Nigerian management consultant and leadership strategist, Michael Odafe Ugbewanko, has been admitted into the Forbes Human Resources Council, an invitation-only network of senior professionals shaping global conversations on leadership, workforce development and the future of work.

Ugbewanko, who serves as Lead Consultant at Dmidaf Global Consult, joins a community comprising chief people officers, senior human resources executives, founders and business leaders recognised for driving innovation and organisational transformation.

His admission is seen as recognition of his contributions to leadership development, organisational effectiveness and human capital management, while providing a platform to contribute African perspectives to global discussions on workplace transformation.

According to Forbes Councils, members are selected from accomplished professionals across the human resources sector, including C-suite executives, directors, vice presidents, founders and business owners with proven leadership records and measurable impact.

In a welcome message, Forbes Councils Member Success Specialist, Jessica McClendon, congratulated Ugbewanko on joining the council and highlighted opportunities available to members, including contributing thought leadership on Forbes.com, engaging with industry peers and accessing professional development resources.

Reacting to the development, Ugbewanko described his admission as an opportunity to showcase Africa’s growing role in advancing modern leadership and organisational development.

He said businesses that invest in strong systems and people are better positioned for sustainable growth, adding that he looks forward to collaborating with global leaders while promoting the innovation and resilience of African organisations.

With more than a decade of consulting experience, Ugbewanko has advised hundreds of chief executives across more than 1,000 organisations, helping businesses improve performance through stronger organisational structures, operational processes and strategic people management.

He has consistently advocated a shift from conventional human resources practices to a more strategic approach that positions people management as a key driver of competitiveness and long-term business success.

The latest recognition adds to a growing list of professional achievements. In 2025, Entrepreneur Magazine named him among Africa’s 10 Most Influential HR Leaders in recognition of his contributions to organisational strategy and workforce transformation.

Ugbewanko is also the author of HR Is Dead, a book that argues for a more strategic role for human resources professionals in driving innovation, institutional sustainability and business growth.

Beyond his consulting practice, he convenes the Operational Excellence Conclave, a leadership forum that regularly brings together chief executives, founders, senior executives and policymakers to discuss strategies for building resilient organisations. He also leads The Presidential Table, an executive advisory platform that provides strategic guidance to business leaders seeking transformational growth.

An alumnus of the University of South Wales in the United Kingdom, Ugbewanko holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Management and a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan. He is also a Chartered Management Consultant (FIMC, CMC), a Fellow of Corporate Governance (FCGP) and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), United Kingdom.