The FUE-CEO Meeting was successfully convened at the elegant Golden Tulip Hotel under the timely and thought-provoking theme: “Leading Effectively In Tough Economic Times.” The high-level gathering brought together distinguished business leaders, CEOs and as for FFL community we were happy to be represented by our CEO Akeca Pius. Nevertheless key industry players from diverse sectors of the economy, all united by a common purpose—strengthening leadership capacity in an increasingly challenging economic landscape.
A Call for Practical Leadership: The E.R.I.C Model
In his remarks, our CEO, Douglas Opio Opio, delivered a powerful message centered on adaptability and operational excellence. He encouraged leaders to adopt the E.R.I.C Model—a strategic framework designed to boost workforce productivity and drive sustainable business growth.
The E.R.I.C Model stands for:
- Eliminate – Remove inefficiencies, redundant processes, and non-value-adding activities.
- Reduce – Cut down unnecessary costs, waste, and time-consuming procedures.
- Increase – Strengthen investment in high-impact areas such as talent development, innovation, and customer engagement.
- Create – Develop new opportunities, solutions, and business models that respond to emerging market needs.
Through this model, leaders were urged to rethink traditional operations and embrace agile, forward-thinking strategies that position their organizations for resilience and competitiveness.
Navigating Unprecedented Times
The keynote address was delivered by Dr David Molapo, President of ICan4IR, who presented a comprehensive roadmap for strategic leadership in uncertain times.
Dr. Molapo emphasized that effective leadership during economic turbulence demands more than technical expertise—it requires strong character and adaptive capability. He highlighted several key tenets for impactful leadership:
- Integrity – Building trust through transparency and ethical decision-making.
- Focus – Maintaining clarity of vision amid distractions and uncertainty.
- Passion – Inspiring teams with purpose-driven leadership.
- Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution – Leveraging technology and innovation to remain competitive.
- Mutual Respect and Collaboration – Fostering inclusive work environments that harness collective strengths.
- Emotional Intelligence – Leading with empathy, self-awareness, and resilience.
His message resonated deeply with participants, underscoring that sustainable success in tough economic times depends on leaders who are adaptable, principled, and future-ready.
A Platform for Engagement and Solutions
Beyond the insightful presentations, the meeting provided a dynamic platform for employers to interact, benchmark best practices, and discuss pressing world-of-work challenges. From navigating labor market shifts to managing workforce productivity and digital transformation, participants exchanged practical solutions to help their organizations thrive in the evolving economic environment.
The FUE-CEO Meeting once again demonstrated the power of collaborative dialogue and strategic thought leadership. As economic realities continue to shift, gatherings such as this remain essential in equipping leaders with the mindset, tools, and partnerships needed not only to survive—but to excel.
