On March 6, 2023, Garden Academy welcomed a new General Manager, Ibitayo Ogunbanwo. Ibitayo is an experienced and highly motivated individual determined to elevate the Garden Academy’s vision and achieve its goals.
During a conversation with Ibitayo, he said that his top goal and priority was to achieve the vision of becoming the number 1 Tech Talent marketplace for career development and top talent sourcing in Africa. Garden Academy has a resolve to help young professionals transition into the technology industry and fast track their tech career. The academy does this by providing professionals with the required skills in any chosen field, connecting them with jobs and opportunities that will help them fast-track their technology careers.
When asked what leadership style he was going to operate under, Ibitayo said, “I do not have a distinct style of management. I am a combination of all four styles: autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, and persuasive. I am a firm believer in coaching, which is why I call myself the chief servant of the team. Most times, I’m a blend of the autocratic and democratic management styles. I believe in mutual respect, irrespective of level or position, and giving everyone a chance to air their opinions and views.” He went on to explain that leadership is by servanthood, and he was ready to serve every beneficiary of Garden Academy, from its staff to its partners to its students.
Ibitayo also shared with us that one of his biggest career achievements was being a member of the Certified Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) team that successfully managed and facilitated the end-to-end Performance Management System (PMS) training of over 1,800 Civil Servants in partnership with the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (OHCSF). He further stated that while professional certifications are good, skills are the determinants of good performances and excellent deliverables. In his opinion, “professional certificates should directly relate to and speak to upskilling, which entails teaching an employee an additional skill.”
Indeed, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. With Ibitayo’s professional experience and achievements, one would believe him to be a rigid individual, but the reverse is the case, as he believes in playing as hard as he works. In his words, “I am a huge fan of working hard and playing hard. A happy team equals an efficient and productive team.”
Every member of the staff and stakeholders of Garden Academy welcomed Ibitayo with open arms, and it is safe to say Garden Academy is in good hands. With his exceptional leadership and management skills, it is believed that he will be a tremendous asset, as Ibitayo’s passion, drive, and expertise makes him the perfect fit for Garden Academy.
