Lagos Business School (LBS) has officially acknowledged the significant contributions of Gbenga Adigun to its 2025 Alumni Mentoring Programme, recognizing his dedication to supporting emerging business leaders. This recognition comes as a result of his active involvement in guiding mentees through various business challenges, emphasizing practical learning, access to funding, and leadership development.
Adigun's Motivation for Joining the Programme
Speaking about his decision to participate in the initiative, Adigun explained that his primary goal was to share the valuable lessons he has accumulated over the years and help bridge the gap between theoretical academic knowledge and the realities of the business world. "I joined the LBS mentoring initiative because I wanted to provide the 'operating manual' I wish I had almost two decades ago. The classroom teaches strategy, but the 'street' teaches reality, and I wanted to bridge that gap for the next generation," he stated.
Mentoring Approach and Philosophy
Adigun elaborated on his mentoring methodology, noting that it was centered on helping participants think through problems independently rather than simply providing direct solutions. "It wasn't about giving them answers but teaching them to ask the right questions," he emphasized. According to him, the programme placed a strong emphasis on key concepts that shape effective business leadership in Nigeria, particularly resilience, trust, and inclusion.
He described leadership as managing friction and remaining steadfast when policies change. "Resilience is key," he said. "Leadership is about managing friction and staying standing when policies shift." He also highlighted the power of trust, noting that even in the technology sector, human connection remains the most important currency. Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of focusing on inclusion, as growth involves building solutions that reach underserved communities across the country.
Impactful Mentoring Outcomes
A pivotal moment in the mentoring process occurred when one of his mentees transitioned from planning to execution. The mentee had developed a strategy to introduce new product lines but faced financial constraints. Adigun noted that the outcome demonstrated the value of combining mentorship with financial support. "Seeing that capital translate into consistent sales and now receiving steady returns on that investment is the ultimate validation. It proved that the mentorship wasn't just about sharing almost two decades of experience; it was about providing the tangible 'fuel' needed to scale," he said.
Reflecting on the results, he added: "Realizing I had helped a founder cross the bridge from 'potential' to 'profitable' was when I knew the impact was real."
Mutual Growth and Future Outlook
Adigun also acknowledged that the experience influenced his own thinking, as it required him to review his methods and adapt to current conditions. "It's easy to get caught up in boardrooms and scaling targets, but seeing the ambition and grit of a mentee reminds you why you started," he remarked, adding that it shifted his focus from merely achieving numbers to building people. Looking ahead, he expressed hope that his mentee would maintain a balance between financial results and social impact. He concluded that mentorship remains an integral part of leadership responsibility.
