Edition September 2025
MICHAAL ODAFE UGBEWANKO-
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF WORK IN AFRICA
Welcome to The 10 Most Inuential HR Leaders to Follow in 2025. This edition highlights trailblazers shaping the future of people and leadership. Our cover story features Odafe Michaal Ugbewanko, an HR and leadership expert whose vision, integrity, and dedication are redening workplace excellence. Each leader featured here exemplies the power of purpose-driven leadership creating impact, building cultures, and inspiring change.
As organizations navigate constant transformation, these leaders remind us that true inuence comes from empowering people, fostering trust, and leading with clarity. Their stories set a benchmark for the next era of leadership.
C ONTENT S T ABLE OF
08. 20. 32. 36. 42.
Michaal Odafe Ugbewanko
HR And Leadership Expert, Consultant, And Coach
Dustin Jones
Chief Human Resource Ofcer
Dallas Country Club
Paul Michael Gledhill Co-Founder
ME-HR & Learning
Redening Human Resources: How HR Leaders Are Shaping the Future of Work
Prasanth Edassari
Global Chief Human Resource Ofcer
House of Shipping
6.TheRoadAhead, Legacy&Innovation
AsAI,immersivetech,anddigitaldisruption accelerate, Paul Michael Gledhill stands at the forefront, advising clients on how to mergetechnologicalpossibilitywithhuman potential.Hislegacyisevidentin:
• Theseamlessintegrationofcutting-edge platforms within traditional learning institutions
• The growth of a digital learning enterprisethatthrivesoninnovationand adaptability
• A vibrant ecosystem of SMEs and strategic platforms guided by his expertise
• A community of HR and L&D professionals whose voice is amplified regionallythroughMEAHR&Learning
Looking ahead, Paul’s influence is set to expand across sectors, technologies, and strategic frontiers. From blockchain-based learning credentials to VR-enabled leadership labs, his vision continues to stretchboundaries.
Conclusion
Paul Michael Gledhill is more than a strategic advisor; he’s an architect of learningfutures.Hisjourney,fromfounding XpertLearning to mentoring emerging innovators, reflects a rare fusion of entrepreneurialgrit,technologicalforesight, and human empathy. As he charts what comes next, one thing remains clear: his impact on leadership, education, and innovation across the Middle East is only justbeginning.
ESOURCES:
• DrivingmeasurableROIfromHRinitiatives.
• Navigatingglobalcomplianceandcultural differences.
Forward-thinkingHRprofessionalsmust anticipatethesechallengesandinnovate solutions.
10.TheRoadAhead:HRastheHeartof Business
ThefutureofHRisnotaboutadministration,it’s abouttransformation.Companiesthatplace peopleatthecenteroftheirstrategywillthrivein thenewworldofwork.
HRwillincreasinglyfocuson:
• Human-CenteredDesign:Buildingpolicies andsystemsthatprioritizehumanneeds.
• PeopleAnalytics:Usingdatanotjustto measurebuttopredictandpreventissues.
• CultureasaCompetitiveAdvantage: Embeddingpurpose,trust,andcollaboration inorganizationalDNA.
Astechnologyadvances,HRwillremainthe heartbeatoforganizations,ensuringthatno matterhowdigitaltheworldbecomes,people remaintheultimatedifferentiator
Conclusion
HumanResourceshasentereditsgoldeneraof influence.Onceseenasaback-officefunction, HRisnowattheforefrontofbusiness transformation,drivingculture,strategy,and innovation.
TheHRleadersoftomorrowwillnotonly managetalentbutalsoshapetheway organizationsthink,act,andgrow.Byembracing technology,prioritizingpeople,andleadingwith empathy,HRprofessionalsareensuringthatthe futureofworkisnotjustaboutproductivity,but aboutpurpose,well-being,andprogress.
People-FirstInnovation
Believing human significance endures alongside technological progress, Prasanth actively shapes a future-ready HR vision, where emotional intelligence walks hand-in-hand with techno-HR capabilities. He fosters an inclusive recruitment strategy, attracting candidates as much for their attitudeandadaptabilityastechnicalskill.Notably, his team reflects diversity, over 50 nationalities with a near-even gender split, evidence of his commitmenttoequity,diversity,andinclusion.
He continuously nurtures transparency, feedback loops, and collaborative environments where new ideas flourish and all employees feel heard and valued.
VisionontheHorizon
Looking forward, Prasanth aspires to make House of Shipping the most work-friendly player in the global logistics arena. A recent employee engagement survey affirmed this direction,
showing results five points higher than the top quartileofglobalindustrypeers.
HeadvisesemergingHRprofessionalstocultivate empathy, psychological insight, and flexible thinking to become impactful leaders. His words echo: “HR’s evolution lies in embracing technological advancements while preserving humansignificance.”
FinalThoughts
Prasanth Edassari is more than an HR executive; he’s a culture navigator steering through international shipping’s waves with wisdom, innovation,andempathy.Leveragingtwodecades of strategic leadership, he transforms people strategy into performance outcomes, proving that even in logistics and loss margins, investing in humancapitalisthegreatestreturn.Astheindustry evolves, Prasanth remains committed to elevating HR as not merely a function, but a cornerstone of organizationalentrepreneurshipandexcellence.
