Metro
Zero to Impact: The Leadership Mindset That Transforms Executive Management (Pt. 2)
By Tolulope A. Adegoke PhD
“Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles, and less than perfect conditions. So what? Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident, and more and more successful” – Mark Victor Hansen
Have you ever felt like you’re starting from nothing? That you’ve got dreams but no resources, skills but no platform, ideas but no audience? You’re not alone. And here’s the good news: zero is not the end—it’s the beginning. In fact, some of the world’s most transformative leaders began at what seemed like zero. This second series explores how understanding and harnessing the power of “zero” can unlock your true leadership potential either for individual, corporates, nation-building or for generational impact.
Zero as Untapped Potential
Potential is not what you’re doing; it’s what you’re capable of doing. It’s the energy lying dormant within, waiting to be activated. Like a lion raised among sheep in Dr. Myles Munroe’s famous story, many of us have greatness within—we just need the right perspective to awaken it.
Leadership begins with self-awareness. Before leading others, you must first lead yourself. This starts by reflecting deeply: What drives you? What do you value? What legacy do you wish to leave? Look in the mirror of purpose and see who you really are. You are not an accident; you are potential in motion, crafted for impact.
Zero as a Seed of Greatness
Seeds look insignificant, but they contain forests. Every idea, talent, or dream you carry is a seed. Jesus used the mustard seed as a metaphor for powerful growth—tiny in form, yet enormous in potential.
The early stages of your journey may seem unimpressive to others—or even to yourself. But remember, the value of a seed is not in its size, but in what it is destined to become. Plant your vision, nurture it with discipline, water it with commitment, and protect it from doubt. The fruits may not appear overnight, but in due season, they will manifest in abundance.
Leadership is about believing in your unseen future and taking intentional steps toward it, no matter how small.
Zero as Latent Talent
Talent is divine equipment for earthly impact. But unused talent is like a buried treasure—valuable, yet invisible. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25) teaches us to multiply what we’ve been given—not hide it out of fear.
Your leadership impact grows when you:
- Discover your unique gifts, no matter how subtle they seem.
- Understand their intended purpose and potential.
- Develop them through practice, feedback, and learning.
- Deploy them through service to a cause bigger than yourself.
- Dedicate them to divine purpose—acknowledging God as the Giver.
The world doesn’t just need more talent; it needs more developed, directed, and dedicated talent. That’s how legacies are forged.
Zero as a Hidden Game-Changer
Sometimes, the overlooked become the overachievers. Eder, Portugal’s unlikely substitute striker in the Euro 2016 final, wasn’t expected to score—yet he became the unexpected hero. Likewise, David, the youngest son and a mere shepherd, toppled the mighty Goliath when trained soldiers stood back.
Leadership is not always about who is most visible—it’s about who’s most prepared. In the shadows, develop yourself. In quiet seasons, strengthen your skills. So when your opportunity comes, you’ll not only show up—you’ll stand out.
Do not discount yourself based on what others see. What matters is what God and you know is within.
Zero as a Weakness to Be Managed
Not all zeroes are positive. Sometimes, zero represents a weakness, flaw, or character issue that must be addressed. Many great leaders fell not because of external battles, but due to un-mastered internal struggles.
Moses’ unrestrained anger cost him entry into the Promised Land. Samson’s lust blinded him—literally and spiritually. Judas’ greed led to betrayal. These cautionary tales remind us: what we fail to manage in private can sabotage us in public.
Your leadership must be built on integrity and self-awareness. Weakness doesn’t disqualify you—but ignoring it might. Seek accountability, practice humility, and grow in character. True strength comes not from perfection, but from progress.
Zero as a Nation Reborn
Nations, like individuals, can rise from zero. After World War II, Japan lay in ruins—its economy shattered, cities flattened. But through visionary leadership, national discipline, and a collective will to rebuild, Japan transformed into one of the world’s leading economies within decades.
The turning point? Investment in human capital—education, innovation, and values-driven governance.
Nations like Nigeria, endowed with abundant resources, must learn that people—not oil—are the real assets. When a government empowers its citizens, fosters innovation, and rewards excellence, transformation becomes inevitable. We don’t just need structural reform—we need a shift in mindset.
Reassurance: Your Turnaround Is Possible
Change is not a fantasy—it’s a process. D.W. Ghent, once terrified of public speaking, became an exceptional orator through courage and training. David, dismissed by his family, rose to become a king. Your current limitations are not permanent.
You can rise. You will rise. But it starts with belief. You are not too late, too flawed, too small, or too far behind. You are filled with potential, purpose, and possibility.
Let today be your turning point. Begin where you are, with what you have. Step forward with boldness and faith. The journey from zero to impact begins with a single decision: to try.
So what’s next? Stay with us as we continue unpacking practical strategies and mindsets to help you lead with transformational influence.
Let’s go from zero to impact—together.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a Recipient of the Nigerian Role Models Award (2024), and a Distinguished Ambassador For World Peace (AMBP-UN).
By Eric Elezuo
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police have debunked reported assassination attempt on the life of Naval Lt MA Yerima, the soldier, who stood to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land.
In a statement by the FCT Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command insisted that no such incident happened or was reported anywhere around Abuja, asking residents to ignore the reports as fake.
The statement further advised the public to ‘disregard the false information, and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic’.
Recall that it was reported on Sunday night that Lt. Yerima escaped assassination after black hilux trucks trailed him. This reported escaped is coming on the heels of a heated altercation the Naval officer had with Wike over a parcel of land said to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The Presidency has since welded into the matter, ordering a stay on the demolition plans.
The statement in full:
The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima. The Command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory. The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic.
For the safety of all residents, the Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Division. You may also reach the Command Headquarters through our emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311 for prompt response.
Nigerians were last night divided over the report that Navy Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yerima narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, with many now questioning whether the incident happened exactly as described.
Initial reports from multiple news platforms claimed Yerima was trailed by two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, prompting a high-speed chase and a “tactical manoeuvre” that allegedly saved his life.
The report quoted military sources who said the vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way at about 6:30p.m.
The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves,” noting that further details are being withheld so as not to compromise the process.
The development comes days after Yerima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The clash, captured on viral videos, sparked widespread public debate and prompted intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently halted the demolition exercise at the site.
But as the story spreads, so do doubts. Critics argue that the details remain vague and rely heavily on Yerima’s personal account, with no confirmed CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, or official security briefings to back the claims. Some security analysts say the descriptions sound “too cinematic,” raising the possibility of misinterpretation or exaggeration.
Adding to the skepticism is the timing of the report, coming just days after Yerima’s viral confrontation with Wike over a halted demolition exercise. While social media users have tried to link both events, officials insist there is no evidence connecting Wike or any political figure to the alleged chase.
Already, military veterans nationwide have criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima. Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if the officer faced any punishment.
Many others want clarity: Was the officer truly targeted, or is this a case of panic amplified by public emotion and online speculation? Investigators are yet to provide answers.
Adron Homes set the stage for a remarkable sporting experience by hosting the Adron Cup Golf Tournament, bringing together golf enthusiasts, industry professionals, and distinguished guests for a day dedicated to excellence, competition, and camaraderie.
The tournament was officially declared open by the Chairman of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who earlier this year received the first-ever Nigeria’s Noble Golfer Award, reflecting his growing influence and passion for the game of golf. In a moment that drew applause across the course, he performed the ceremonial tee-off, symbolically setting the tournament in motion.
Following the opening, the Chairman embarked on a tour of the golf course, delighting participants and spectators alike. He played several holes, showing his enthusiasm for the game, while also taking time to engage, encourage, and cheer on the competing golfers.
Players described the experience as inspiring, noting that the Chairman’s presence elevated the spirit of the competition and reinforced the values of sportsmanship and unity that the tournament represents.
As the tournament concluded, Mr. Sunday Aderibigbe, representing the Chairman of Adron Homes, officiated the presentation of awards and the official unveiling ceremony. His presence added prestige to the event and affirmed the company’s continued commitment to celebrating excellence within the golfing community.
The inaugural Adron Cup Golf Tournament marks the beginning of what promises to be a premier sporting event in the region, reflecting Adron Group’s commitment not only to excellence in real estate but also to promoting recreation, community engagement, and healthy living through sport.
The event concluded with commendations for the organizers and enthusiastic feedback from participants, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
