The Stanford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria recently hosted a dynamic tactical workshop in Lagos, reinforcing its commitment to equipping members with the tools and insights needed to thrive in a competitive global landscape. This event, a key part of the network’s legacy programs, provided a vital platform for business leaders to learn from industry experts and collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs.
The workshop is part of the Stanford Seed Transformation Network’s broader objective to build a robust community that enables its members to leverage the power of the global Seed network. This is achieved through online connections, in-person interactions, and engaging events that bring together business leaders and leading experts.
Theodora Nwenyi, Vice President of the Stanford Seed Transformation Network Nigeria, emphasized the event’s significance. “What’s happening here today is a tactical workshop, one of our quarterly legacy events,” she stated. “We aim to facilitate learning from each other and from industry leaders. We began with a leadership lab, which saw both remote and in-person participation, before transitioning into the tactical workshop.”
Nwenyi further elaborated on the workshop’s practical focus: “At the tactical workshop, we listen to industry experts who share tips and tricks on navigating business challenges. We engage them with questions and receive valuable insights tailored to our specific needs.” The event welcomed participants who had registered to attend either in person or virtually.
The Nigeria Chapter of the Stanford Seed Transformation Network is dedicated to empowering business leaders to build strong, sustainable enterprises. Working closely with Stanford Seed, the chapter focuses on fostering growth through sound governance, innovative processes, and impactful leadership. “We offer a range of impactful programs designed to empower our members and contribute to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Nwenyi noted.
“From initiatives that help members scale their businesses to programs that support other entrepreneurs and drive economic growth, our activities are focused on fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development across Nigeria.” She added that this initiative aims to elevate businesses through transformation, a goal many members have already achieved.
The keynote speaker for the tactical workshop was Saleem Adegunwa, MD/CEO of Rite Foods Limited. Adegunwa delivered an insightful address on how indigenous brands can effectively compete with global brands and create phenomenal products. His presentation focused on the practical approaches and ‘know-how’ required to achieve this.
Adegunwa addressed a key challenge faced by indigenous brands in Nigeria: the prevailing negative perception regarding their quality. “Nigeria has a very negative outlook towards indigenous brands; there’s a general mindset that the quality cannot be good,” he explained. “So, the first hurdle to cross is being able to prove to people that despite being indigenous, you’re able to produce a brand that is world-class. That’s the first step, and each time you are able to cross that bridge, then you get new converts. When you cross that bridge, people will begin to trust your brand, and you will be on your way to success.”
Drawing on the success of Rite Foods, Adegunwa shared compelling examples, including how the company’s Bigi brand successfully competed with global giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, providing a real-world case study for attendees.
