From supply chain shocks to sudden currency devaluations, African executives face some of the toughest business environments globally. Yet for Akin Monehin, recognised recently in the Choiseul 100 Africa list, volatility has become his leadership advantage.

Having led the growth of Virgin Atlantic across 7 West African cities, he is known for his unconventional approaches to scaling businesses. Monehin is quietly building a reputation as a master of resilient growth.

“I tell every team I lead: Assume turbulence. Build with volatility in mind,” Monehin said in our conversation.
“If your business only works in stable conditions, it’s already vulnerable.”

Unlike traditional growth strategies, his approach centers on building operational flexibility and empowering decentralized decision-making—especially in markets with frequent shocks.

His focus on future-of-work readiness has also attracted attention, as he guides firms through digital transformations and workforce reskilling initiatives.

“The next frontier isn’t just digital tools—it’s agile teams,” he remarked.
“My work is about creating organizations that are fast, fluid, and fearless.”

What distinguishes Monehin’s leadership is his ability to harmonize execution discipline with structural adaptability—allowing firms to scale sustainably, even amid economic headwinds.

His recognition by Choiseul underscores the growing demand for leaders who don’t just manage change—but drive it proactively.