TEXEM @15: Celebrating An Enduring Legacy

Fifteen years may seem like a short span in an organisation’s life, as it is barely enough time for a full evaluation. Were it a person, it would only be stepping into youth, as the United Nations defines youth as spanning from 15 to 24 years.

Yet, in spite of its relatively brief existence, These Executive Minds (TEXEM) has made a remarkable impact. Founded in the United Kingdom by Dr. Alim Abubakre with a distinctly global orientation, TEXEM recently marked its 15th anniversary, an achievement that reflects not just a determination to succeed but an avowed commitment to vision backed by dutiful execution.

With a commitment to helping leaders fulfil their career ambitions and organisational missions, TEXEM has made a name for itself in capacity development. Through impactful training programmes, it has become a lifeline for thousands of executives in the public and private sectors seeking to navigate complex and turbulent work environments.

TEXEM’s programmes are deliberately crafted to equip leaders with the tools and insights they need to thrive amid uncertainty. The organisation’s unwavering dedication to redefining executive education through a blend of innovative teaching and real-world relevance has achieved this goal.

The journey of TEXEM is a classic tale of humble beginnings. It reinforces the enduring belief that success is inevitable with strong will and steadfast determination. From modest workshops in the UK, the organisation has grown to deliver flagship programmes in Oxford, Abu Dhabi, Lagos, Manchester, and Cairo.

But then, what would one expect from an organisation that aims to equip both public and private institutions with practical strategies, cutting-edge research, and enhanced decision-making capabilities for today’s dynamic business world?

Through resilience and vision, TEXEM has carved out a unique identity. Its alumni network now spans over twenty countries across four continents, including Africa. Drawing on faculty from prestigious institutions like Harvard, Oxford, INSEAD, and London Business School, as well as seasoned corporate leaders, TEXEM has made bountiful contributions to capacity building in both the public and private sectors.

Over the past fifteen years, the organisation has trained more than four thousand executives and pioneered hybrid training models long before they became industry standard. Expectedly, its influence continues to grow. Today, TEXEM is often quoted in global media on leadership in emerging markets and has played a role in driving corporate transformation, regulatory reform, and international collaboration.
Its programmes have overwhelmingly impacted decision-making in positive ways across diverse sectors, such as finance, healthcare, energy, technology, and governance. Delivered in English, French, and Arabic with real-time interpretation, TEXEM’s content continues to break boundaries and foster inclusion.

The challenge ahead is for TEXEM to improve on whatever feat it has achieved in the last fifteen years so that when it rolls out the drums to mark its pearl anniversary in the next fifteen years, the world will look back and say indeed, it has done so much.

As a proud member of the TEXEM alumni community, I join the management, staff, and fellow alumni in celebrating fifteen years of rigorous, relevant, and responsible leadership development. Without doubt, TEXEM has done so much, and there is so much more to do. Cheers to TEXEM at 15!

–Elazeh, the GMD of LEADERSHIP, is an alumnus of TEXEM