Leadership isn’t about spotlight it’s about service- David Ekpo.
David Ekpo is a Leadership Coach, Founder of Empower Leader Institute, and an awardee Voice for Rights International; an organisation that rewards excellence. Speaking with Brandmatters Magazine, Ekpo describes the award as motivation to continue creating opportunities for other young people to rise and be heard, among other interesting issues on personal brand. Excerpts…
As a coach leader, what are the most important leadership skills for a young adult leader to develop in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, and how can he or she prioritize them?
In today’s fast-paced world, the first and most important thing for a young leader is Self-Leadership. Knowing who you are is the foundation. After that, I believe these skills are essential: Vision- the ability to see beyond the present, Communication – to inspire and connect with others, Adaptability because change is constant, and emotional intelligence because leadership is also about managing people and yourself. To prioritize them, I always encourage starting with personal leadership When you know where you’re going and how to lead yourself, it becomes easier to lead others.
How can young leaders in today’s world effectively build and lead a diverse team while fostering an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation?
A true leader doesn’t look for copies of themselves. They value differences and see them as a strength. To build and lead a diverse team, a young leader must: Listen without judgment, create a culture of trust and respect, be clear about the common goals, and give everyone a voice. Innovation happens when people feel safe to express their ideas. So, celebrate differences instead of trying to fix them. That’s how you build an inclusive and creative team.
What strategies can they use to maintain motivation and resilience as a leader, especially when facing challenges or setbacks?
Let’s be honest leaders get discouraged too. But what makes a difference is the ability to bounce back. Personally, here’s what keeps me going: I always go back to “Why I started”, I surround myself with positive people who push me forward, I take time for reflection, prayer, and quiet, and I give myself permission to fall; but not to quit. Leadership isn’t about being strong all the time. It’s about moving forward even when you don’t feel strong.
How can you define and communicate your personal brand in a way that authentically reflects your values, strengths, and leadership aspirations?
To me, your personal brand is ‘what people say about you when you’re not in the room’ It should reflect what you truly believe. For me, I want people to remember these words: inspiration, faith, impact, transformation, and excellence. I communicate my brand through: What I say, What I do, and how I do things. My advice? “Be authentic, even if it’s not trending”. The world needs more real than perfect.
“Your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room”.
What platforms or strategies would you recommend for upcoming young people to build and showcase their personal brand, particularly in the context of their career or industry?
We have powerful tools today: LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, just to name a few. I encourage young people to:
- Create content around their values and skills,
- Be consistent, even with simple posts,
- Share their stories and lessons, not just their resumes,
- Attend events, webinars, podcasts; whatever gets them out there. You never know who’s watching or who you are inspiring.
Could you please share with us your hobbies, community service impact so far, and your next upcoming event?
I love reading, teaching, organizing leadership events, and helping young people discover their purpose and potential. I am the founder of the ‘Empower Leader Institute and the Community Le Coin des Leaders’ where we run mentorship programs, online workshops, and personal growth events. My next major event is an online conference on Leadership and Entrepreneurship; it’s coming up in July 2025. The theme is “Lead with Purpose”, and we intend gathering young leaders and changemakers from different backgrounds.
Recently you were recognized by Voice for Rights International. Could you tell us more about that experience and what it means for your journey as a young leader?
Yes, absolutely. It was an honour to had been chosen for the award and recognized by Voice for Rights International Association; an organization that amplifies the voices of young changemakers across the world. I was awarded the International Youth Leadership Award, and this recognition means a lot to me, not just personally, but also for the message it carries. It confirms that impact has no borders, and when you serve with passion and consistency, the world notices. This experience also reminded me that leadership is not about titles, it’s about influence and action, no matter where you are. It motivates me to keep going and to continue creating opportunities for other young people to rise and be heard.
So, what is the feeling like?
Receiving the International Youth Leadership Award from Voice for Rights International at the University of British Columbia was both humbling and empowering. So, I truly can’t explain the feelings but it was a moment of deep gratitude, not just for the recognition, but for what it represents. The award is not only a personal honour but a reminder that the impact of our actions can go far beyond borders. It shows that when we serve others with integrity, consistency, and purpose, the world pays attention. Being recognized in an academic institution like UBC, among other inspiring changemakers, reminded me that leadership isn’t about spotlight it’s about service. And this recognition encourages me to keep pushing, keep building, and keep lifting others.
