Honoring Pierre Le Manh, PMI President and CEO as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Project Management.
One of the high points of my experience at the just concluded 2024 hashtag#PMIGlobalSummit was the moment of cultural exchange where I had the great honor of bestowing the symbolic Yoruba warrior cap on Pierre Le Manh, recognizing him with the honorary title of Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo) of hashtag#ProjectManagement. This title, deeply rooted in our rich Yoruba heritage, represents the highest level of leadership, strategy, and courage—attributes essential for a warrior and, in today’s world, for a leader of transformation.
This moment holds deep personal significance for me as well, as my lineage is directly tied to Aare Ona Kakanfo Kunrunmi of Ijaye, a legendary figure in Yoruba history known for his strategic brilliance, unyielding courage, and leadership in defending the Oyo Empire. Just as Aare Kunrunmi was a master of war strategy and tactical leadership, Pierre Le Manh embodies these same qualities as he leads Project Management Institute through transformative global challenges and opportunities.
As Aare Ona Kakanfo was once the supreme commander who led his people through challenges, Pierre’s leadership at hashtag#PMI reflects this same resilience and vision, guiding the global project management profession through change and into the future. It recognizes tradition and modern leadership, bridging cultural heritage and professional excellence.
Historical Context:
The Aare Ona Kakanfo was traditionally the supreme military commander of the Oyo Empire. The position was created by the Alaafin of Oyo (the king of the Oyo Empire) to lead and defend the kingdom in times of war. Historically, the Aare Ona Kakanfo was expected to be brave, fearless, and a formidable leader. His primary role was to ensure that the Oyo Empire remained secure and powerful. However, if he lost a war, it was expected that he would not return alive, emphasizing the importance of victory at all costs.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo was responsible for leading warriors in battle, protecting the kingdom, and devising strategic military campaigns. Leadership of this kind demanded skills in planning, coordination, risk management, and resource allocation—all core tenets of modern project management.
Just as military strategists like Aare Ona Kakanfo hashtag#Kunrunmi of Ijaye organized armies and planned campaigns with precision, Pierre Le Manh leads PMI in deploying its global resources and vision to shape the future of project management. Both roles—whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom—require the same meticulous planning, execution, and adjustment in the face of unpredictable conditions.
Pierre’s leadership and bold vision for PMI reflect the qualities of a modern Aare Ona Kakanfo. His stewardship of the global project management profession bridges cultural heritage with modern excellence, guiding us toward innovation and collective success.
TAB
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