator, Coach Akua Nyame Mensah.

Coach Akua led a powerful session titled: “Strategic Conversations: Navigating Difficult Discussions in Business.”

She unpacked why many leaders avoid tough conversations and explained how such discussions, if approached well, can lead to stronger teams and healthier businesses.

She introduced participants to the three layers of conversation: facts, emotions, and identity, demonstrating how understanding these layers helps leaders untangle complex interactions. Through case studies and guided exercises, attendees learned to apply these tools in real-life situations, equipping them to handle challenging conversations with confidence and clarity.

The session was deeply engaging, with participants actively involved in practical exercises that encouraged self-reflection and collaboration.

Reinforcing Engagement and Community

Following the session, Kwame reminded members about the upcoming Network Survey, emphasizing its role in tracking the impact of Network initiatives on member businesses. He also encouraged members to complete the survey to enjoy the benefits tied to participation.

Theodora Nwenyi, the Vice President of the Nigeria Network closed the formal proceedings by thanking all attendees for their active involvement and commitment to collective growth.

The workshop concluded with a Leadership Lab, where members of the network shared pressing challenges from their businesses and fellow leaders provided feedback, fresh perspectives, and practical suggestions, making the lab a collaborative problem-solving space.

Closing Reflections

The Abuja Tactical Workshop once again demonstrated the strength of our Network, not only in delivering high-quality learning sessions but also in creating a community where leaders support one another. From unlocking the art of strategic conversations to tackling real-world challenges in the Leadership Lab, participants left equipped with practical tools and renewed inspiration for their leadership journeys.

As the Network continues to build platforms for growth and collaboration, the lessons and connections forged in Abuja will continue to resonate in the businesses and lives of our members.

We sincerely thank all our guests for joining us at the Abuja Tactical Workshop and for contributing to the engaging discussions and collaborative spirit that made the event a success