Chief executive officers of state-owned enterprises, directors and senior government officials have been challenged to embrace ethical, collaborative and results-driven leadership to accelerate Eswatini’s development.
The call was made by international speaker and author Dr Derrick Samuels during an executive leadership session held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane on Tuesday. The session, sponsored by the Derrick Samuels Leadership Institute (DSLI), LLC, based in New Jersey in the United States of America, was coordinated by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, who received Dr Samuels for a courtesy call at the Private and Cabinet Office on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Speaking under the theme “The Victor’s Mentality: The Leadership Mindset that Produces Impact”, Dr Samuels challenged the country’s leaders to adopt transformational leadership approaches that would help advance Eswatini’s development agenda. Self-styled as “The Voice Against Stagnation”, he emphasised the importance of what he described as “heart leadership” as opposed to “belly leadership”, urging leaders to prioritise collective progress, ethical conduct and the interests of the people they serve.
He also called for greater risk-sharing, collaboration and problem-solving among leaders, arguing that leadership should be measured by the ability to deliver solutions rather than merely identify challenges. “History does not remember those who saw the problem. History remembers those who solved it,” he said.
Dr Samuels unpacked the word VICTORS as a framework for effective leadership, outlining seven principles that he said could help leaders achieve meaningful results. These include Vision with Value; Inspirational Ideas with Intentionality; Connection with Character and Compassion; Transparency with Trust; Organisation with Observation; Results with Resilience; and Self-leadership with Respect.
He explained that effective leadership required a clear vision, purposeful ideas, strong relationships, transparency, organised execution and a commitment to achieving results despite challenges. Dr Samuels also highlighted Eswatini’s potential for economic transformation, identifying the country’s peace, stability and relatively low crime rate as advantages that could help attract investment, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
However, he stressed that the country’s ability to translate these advantages into economic growth would depend on the quality of its leadership. He challenged leaders to take responsibility for unlocking the country’s potential by creating an environment that encourages investment, supports development and delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
Drawing on his observations of African communities in the United States, Dr Samuels cautioned against a lack of collaboration and unhealthy competition, saying such tendencies could undermine collective progress and success.
He encouraged leaders to work together rather than compete at the expense of shared objectives, emphasising that cooperation was essential for achieving lasting impact.
Dr Samuels expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for the reception accorded to him in Eswatini, describing him as “someone who has the eyes of an eagle”.
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