Olufunso Ekundayo, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Touchdown Travels Limited, is a consummate maverick who defies conventional wisdom to drive innovation. So, how did it all start? It is rightly said, ‘Morning shows the day!’ His interest in the digital field developed at a young age when the tender mind was most malleable and receptive to new ideas.
It started with a simple curiosity; a spark ignited by the complex workings of computers. Hours were spent tinkering, exploring the vast expanse of the internet. This early exposure laid the groundwork for his future.
From hardware to software, Olufunso’s journey was a continuous exploration. Each new discovery and challenge he surmounted drove his passion for innovation. In these formative years, he learned the value of adaptability and lifelong learning.
Olufunso feels that waiting for the perfect moment is like waiting for the perfect wave—one might miss the best ones. Inspired by General George S. Patton’s principle that “A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week,” he often prioritizes swift action over perfection in times of change. For him, success isn’t about having a flawless strategy; it’s about executing a good one with urgency.
As a groundbreaking leader at Touchdown Travels, Olufunso cultivates a culture of pioneering ideas, promoting an environment where mentorship and feedback are valued. By tapping into advanced technologies, he inspires his team to embrace change and push boundaries in travel management. This equilibrium infuses confidence in his strategic approach, as he believes that the future of travel lies in embracing transformation while remaining grounded in the values that have defined the company for decades.
Olufunso’s story is a reminder that a solitary flicker of curiosity can engender a timeless legacy.
Education’s Impact on Corporate Innovation
With a deep commitment to continuous learning, Olufunso expanded his expertise through transformative educational experiences at Stanford and Harvard. He learned under the veteran of the Nigerian travel market, Mr. Adedayo Adeola, who established Touchdown Travels. Olufunso is charged with the responsibility of charting the company’s future. He successfully merges Stanford’s innovation-first mindset with Harvard’s strategic, leadership-focused methodology, both of which have profoundly influenced his work at Touchdown Travels Limited. His impressive journey ultimately earns him an esteemed place among “Africa’s 10 Most Empowering Business Leaders to Watch in 2024.”
He notes that he discovered the immense power of corporate innovation and disruption during the Stanford LEAD program. Immersed in a world where creative problem-solving meets technology, he learns the value of agility in strategy. This insight inspires him to champion flexible business models at Touchdown Travels, enabling the company to swiftly adapt to the rapid changes in the travel industry post-pandemic.
Similarly, Harvard’s emphasis on the case-study method has profoundly influenced his decision-making, particularly in complex scenarios. With a focus on disruptive strategies and sustainable execution, he maintains a long-term vision that balances core competencies with the pursuit of new technologies. The leadership principles instilled at Harvard highlight the importance of navigating change and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement. This exposure to evolving travel trends and market dynamics has been invaluable as Touchdown Travels embarks on its ambitious expansion drive.
Fostering Creativity and Driving Success
In the cutthroat travel industry, where change is the only constant, Olufunso stands out as a beacon of innovation. He’s not just a tech guru; he’s a visionary who understands that the key to success isn’t just about coding but cultivating a company culture where creativity and strategy go hand in hand. He’s all about putting the customer first in every initiative, advocating for a workplace that encourages continuous input and maintains a solid customer-focused mindset. And to stay nimble in this fast-paced race, he champions an agile approach, ready to pivot and adapt at a moment’s notice.
Olufunso’s got a knack for building a workplace where ideas are like fireworks—popping, sizzling, and lighting up the room. He’s all about harnessing tech, like AI and machine learning, to turn mundane tasks into mind-blowing possibilities. It’s like having a super-smart assistant who can crunch numbers and spot trends faster than you can say ‘abracadabra.’ This collaborative vibe is the perfect breeding ground for innovation—just like the African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Olufunso’s leadership philosophy is a total team effort, bringing people together to drive innovation and success.
This adept C-suite executive also knows that a great team is like a well-tuned engine. You can’t expect peak performance without regular tune-ups. That’s why he’s all about investing in continuous workforce training. In his words, “Your workforce is only as efficient as the training they have received.” The whole team shines brighter when everyone’s on the same page and learning new tricks.
Turning the Toughest Crisis into His Biggest Win Through Ingenuity
Olufunso recalls the COVID-19 pandemic as a watershed moment for the global travel sector. With personal health concerns at the forefront, stringent measures and plummeting trust levels crippled the industry. Yet, Touchdown Travels Limited managed to weather the storm by embracing technology, a sector that thrived during the pandemic.
He recounts how they rebuild trust through innovative strategies, ongoing client communication, and a mobile-centric approach to address the challenges. Remote work, industry collaboration, and flexible policies further bolstered their resilience.
As Albert Einstein famously said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” The pandemic accentuated the need for adaptable business models, crisis management plans, and a shift towards virtual experiences and domestic travel. Regional diversification, decentralized operations, increased insurance, and improved financial planning also became essential in the post-pandemic landscape.
Measuring Success at Touchdown Travels: A Holistic Approach
Olufunso conveys that success isn’t merely about achieving financial goals at Touchdown Travels Limited. Instead, they’ve adopted a more holistic approach, focusing on operational excellence. This means ensuring their processes are streamlined and efficient, leading to optimal performance.
He explains that to gauge their progress, they employ a comprehensive scorecard. In addition to financial metrics like revenue growth, profit margins, and market share, it evaluates cost management. However, the company recognizes that achieving success hinges on ensuring customer satisfaction. So, they meticulously track retention rates and the Net Promoter Score (NPS) to assess their alignment with customer expectations.
A Day in the Life of COO at Touchdown Travels Limited
Every day at Touchdown Travels is a high-stakes game, and Olufunso is the quarterback. As the company’s visionary COO, he juggles the demands of leadership and management with a steady hand.
Mornings find him deep in the trenches, analyzing performance metrics and charting the company’s course amidst a rapidly evolving travel sector.
Team meetings and departmental check-ins are the heartbeat of his day, ensuring everyone is rowing in the same direction.
Mid-day is usually reserved for client interactions that truly fuel his passion. Whether it’s a virtual call or a face-to-face meeting, Olufunso’s goal is to listen, learn, and deliver exceptional experiences.
As the sun sets, he shifts gears to the strategic side of things. From brainstorming new initiatives to tackling internal challenges, he is always thinking ahead. His priorities are clear: customer satisfaction reigns supreme, followed closely by tasks around growth and innovation. Growth and innovation propel the company forward; employee engagement keeps it running smoothly.
Finding Balance: Insights from the C-Suite
Being the COO of Touchdown Travels Limited is not an easy feat! It’s a high-stakes balancing act. Olufunso reveals his secret mantra for juggling the demanding world of corporate leadership with a fulfilling personal life.
Instead of toiling tirelessly, he swears by the power of methodical delegation and prioritization. By empowering his team and setting clear objectives, he ensures that work gets done without compromising his well-being.
And let’s not forget the magic of technology. Olufunso believes that smart tools can be a breakthrough in streamlining tasks and freeing up time. But it’s not just about efficiency; he also promotes an ethos of harmony within his organization, encouraging his team to prioritize their personal lives.
Olufunso’s philosophy? One task at a time. He firmly believes in scheduling activities over multitasking, arguing that proper equilibrium comes from focusing on one milestone at a time. Even during peak periods, he consciously tries to return to a well-rounded routine once the storm subsides.
Tech-Powered Vision for The Future of Travel
Tech is reshaping every industry, from healthcare to finance. So, how will it transform the way we travel? Olufunso envisions a future where technology is the cornerstone of travel. He believes that integrating cutting-edge innovations will revolutionize how we plan, book, and experience our journeys. From AI-powered personalized recommendations to IoT-enabled connected experiences, the travel industry is on the cusp of a transformative era. This tech-savvy COO is especially intrigued by the potential of virtual reality to blur the lines between imagination and reality, offering immersive and unforgettable travel experiences.
What’s the Next Frontier for Touchdown Travels Limited?
Touchdown Travels Limited is on a roll! According to Olufunso, the company has seen a meteoric rise, expanding its branch network from just four to eleven across Nigeria in the last year alone, ensuring maximum customer accessibility. Thoughtfully positioned in key geopolitical zones, these branches are more than just outlets; they’re gateways to personalized travel experiences.
But that’s not all. The African travel agency is not content with domestic dominance. With an eye on the African continent, the company is gearing up to expand into neighboring states. This bold move positions Touchdown Travels Limited as the country’s fastest-growing travel management company, boasting a staggering 300% business growth in the past two years.
As the company stretches its wings, it’s also deepening its understanding of its customers. Through enhanced data analytics, Olufunso notes that they are identifying travel triggers and patterns, allowing them to predict the future of travel. He expresses excitement about the vast potential this brings to the market, as it is a game-changer that promises to revolutionize the industry.
Essential Qualities for Aspiring Leaders in Africa: Valuable Advice
Olufunso’s insights offer a roadmap for those seeking to make their mark in Africa’s dynamic business environment. He argues that a relentless entrepreneurial spirit is essential, as The African continent presents a wealth of opportunities for those who can spot and seize them.
However, success is not without its challenges. The continent presents a myriad of challenges that often deter the faint-hearted. The market is a testing ground for resilience and adaptability, from infrastructural gaps to resource constraints. Yet, it is precisely these challenges that offer fertile ground for innovation and growth. These aspirants must be prepared to weather storms and remain focused on long-term goals despite setbacks.
According to Olufunso, the African business landscape is constantly changing. Economic shifts, technological advancements, and social changes occur rapidly, making it imperative for leaders to be agile and adapt quickly. Whether it’s new technologies, market shifts, or regulatory changes, they need astuteness in their decision-making.
Olufunso asserts that success in the African market also requires a deep understanding of local nuances. However, a purely local perspective is insufficient. Leaders must also cultivate a global outlook, seeking to collaborate with international partners, attract foreign investment, and leverage global best practices. This is another critical factor because it can open doors to collaboration, investment, and expansion.
Finally, Olufunso underscores the importance of relationships and collaborations in achieving success for future business leaders and tech professionals. He uplifts them by saying, “Building strong networks with fellow professionals, investors, regulators, and even competitors can help you tap into resources, navigate challenges, and grow your business.”
Reflecting on Leadership: The Art of Adaptation in a Disruptive World
The tech-savvy visionary reflects on his career and emphasizes a guiding principle that has been particularly important to him: “Embrace change but remain grounded in purpose. ”
He sees the business world as a rollercoaster, always changing. No industry is safe from disruption, whether from tech advancements, market shifts, or unexpected global events. The key to success? Adaptability. Olufunso highlights it as a critical trait. However, people like him who refuse to compromise their core values come out on top even in the face of adversity.
