We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bashir Agboola. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bashir below.

Bashir, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Earlier on in my career while still living overseas, my career trajectory took an unexpected turn. A desperate desire to shield my young family from the adverse effects of a struggling economy led me down a risky business path. I invested in a business venture that promised significant financial returns, and a flicker of hope to fulfill the life I envisioned for our family. Sadly, it proved to be a business scam, leaving me financially worse off and deeply ashamed. However, I noticed a weird but powerful change in my mindset coming out of that ugly experience. Instead of feeling utter defeat, I emerged from the experience with a surprising clarity of purpose. The mirage of success within the scheme had forced me to vividly imagine the outcomes I yearned for – a life free from debilitating financial strain. Though the dream was unfortunately built on a lie, it ignited a fire within me. That taste of potential success, however fleeting, lingered in me. I realized the power of visualization.

This transformative insight became my catalyst, fueling a relentless determination to achieve my goals, and powering an unwavering commitment to the outcomes that I now found easier to envision. This clarity of purpose and determination was ironically made possible in large part by those fleeting moments of imagined financial success from the failed venture.

This great lesson wasn’t born of success, but from the ashes of a costly (and perhaps dumb) mistake.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am passionate about developing human and organizational potential and helping people and organizations realize their full capacity to grow and thrive at the top-most levels. I mentor and coach professionals and students. As an award-winning Technology and Digital Healthcare Executive, my two-decade plus journey through the evolving landscape of healthcare IT has been driven by a singular focus: leveraging technology to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and deliver reliable, compassionate healthcare services. I began my professional career in Information Technology in Nigeria, later moving to the United States to work in consulting and ended up working in the Healthcare industry. I pride myself on my ability to not only envision but also execute core technology solutions that align with critical business objectives.

I am an advocate for continuous learning, and my educational accomplishments include an MBA with a concentration in Finance, Master degree in Computer Science, and a Bachelor degree in Computer Science with Economics. My commitment to professional development is further underscored by certifications such as CHCIO, CDH-E, and CPHIMS, alongside active participation in several professional organizations like CHIME, HIMSS, and PMI.

While recognitions from peers and industry groups, such as the HMG Strategy Global Leadership Institute Award, serve as acknowledgment of some of my contributions, it is the day-to-day opportunity to lead teams, drive innovation, and make a tangible difference in the lives of others, that truly motivates me.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing and motivating a team requires demonstrating sincere concern for and commitment to the wellbeing and growth of team members. Members need to see that the leader is truly committed to their growth and wellbeing. It also requires being able to effectively communicate the organization’s mission and vision to the team along with helping team members connect what they do with the organization’s purpose. Finally, a leader needs to approach team leadership as servitude to the team by leading from the front and demonstrating the qualities that they espouse.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I am a lifelong learner and use a variety of media to keep learning: Courses, books (including audiobooks), newsletters, whitepapers, YouTube videos, webinars and conferences. I also write and speak on technology, leadership and healthcare industry topics, thus also have an important incentive to keep my skills and knowledge up to date.

Some of my best business books include – Influencer: The New Science of Change, Career Warfare by David D’Alessandro, and First 90 Days by Michael Watkins. I am subscribed to a variety of YouTube channels and spend a few hours every week learning on YouTube.

I also read a variety of religious text. I derive a lot of wisdom from religious and cultural teachings. My values are grounded in these teachings.

I believe that a commitment to continuous and accelerated learning is crucial to professional and personal success in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing world.