In the dynamic landscape of modern workplaces, talent management is paramount to organisational success. Yemi Faseun, the Chief Talent Officer at YF Talent Partners, shares insights on the importance of empowering Nigeria’s young talents and its relevance to business growth.
Yemi Faseun has 33 years of multi-sector and multi-function experience. His work focuses on the intersection of human resources, culture, and leadership and guiding organizations in navigating the complex terrain of talent and business transformation. At YF Talent Partners, he collaborates with clients to develop comprehensive people management strategies that align with the evolving demands of the “Now of Work.”
As a Board Advisor, Non-Executive Director and a consultant in leadership, culture, and HR, Yemi is committed to elevating workplace environments. His approach is characterized by thought-provoking conversations that challenge the status quo and inspire meaningful change. His valuable contributions to the HR and leadership domains have earned him numerous global recognitions, including the prestigious LinkedIn Top Leadership Development Voice Badge in April 2024.
He is a YOE volunteer partner, an author, and he loves Mondays.
Read along to know Yemi’s thoughts on the importance of youth empowerment and its relevance to business growth in Nigeria.
Young Nigerian Talents Have Strong Potential for Success
Reflecting on his interactions with young talents during the Youth of Enterprise Internship Programme recruitment process, Yemi highlights key characteristics that set young Nigerians apart: versatility, a passionate drive to succeed, and a desire to seek opportunities beyond local borders. According to him, these young individuals embody a spirit of resilience and ambition that are essential for innovation and growth in any organization.
Investing in Talent Development Contributes to Bridging Nigeria’s Skills Gap
In addressing the critical issue of the skills gap in Nigeria, Yemi emphasizes the need for organizations to rethink their approach to training and development. He said that investing in the continual growth of employees not only equips them with necessary skills but also fosters a culture of learning and development that is vital for both individual and organizational success. His advice to organisations is to “Stop the trend of cutting the training budget!’’
A Call to Action for HR Executives and Business Leaders
Regarding recruiting and managing talents in Nigeria, Yemi shares an unconventional insight: “The perfect candidate for a role may not always exist”. He encourages HR executives and business leaders to recognize the potential in young candidates, acknowledging that “many young folks are diamonds in the rough.” By taking chances on these individuals and providing them with the right guidance and support, organizations can nurture talents that may not yet shine brightly but have the potential to transform into sparkling gems. Partnering with an initiative like YOE that identifies young talents, equips them with essential workplace skills, and connects them to employers, will help HR executives and business leaders achieve this.
In addition, partnering with an initiative like YOE helps businesses reduce recruitment costs, and outsourcing of entry-level talents. Business leaders are also able to reduce hiring risk and determine if a talent is a right fit for the company as they can monitor the talent’s performance over six months. Such partnerships give recruiters access to a pool of verified talents.
Yemi’s insights serve as valuable reminders of the importance of recognizing and cultivating the potential of Nigerian youths. By investing in talent development and fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace environment, organizations will not only tackle the skills gap but also contribute to the sustainable growth of human capital in Nigeria.
Empower the next generation of leaders today by becoming a Youth of Enterprise (YOE) employer partner and give young Nigerian university graduates access to graduate internship opportunities at your organization. Click here to indicate your interest.