At the inaugural TEDxAUN event held at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) on March 18, 2025, Mrs. Nnenna Mosugu, Vice President of Finance, delivered a compelling talk on "The Intersection of Ambition, Ethical Leadership, and Resilience." Drawing from her extensive experience in finance and leadership, Mrs. Mosugu emphasized the critical role of ethical leadership and resilience in overcoming challenges and achieving sustainable success.
Mrs. Mosugu articulated how ethical leadership serves as the foundation for aligning personal ambition with integrity. "An ethical leader forms boundaries where ambition can dance and flourish," she stated. She further elaborated that ethical leadership is the catalyst necessary to influence change and shape culture, qualities that are essential for building a strong foundation. She illustrated her points by referencing iconic leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, who fought for freedom; Nelson Mandela, who championed justice and equity; and Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for civil rights. These figures, she noted, exemplify how ethical leadership can drive transformative change and leave a lasting legacy.
She also shared her journey of resilience in her role at AUN, where she faced significant challenges such as rising inflation, currency devaluation, and fluctuating fuel prices. "As a university leader, I have faced my fair share of pressure to produce results in the face of dynamics beyond my control - things like inflation, interest rates, fuel prices, and currency devaluation," she said. "Yet, in the face of all these challenges, we were able to transform our organization from a state of crisis to stability."
Mrs. Mosugu defined resilience as "the ability to bounce back, the capacity to keep going despite pressure and anxiety." Encouraging attendees to cultivate this trait, "No matter the kind of leader you are, forces will come to test your strongest convictions. What will carry you through is your resilience, the compass that helps you navigate turbulent waters while staying within the bounds of ethical processes and protocols." She concluded.
Her insights left a profound impact on the audience, inspiring them to pursue their ambitions while upholding ethical standards and embracing resilience. The event also featured a lineup of self-motivated speakers from diverse backgrounds, each sharing innovative perspectives on pressing issues.
Reported by Chiedozie Joseph