By Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
IN the grand narrative of sustainability, achieving Net-Zero becomes a mandate demanding nothing short of a complete reimagining of civilisation’s core structures. The decarbonisation imperative, once deemed unfathomable, now looms large amid the energy crisis triggered by war, thrusting the need for radical change into the forefront of global attention.
At the crux of this transformation lies the indispensable anchor of fossil fuel energy, the bedrock upon which modern civilisation has thrived. The Industrial Revolution birthed an energy uprising that reshaped human existence, fostering progress while embedding future generations with a reliance on four pivotal pillars: ammonia, cement, plastics, and steel, all deeply entrenched in fossil fuel exploitation.
The call for Net-Zero necessitates a holistic comprehension of modern civilisation, heralding an imminent overhaul poised to recalibrate societal norms within the narrow window of three decades. Historically unparalleled, this endeavour demands a paradigm shift steered by sustainable technology, poised to revolutionise the very fabric of our existence.
Amidst this transformative milieu, leadership assumes a pivotal role. The urgency to embrace the Net-Zero Agenda necessitates a new breed of Energy Zealots—leaders equipped to operate within faster cycles, placing emphasis on rapid, informed decisions, and learning from failures to scale successes. Each cycle becomes a crucible for innovation, evaluating progress and recalibrating strategies in alignment with transient trends and risk thresholds.
The traditional approaches of control and deliberation, once effective in conventional industries, falter in the dynamic landscape of the energy space. The imperative now is to foster entrepreneurial, non-regulatory mindsets, steering away from compartmentalised control toward collaborative, agile operations.
However, this transformative journey is riddled with challenges. It demands a fundamental shift in organisational culture and operational paradigms, inevitably met with resistance. Leaders must navigate complexity, exhibiting profound awareness while reshaping their own mindsets to embrace the solutions demanded by the new environment.
Crucially, the evolution toward Net-Zero necessitates not just incremental changes but a wholesale cultural and behavioural shift. These shifts cannot exist as mere slogans but must permeate daily practices, reflected in the actions of senior leaders and throughout the organizational structure.
The energy sector stands at a pivotal juncture, requiring visionary leadership capable of addressing pressing global challenges. This transition demands a fusion of external talent with the progressive transformation of existing initiatives, driving the active evolution of leadership within the sector.
In the pursuit of Net-Zero, the crucial question emerges: Where do we find the entrepreneurs to lead the next era of the energy business? The answer lies in a diverse leadership mix—innovators from both within and outside the industry—to inspire change while demonstrating tangible progress on the ground. It’s an urgent call to seek visionary leaders globally and activate a transformational shift in the energy sector.
In essence, the Energy domain clamours for leaders who can blend gradual progress with entrepreneurial zeal. It’s time to empower these leaders, to activate their potential and pave the way for a sustainable future. The moment to usher in this transformational leadership is now—literally and figuratively, the time to act is upon us!
Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is the Chair of the Governing Council at Institute of Enterprise Management and Analytics (IEMA) in Lagos, Nigeria
