Building the leaders African needs
A global network dedicated to identifying, training, and positioning the next generation of competent, values-driven leaders who positively enhance the world.
Meet Maxwell David Taye
Maxwell David Taye is a Nigerian civic leader, political media strategist, and policy researcher committed to building platforms for young people to lead. He is the Founder and Executive Director of The Drive Leadership Network, a youth development organisation he launched in January 2018 at the University of Ilorin. What began as a campus leadership platform has since grown into a globally connected network reaching over 10,000 young people through leadership summits, conferences, and structured mentorship programmes, with partnerships spanning UNESCO IESALC, the University of Ilorin, and the Kwara State Government.
Maxwell is also Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Drive Media, a political and strategic media consultancy, and CEO of Kairos Realty Development Limited. He previously served as Research Assistant and Special Adviser at Nigeria's National Assembly under Rt. Hon. Tunji Raheem Olawuyi.
He holds an MSc in Peace and Development Work from Linnaeus University, Sweden, where he graduated as Valedictorian on a 75% academic scholarship, and a BSc in Criminology and Security Studies from the University of Ilorin. He is also a Harvard Business School CELP Scholar. His research and writing focus on youth political participation, disinformation, electoral integrity, and peacebuilding in West Africa, work reflected in his published thesis on Nigerian youth political engagement and his op-eds on civic participation.
Through The Drive Leadership Network, Maxwell continues to build structures that equip young people across Nigeria and beyond with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to lead in their communities and countries.
Leadership solutions built
for every stage
From emerging leaders to seasoned executives, we have a programme crafted for your level and ambition.
Executive Coaching
One-on-one sessions with experienced coaches to sharpen your vision, communication, and decision-making at the highest levels.
Explore →Emerging Leaders
A structured programme for high-potential individuals ready to step into leadership roles with confidence and clarity.
Explore →Corporate Workshops
Tailored in-house workshops that align your team around shared values, communication styles, and strategic goals.
Explore →Mentorship Circles
Join curated peer-mentorship groups facilitated by experienced leaders who challenge and champion your growth.
Explore →360° Assessments
Gain deep insight into your leadership style through comprehensive feedback and personalised development plans.
Explore →Keynote Speaking
Inspiring, high-energy keynotes for conferences, team days, and corporate events that ignite culture change.
Explore →8 years of transformative leadership gatherings
From intimate workshops to large-scale conferences, our annual events bring together leaders from across Africa and beyond to share knowledge, build connections, and drive change.
Leading For Impact
Our 2025 theme focused on empowering leaders to drive meaningful change and create lasting impact within their organisations and communities.
Investing In People
Our 2024 theme centred on the power of human capital — developing, nurturing, and empowering people as the greatest asset of any organisation.
The Game Changer
Our 2023 theme challenged leaders to think differently, break conventions, and become catalysts for transformative change in their fields.
Decade of The Leader (Virtual)
Our 2022 virtual edition marked a pivotal moment, focusing on the next decade of leadership and equipping leaders to navigate an evolving landscape.
Amplified Leadership
Our 2021 theme explored how leaders can amplify their influence, vision, and impact to inspire greater action and drive collective success.
Millennium Times: Honoring The Past, Treasuring The Present, Shaping The Future (Hybrid)
Our 2020 hybrid edition celebrated leadership across generations — honouring foundations, embracing the now, and building a bold future.
The Drive To Drive
Our 2019 theme explored the inner engine that propels leaders forward — purpose, passion, and the relentless commitment to keep moving.
Get Inspired; Push Beyond Your Limits
Our inaugural theme set the tone — inspiring leaders to break through barriers, expand their horizons, and achieve what once seemed impossible.
We help leaders succeed faster and with greater purpose
The results speak for themselves. Our clients go on to lead with more clarity, retain top talent, and grow their organisations — while staying true to who they are.
We measure success by the ripple effect our leaders create in their teams, families, and communities.
"Give room for relationships with you as a leader and those under your leadership"
— Hajiya Mariam Nnafatima Imam, PhD, Commissioner for Social DevelopmentMoments that inspire leadership
Discover the transformative experiences and impactful moments from our leadership programmes and events.
What companies say about our exceptional expertise
The Drive Leadership completely shifted how I show up as a manager. I went from reacting to situations to proactively shaping my team's culture. Truly life-changing.
The cohort experience was invaluable. I built connections with other leaders who continue to challenge and inspire me — months after the programme ended.
I enrolled as a sceptic. I left as a believer. The process is structured, the coaches are exceptional, and the transformation is real. Our whole exec team went through it.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about The Drive Leadership programmes, our approach, and getting started on your leadership journey.
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