Pius Ughakpoteni

Pius O. Ughakpoteni is a visionary thought leader, executive advisor, and author working at the nexus of sustainability, strategy, and storytelling. With over 30 years of diverse experience across journalism, corporate affairs, public relations, and change leadership, he is the Founder & Managing Consultant/CEO of Sustainability Lens Limited and creator of the Executive Sustainability Advancement Model (ESAM®)—a pioneering framework for embedding sustainability cognition into executive decision-making.

He is currently rounding off his Doctorate in Business Administration at Business School Lausanne, Switzerland, where his research explores how executive mindsets influence corporate sustainability performance in emerging markets. He also holds an MSc in Business and Management Research from Henley Business School, an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability from the University of Cumbria, and a MA in Leading Innovation and Change from York St John University. Earlier academic achievements include a B.Sc. in Management from the University of Calabar and a National Diploma from Auchi Polytechnic.

A government scholar at the prestigious Government College Ughelli, Pius began his professional journey in 1994 as a Researcher/Reporter with THISDAY newspaper. He later became Associate Editor at Leadership newspaper, covering major national beats—Business, Energy, and Politics. His editorial leadership contributed to the emergence of several influential media platforms.

From journalism, Pius transitioned into public relations and strategic communications, culminating in his role as Director of Corporate Affairs at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). There, he led high-stakes stakeholder engagement across one of Africa’s most complex development regions.

Today, Pius advises business leaders, public institutions, and academic organizations on systems thinking, sustainability leadership, and transformation strategy. He is also CEO of the Center for Corporate Sustainability Performance Advancement (CCSPA), Publisher of the Sustainability Lens newsletter and author of the Sustainability Lens Series of science fiction novels—including The Energy Nexus—which blends narrative power with real-world insight.

His mission: to equip executives to lead boldly, think systemically, and drive long-term impact—where mindset meets sustainability.