By Esther Oyegbula

Leadership is often described as the delicate balance between vision and execution, empathy and strategy, inspiration and action. But what does it take to lead with both heart and intellect in an ever-evolving world?

Our guest today, Professor Chirstain Harrison, has dedicated his career to exploring, practicing, and teaching leadership that is ethical, transformational, and entrepreneurial. With a deep-rooted passion for youth empowerment, governance, and sustainable enterprise, he has worked tirelessly to shape the next generation of leaders, both in Nigeria and beyond. From pioneering leadership development initiatives to spearheading groundbreaking projects in agriculture and innovation, his impact is undeniable.

In this interview, he discusses the fundamental qualities of great leaders, the evolving role of leadership in the digital age, and how ethics, culture, and innovation shape decision-making at the highest levels.

Leadership is often described as both an art and a science. How do you balance the emotional intelligence required for leadership with the analytical skills needed for enterprise?

Based on my experience and years of research in leadership and enterprise, I have found that the most effective leaders master the balance between emotional intelligence and analytical skills. Leadership is both an art and a science. The art lies in the ability to connect, inspire, and empower, while the science demands strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, and problem-solving.

Emotional intelligence is the foundation of effective leadership. It enables leaders to build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and navigate challenges with empathy and resilience. A leader who understands people — what motivates them, how they respond to change, and what drives their performance — can create inclusive, high-performing environments. However, leadership without analytical skills can lack direction. Enterprise requires leaders to assess risks, interpret market trends, drive innovation, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Through my research, I have observed that the most successful leaders integrate both aspects seamlessly. They know when to rely on data and strategy and when to lead with intuition and emotional intelligence. For instance, in times of crisis, leaders need empathy to reassure and unite their teams, but they must also apply analytical skills to manage risks and make informed decisions.

The key to balancing both is self-awareness and adaptability. Leaders should be able to switch between emotional and analytical approaches depending on the situation. By developing both skill sets, they not only drive enterprise success but also create a lasting impact on the people they lead.

You’ve dedicated your career to ethical, transformational, and entrepreneurial leadership. What personal experiences shaped your passion for these areas?

Having lived in Nigeria for many years, I have seen the country’s incredible potential, rich in talent, innovation, and resilience. However, I also recognized that effective leadership is the key to unlocking this potential and driving sustainable progress. This realization fueled my passion for leadership and motivated me to pursue a PhD in the field several years ago, with the aim of contributing to both leadership theory and practice.

Nigeria is a country full of opportunities, but strong, ethical, and visionary leadership is essential to harnessing them fully. I firmly believe that ethical leadership—grounded in integrity, transparency, and accountability, builds trust and lays the foundation for long-term success. Transformational leadership is equally vital, as it empowers individuals, inspires change, and creates a shared vision for growth. Entrepreneurial leadership plays a crucial role in fostering innovation, adaptability, and economic development in a rapidly evolving world.

Through my research and work, I have remained committed to equipping leaders with the skills and mindset needed to make a positive impact. My goal is to support leadership development that not only strengthens institutions but also empowers individuals and communities. Whether through mentorship, education, or policy influence, I am dedicated to shaping a new generation of ethical, transformational, and entrepreneurial leaders who will help Nigeria and other nations reach their fullest potential.

Your recent leadership presentations in Nigerian schools suggest a strong commitment to youth empowerment. What inspired this initiative, and what challenges do young leaders in Nigeria face today?

My commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development in Nigeria is deeply personal and rooted in my own educational journey. I had the privilege of attending King’s College Lagos, one of the best high schools in Nigeria, and later pursued my undergraduate degree in Pharmacy at the University of Lagos, home to one of the nation’s leading pharmacy schools. These institutions provided me with a strong foundation, but I also recognized that leadership development is just as critical as academic excellence in shaping future success.

This realization inspired me to establish the Leadership Mould Initiative at King’s College Lagos, a charity that has been running for over four years, dedicated to equipping young students with the leadership skills they need to thrive. More recently, I launched the Outstanding Leadership Award in the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Lagos, a prize that recognizes a graduating student who demonstrates both exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.

Young leaders in Nigeria face numerous challenges today, including limited access to mentorship, inadequate leadership development opportunities, and systemic barriers that make it difficult for them to fully realize their potential. Many have the passion and talent to drive change but lack the platforms and guidance to channel their abilities effectively. That is why my focus has been on bridging this gap, providing young people with the right tools, networks, and opportunities to lead with confidence and integrity.

Through my ongoing engagements with schools, mentorship programs, and leadership initiatives, I hope to continue inspiring and empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders to embrace their potential and make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

You are working on a project with Innovate UK in Nigeria. Can you shed light on the objectives and expected impact of this initiative?

The African Agriculture Transfer Partnership, supported by Innovate UK, is a transformative initiative that brings together world-class expertise and dedication from our esteemed partners: the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and our outstanding business partner, Ajogbe Agro-Allied. As the Lead Investigator, I am honored to work alongside such exceptional collaborators, whose expertise, commitment, and passion for agricultural innovation are the driving forces behind this project’s success.

At its core, this initiative seeks to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing agricultural challenges, nomadic cattle grazing, by pioneering Nigeria’s first commercial Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). With the brilliant minds at FUNAAB, who bring cutting-edge research in animal nutrition and forage science, and the dedicated team at UWS, contributing global best practices in sustainable agriculture, we are well-positioned to make a significant impact. Additionally, Ajogbe Agro-Allied, a visionary industry leader, plays an invaluable role in ensuring that our innovations are not only practical but also commercially scalable for the Nigerian market.

Together, we aim to develop cost-effective, highly nutritive livestock feed for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and more, using locally available agricultural by-products. This groundbreaking “wealth from waste” model will not only improve farm productivity but also promote animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. By reducing reliance on open grazing and promoting sustainable livestock farming, this project has the potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, boost food security, and drive economic growth within the sector.

Ultimately, this initiative represents a transformational shift in Nigerian agriculture, offering a scalable, innovative, and sustainable solution to a long-standing problem while positioning the country as a leader in modern livestock management across Africa.