By Funmilola Gboteku
Business growth often stalls not because customers disappear or revenue dries up, but because leadership struggles to keep pace with the increasing demands of expansion, experts at Harde Business School have said.
According to the school, many entrepreneurs and professionals reach a point where passion and hard work are no longer enough to sustain growth, as businesses begin to require clearer systems, stronger decision-making, and more strategic leadership.
Speaking on the need for leadership development among entrepreneurs and executives, the Chief Executive Officer of Harde Business School, Mr Dami Oguntunde, said many professionals assumed significant responsibilities without first receiving the structure and training needed to lead effectively.
Oguntunde told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos said this leadership gap often affected decision-making, team management, and the long-term growth of businesses, especially in rapidly changing markets.
He said the institution’s Business Leadership Executive Programme (BLEP) was designed to help business owners, managers, executives, and emerging leaders strengthen their leadership capacity and navigate modern business realities.
“For many entrepreneurs, growth does not stop because sales disappear. It stops when leadership can no longer keep pace with the demands of the business,” Oguntunde said.
“A business owner may still have customers, a team, and revenue, yet feel the pressure of unclear systems, changing markets, and people waiting for direction.
“At that point, passion is no longer the differentiator. Leadership is.”
He said “the programme exposes participants to practical business conversations around strategy, finance, operations, innovation, governance, people management, and sustainable growth.”
According to him, BLEP goes beyond theoretical teaching by placing participants within real-life business situations where they are encouraged to examine challenges, exchange ideas with peers, and learn from experienced facilitators.
“Many professionals carry responsibility before they receive the structure to lead well. BLEP gives them that structure.
” It helps them lead with confidence, discipline, and a deeper understanding of business,” he said.
According to Oguntunde, participants leave the programme with practical tools for effective decision-making, stronger team leadership, business growth, and personal effectiveness.
He noted that the programme also provided access to a network of professionals committed to building stronger organisations and driving sustainable impact across industries.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
