Houston: The City of Houston has honoured Nigerian Dr. Harry Akinola, founder of Ultrashift Inc., a global leadership and professional development platform. In recognition of his global leadership expertise and contributions to leadership development, organisational transformation, and community advancement, the city declared Feb. 28 as ‘Dr. Harry Akinola Day’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the announcement was made during the Ultra 2026 Global Leadership Summit, which brought together executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders from across the world. Mayor Whitmire praised Akinola’s impact and highlighted the importance of leadership innovation in strengthening communities, businesses, and institutions.
Speaking at the summit, Akinola emphasized the need for clarity, adaptability, and the courage to rethink how organizations operate. He stated that through strong leadership, organizations and communities can navigate disruptions and emerge stronger, underscoring that investing in leadership is investing in the future.
Akinola, a global talent and leadership executive with nearly two decades of experience, has shaped leadership systems, talent strategies, and organisational transformation initiatives across multiple continents. He has served as a strategic partner to senior executives, helping align leadership capability with long-term growth and operational transformation.
His work has influenced major corporations such as JPMorgan Chase, Puma Energy, and Standard Bank Group, supporting leadership teams managing tens of thousands of employees worldwide. In 2009, Akinola founded Ultrashift Inc., which has convened and developed over 10,000 leaders and professionals across more than 10 countries.
The platform’s flagship initiative, the Ultra Conference, equips leaders with practical frameworks for navigating complex organizational environments. At the Ultra 2026 summit in Houston, leaders from diverse industries explored leadership transformation and the evolving future of work.
Akinola advances his leadership and organisational work through Ushift Growth Advisory, working with organizations to strengthen leadership capability and translate strategy into sustained performance. Ultrashift Inc., a nonprofit platform, convenes leaders and professionals to advance leadership development and community impact.
Beyond the corporate sector, Akinola has received honours from Fort Bend County and a United States Congressional Recognition for his leadership development and community advancement efforts. Houston’s top-ranking officials emphasized that initiatives like Ultra enhance organisational capacity and help communities thrive.
Akinola holds a Doctor of Management in Leadership and Organisational Development and multiple professional certifications. He is also a trained executive coach and has authored five books on leadership, contributing to global conversations on leadership effectiveness.
With the proclamation of Akinola Day, Houston recognizes the importance of leadership development, organisational capability, and civic engagement in shaping the future of communities and institutions.