In the dynamic landscape of leadership, few individuals stand out for their commitment to excellence and transformation as much as Nancy Ekpezu, the Founder and Lead Consultant at Pezu Smith Consulting. Established in January 2020 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Pezu Smith Consulting is a beacon of innovation in administration and management, addressing critical gaps in organizational structure, capacity development, and operational efficiency.
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
Nancy Ekpezu’s leadership journey is deeply intertwined with her extensive experience in school administration. Having served as a school administrator in four different institutions across Nigeria, she identified significant gaps in administrative and management processes, particularly in employee capacity development and structural organization. Determined to bridge these gaps, she founded Pezu Smith Consulting, a firm dedicated to refining administrative practices and fostering efficient management systems in educational and corporate institutions.
Her transition from school administration to entrepreneurship was fueled by a deep desire to make a broader impact beyond individual institutions. She envisioned a platform where organizations, regardless of their size, could access world-class administrative support, leadership training, and strategic guidance. Today, Pezu Smith Consulting has not only transformed educational administration but has also expanded its expertise into business management, helping companies establish strong operational structures.
Influences and Leadership Philosophy
A firm believer in self-awareness as a cornerstone of leadership, Nancy recognizes her strengths as an introvert leader and leverages this unique trait to guide her approach. Her leadership style is profoundly influenced by thought leaders such as John Maxwell, whose books and teachings have been instrumental in shaping her perspectives on effective leadership.
She believes that great leaders must continuously learn and adapt, and she emphasizes the importance of personal development in leadership success. For Nancy, effective leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room but about making impactful decisions, listening actively, and inspiring others through actions rather than words.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Leadership
Navigating the corporate world as a woman has come with its challenges. Nancy recalls instances where gender bias hindered opportunities, such as losing a significant contract to a male counterpart perceived as more capable. However, rather than being discouraged, she remains resilient, assertive, and determined to prove her capabilities. Her persistence and confidence have been key in overcoming gender-based hurdles.
She has learned to navigate the biases with grace and tenacity, ensuring that her work speaks for itself. Her philosophy is simple: Keep showing up, keep delivering excellence, and never allow external perceptions to limit your aspirations.
Values That Define Leadership
Integrity, excellence, and inclusion are the foundational values that guide Nancy’s leadership decisions. She believes that leaders are constantly observed, making it imperative to uphold trust and credibility. These principles have enabled her to foster strong, trustworthy relationships within her professional sphere.
Her approach to leadership is rooted in ethical decision-making, and she ensures that every initiative taken by Pezu Smith Consulting aligns with these core values. By maintaining transparency in business dealings and prioritizing excellence in service delivery, Nancy has cultivated a reputation for reliability and professionalism.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders, Nancy actively mentors aspiring school administrators and is in the process of developing online courses to expand her impact. Through storytelling and personal experiences, she inspires women to pursue leadership roles with confidence and determination.
Beyond mentorship, she champions women’s empowerment through speaking engagements, workshops, and panel discussions, encouraging more women to take on leadership roles and challenge traditional norms.
Advice to Women Aspiring for Leadership Roles
Nancy’s advice to women seeking leadership positions is simple yet powerful: invest in personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of reading, networking, and finding a mentor or coach. Most importantly, she encourages women to believe in themselves and their potential to excel.
She advocates for continuous education, advising young professionals to stay curious and adaptable, as the business landscape is ever-evolving. Nancy also highlights the power of networking, urging women to build strong professional circles that support and uplift them.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At Pezu Smith Consulting, diversity and inclusion are non-negotiable principles. Nancy believes that a diverse team fosters innovative ideas and broader perspectives. Her company is committed to providing equal opportunities, embracing individuals from different ethnicities, genders, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.
She actively promotes a culture of inclusivity, ensuring that employees and clients alike feel valued and respected. This approach has not only strengthened her company’s internal culture but has also attracted a diverse clientele that values ethical and inclusive business practices.
Staying Motivated and Resilient
In times of challenge, Nancy turns to inspirational music, positive affirmations, and reflections on past achievements to stay motivated. This mindset of resilience has propelled her forward, even in difficult times.
She emphasizes the importance of mental well-being in leadership, advocating for mindfulness, self-care, and maintaining a strong support system. Her resilience is a testament to her belief that setbacks are merely setups for greater comebacks.
Career Milestones and Achievements
Among Nancy’s proudest achievements are speaking at a TEDx event and authoring eight books that contribute to leadership and management knowledge. These milestones reflect her dedication to sharing knowledge and inspiring others.
Additionally, Pezu Smith Consulting’s impact has been felt across various industries, as it continues to provide strategic administrative solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and organizational success.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Nancy has ambitious goals for the next five years:
- Expanding operations to other African countries.
- Publishing at least three more books for managers and administrators.
- Redefining human resources development services to meet evolving industry needs.
- Pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Resources Development to deepen her expertise.
- Increasing the company’s workforce by 20%, fostering job creation and growth.
Additionally, she envisions establishing a leadership academy that provides specialized training for school administrators, HR professionals, and business executives, further cementing her influence in leadership development.
A Leader to Watch
Nancy Ekpezu’s dedication to leadership, inclusion, and administrative excellence makes her a trailblazer in her field. As she continues to break barriers and expand her influence, she stands as a true inspiration for women leaders across the globe. Her unwavering commitment to integrity, excellence, and mentorship ensures that she remains one of the Most Admired Women Leaders to Watch in 2025.
Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about holding titles but about making a lasting impact. With her resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication, Nancy Ekpezu is undoubtedly shaping the future of leadership and administration in Africa and beyond.