Imperfectly Awesome Conversation (IAC) 4.0 Champions Authentic Leadership and Resilience

• May 4, 2026

The fourth edition of the Imperfectly Awesome Conversation (IAC 4.0) reaffirmed its position as a leading platform for conversations around authentic leadership and mental well-being. Designed to promote self-awareness, consistency over perfection, and courage over fear, the summit brought together thought leaders and professionals committed to personal growth and societal impact.

This year’s edition featured a two-part theme explored through panel discussions: Resilience and Tenacity and Authenticity: Embracing Your Whole Self. 

Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, delivered a compelling keynote centered on what he described as the “three corners of the triangle”, resilience, tenacity, and authenticity. He emphasized that these are not abstract ideas but lived experiences that shape everyday life and leadership.

According to him, resilience is not about returning to a previous state after setbacks but about “bouncing forward”, growing wiser, stronger, and more self-aware through life’s disruptions. He noted that resilience often manifests quietly, fueled by fear, faith, or self-belief, and does not imply the absence of struggle but rather the refusal to stop. He added that leadership is most evident in times of uncertainty, where composure, adaptability, courage, and sacrifice are required.

On tenacity, Ogunsanya described it as the “quiet determination no one applauds,” highlighting that progress is often made in unseen and uncelebrated moments. He stressed the importance of persistence, refining strategies rather than abandoning them, and consistently showing up, even when results are not immediately visible. Over time, he noted, such consistency builds trust, stabilizes processes, and makes leadership increasingly evident.

Addressing authenticity, he challenged the culture of perfection and performance, urging individuals to show up as their true selves. Authenticity, he explained, is not about oversharing but about alignment, being genuine in values and actions. He emphasized that authenticity fosters trust, connection, and impact, and that imperfections, failures, and personal scars are sources of wisdom rather than limitations.

Convener of the summit, Dr. Tola Bamigbaiye, welcomed participants with a message of self-acceptance, reinforcing the idea that “you are enough.” Reflecting on her own journey, she acknowledged that her imperfections have been visible to many but have not hindered her achievements, attributing her growth to resilience and tenacity.

Lagos State Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, echoed the summit’s core message, noting that leadership is not built on perfection but on authenticity, resilience, and tenacity. She encouraged participants to embrace their full journeys, including flaws and to draw strength from them in navigating life’s challenges.  She said: "This summit calls us back, encouraging us to embrace our journeys in its entirety, flaws and all and to draw strength from them. Resilience is what keeps us standing in the face of adversaries. Tenacity is what keeps us moving despite the odds and authentic is what ensures that in the end we remain true to who we are".

Group Executive Director of Rain Oil Limited, Godrey Ogbechie, emphasized the enduring value of hard work and consistency, cautioning against losing these principles in an evolving, technology-driven world. He urged individuals to live intentionally and build legacies that create meaningful impact.

From the corporate communications space, Viola Graham-Douglas,  Communications & Public Affairs Director, Lafarge Africa highlighted the importance of perception and self-evaluation. She shared her practice of conducting “personal board meetings” to assess performance and identify areas for improvement, noting that resilience involves managing personal challenges while still delivering professionally. She added that resilience can be cultivated, regardless of one’s starting point. 

Entrepreneur Godson Madu, CEO of Excite Panacea Limited, spoke on the importance of recognizing when to pivot. He noted that resilience includes the ability to identify new opportunities and make necessary changes, especially when initial plans no longer serve their purpose. "Define what you want and it can come to you in different ways. Pivot is part of being resilient".

Founder of Mbre Travels and Tours, Dr. Eno Udoma-Eniang, emphasized clarity, discipline, and self-awareness. She advised participants to listen more, understand deeply before speaking, and remain grounded in their values. Addressing burnout, she outlined key principles including planning, prioritization, effective time management, and intentional “me time” to maintain balance.

Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at Coca-Cola HBC, Dr. Soromidayo George, described resilience as essential rather than optional, stressing that success is defined by how individuals respond to challenges. She highlighted the importance of purpose, vision, passion, and preparation in navigating personal and professional journeys.

Also contributing to the conversation, Kunbi Adeoti, Chief People Experience Officer, Leadway underscored the role of emotional connection in leadership, noting that authenticity builds trust and enhances team engagement.

National Information Officer at the United Nations Information Centre, Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun, addressed misconceptions around imperfection. He clarified that imperfection should not be equated with underperformance, describing it instead as a driver of growth and authenticity. He added that global institutions recognize human limitations and actively support continuous learning and improvement.

Group Managing Director of GMYT Group Limited, Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene, shared insights on professional development, noting that the pursuit of perfection is not universal. She emphasized the importance of structure and processes, as well as adapting global knowledge to local organizational challenges.

The two panel sessions were anchored by Gossy Ukanwoke of BetKing and Taiwo Dayo-Abatan, Regional Head of HR, Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global, who guided the conversations with depth and clarity.

Drawing from their professional experience, both moderators steered discussions around resilience, tenacity, and authenticity, helping panelists unpack not just the theory but the lived realities behind these themes. They emphasized that in today’s fast-evolving world of work, resilience is no longer optional but a critical skill for navigating uncertainty, while tenacity requires a deliberate commitment to consistency even when outcomes are unclear.

They also highlighted the growing importance of authenticity in leadership, noting that as workplaces become more people-centered, leaders must move beyond performative ideals and foster environments built on trust, empathy, and genuine connection. Through their facilitation, the sessions encouraged participants to reflect on how these values can be practically applied in both personal growth and organizational leadership.

The event also featured a special awards segment recognizing individuals and organisations whose contributions have made meaningful societal impact. True to its vision, the summit continued to inspire and educate while celebrating those who choose courage over comfort and whose influence transcends their imperfections.

Overall, IAC 4.0 reinforced a powerful message: that resilience keeps individuals standing, tenacity keeps them moving, and authenticity keeps them grounded. Together, these qualities enable not just survival, but meaningful leadership, transformation, and lasting impact.