Leadership Insights
CEOx1DAY Alumni: A Conversation with Lloyd Chego, Chief Information Officer at Telkom
5 min read
As part of our CEOx1DAY Alumni series, we met with Lloyd Chego, a standout alumnus whose journey from technical specialist to C-suite executive exemplifies the power of intentional growth, strategic learning, and leadership development. Lloyd shares his reflections on the CEOx1DAY experience, the value of an MBA, and his aspirations for the future.
Q: What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career since participating in CEOx1DAY?
The exposure at a CEO level, seeing the day-to-day in granular detail, was key. We often have an idea of what a CEO does, but rarely do we get to observe it up close.
One of the most impactful takeaways for Lloyd was the clarity and precision in executive communication. “C-suite leaders communicate clearly, unambiguously, and effectively. That’s a skill I’ve taken with me and continue to develop.”
He also emphasised the importance of team dynamics: “The CEO I shadowed had a very strong team. He provided them with the resources they needed, held them accountable, and communicated expectations and praise clearly. That balance was memorable.”
Q: How did your MBA contribute to your career progression?
“Certainly, the MBA was integral to my success.”
Coming from a technical background, Lloyd found that the MBA bridged critical gaps in commercial and strategic understanding. “Disciplines like HR, marketing, and finance were distant to me before. The MBA packaged them in a way that made them accessible and actionable.”
He highlighted a real-world application of his MBA training: “Coincidentally, post-MBA, I was thrown into a major M&A transaction, divesting our Towers business in a deal worth R6.7 billion. My MBA focus on project and corporate finance gave me the tools to lead the IT transition for that deal.”
Q: Are you still aspiring to become a CEO?
“Absolutely,” Lloyd affirmed. “That’s my next hypothesis: how to transition from a technical role like CIO or CTO to a broader CEO role.”
He’s actively exploring what that transition entails and how to position himself for that next step.
Q: What advice would you give to future CEOx1DAY participants?
Lloyd’s advice is both practical and reflective, he encourages participants to:
- Maximise the day: “Absorb as much as you can on the day. Pay attention to the CEO’s cues, how they interact with their teams, how they conduct themselves. It’s in the little details that leadership is revealed.”
- Build Lasting Relationships: “Create a relationship that will last beyond the day. There is only so much they can impart in one day, but a lasting rapport can lead to mentorship.”
- Think Beyond the CEO: “Don’t just tunnel vision on the CEO. Learn who’s who in the room and build relationships across the leadership team.” Recognising the demands on CEOs, Lloyd suggests connecting with senior leaders in the CEO’s office: “If you can’t stay in touch with the CEO, build a relationship with someone in their office. That’s what Miway did for me, and it was incredibly valuable.”
Q: Would you consider giving back to the programme as a CEO one day?
“One hundred percent yes, I would love to participate!”
He believes deeply in the power of exposure and inspiration.
Just being in that space, even for a day, leaves an impression. It shows that becoming a CEO is possible. Ordinary people can reach extraordinary heights.
Final Thoughts
Lloyd’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of strategic learning, intentional leadership, and the right opportunities. His story offers valuable insights for aspiring executives and reinforces the importance of mentorship, communication, and continuous development.
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To further our commitment to developing exceptional leaders, we offer an exclusive initiative: the CEOx1Day Programme, a prestigious global programme aimed at identifying and nurturing future leaders. This unique opportunity allows selected individuals to experience a day in the life of a CEO firsthand.
Contact us today to discover how we can assist you in finding the leaders who will drive your organisation forward and build a legacy of ethical leadership.