Houston Honours Global Leadership Expert Harry Akinola

The City of Houston has officially declared February 28 as “Dr. Harry Akinola Day”, recognising the global leadership expert for his contributions to leadership development, organizational transformation, and community advancement.

The announcement was made during the Ultra 2026 Global Leadership Summit, which brought together executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders from across the world.

Mayor John Whitmire praised Dr. Akinola’s impact, highlighting the importance of leadership innovation in strengthening communities, businesses, and institutions.

Speaking at the summit, Dr. Akinola said, “Leadership today requires clarity, adaptability, and the courage to rethink how organizations operate.”

Dr. Akinola is a global talent and leadership executive with nearly two decades of experience shaping leadership systems, talent strategies, and organisational transformation initiatives across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Central America, and North America.

He has served as a strategic partner to senior executives, helping organisations align leadership capability with long-term growth, operational transformation, and evolving business models.

His work has influenced major corporations, including JPMorgan Chase, Puma Energy, and Standard Bank Group, where he supported leadership teams managing tens of thousands of employees worldwide.

In 2009, Dr. Akinola founded Ultrashift Inc., a global leadership and professional development platform. Through Ultrashift, he has convened and developed more than 10,000 leaders and professionals across over 10 countries, connecting senior executives, founders, and high-potential professionals through conferences, leadership labs, executive coaching programs, and curated leadership experiences.

One of the platform’s flagship initiatives is the Ultra Conference, an international forum designed to equip leaders with practical frameworks for navigating complex organizational environments.

The Ultra 2026 summit in Houston brought together leaders from diverse industries to explore leadership transformation, organizational agility, and the evolving future of work.

Dr. Akinola advances his leadership and organizational work through two complementary initiatives. Through Ushift Growth Advisory, he works with organizations, founders, boards, and senior leadership teams to strengthen leadership capability, organizational design, talent strategy, and executive team effectiveness, helping institutions navigate complexity and translate strategy into sustained performance.

Through Ultrashift Inc., a nonprofit leadership and community development platform, he convenes leaders, professionals, and emerging changemakers through conferences, leadership programs, and community initiatives aimed at advancing leadership development and community impact.

Dr. Akinola’s contributions extend beyond the corporate sector. He has received honours from Fort Bend County and a United States Congressional Recognition for his efforts in leadership development and community advancement.

The City’s top-ranking officials emphasized that initiatives like Ultra not only enhance organizational capacity but also help communities thrive.

He holds a Doctor of Management in Leadership and Organizational Development and multiple professional certifications, including SHRM-SCP, Certified Hogan Practitioner, and Certified NLP Practitioner and Coach.

Dr. Akinola is also a professionally trained executive coach with more than 500 hours of experience guiding senior leaders and high-potential professionals across industries.

In addition, he has authored five books on leadership, identity, and personal development, contributing to global conversations on leadership effectiveness and personal growth.

With the proclamation of Dr. Harry Akinola Day, the City of Houston recognises the growing importance of leadership development, organizational capability, and civic engagement in shaping the future of communities and institutions.

Speaking during the summit, Dr. Akinla said: “Through strong leadership, organizations and communities cannot only navigate disruption but8 emerge stronger.

This day serves as a reminder that investing in leadership is investing in the future.”