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In the ever-evolving field of organisational theory and behaviour, the gap between academic frameworks and lived organisational realities can feel wide. Many theories explain what should happen in organisations, but far fewer educators can confidently explain what actually happens when people, power, policy, and pressure collide. This is what makes Ema Clark-Esi’s role as Executive in Residence for MPA 8103: Organisational Theory & Behaviour at Miva Open University especially significant.
Ema Clark-Esi occupies a rare professional intersection. She is equally fluent in the language of boardrooms, courtrooms, and classrooms. Her career reflects a deep understanding of organisations as legal entities, social systems, and human communities. For students, her presence reinforces a critical truth: organisational behaviour is not merely an academic discipline—it is a lived experience shaped by decisions, incentives, relationships, and culture.
Her journey demonstrates that the most powerful insights into leadership and organisations are forged not only in textbooks but also through years of practice, reflection, and engagement with real people in real institutions.
In This Post
Her Academic History
Ema’s academic background laid a uniquely versatile foundation for her work. She earned her LL.B. in Commercial Law from Obafemi Awolowo University, graduating top of her class in 1992. Later, she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1993.
However, rather than confining herself strictly to legal practice, Ema chose to deepen her understanding of how organisations function beyond contracts and statutes. This led her to the London School of Economics (LSE), where she completed an MSc in Human Resources & Organisations (Organisational Behaviour). At LSE, she immersed herself in the study of motivation, power dynamics, organisational culture, leadership, and change—areas that now form the intellectual backbone of MPA 8103.
She also holds a PGCE in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from UCL’s Institute of Education, which reflects her commitment to education and effective communication.
This combination of law, human resources, and pedagogy gives her a multidimensional lens: legal rigour, people-centred insight, and a talent for translating complex ideas into accessible lessons.
Professional Journey & Achievements
Ema Clark-Esi’s career reads like a guided tour through some of Nigeria’s most important institutions.
Banking & Commercial Law Experience
She spent a decade in Nigeria’s banking sector, working with major banks like FSB International Bank (now Fidelity Bank), Zenith Bank, Intercontinental (acquired by Access Bank), and Bond Bank (now part of Polaris Bank). During that time, she honed her skills in banking law, commercial transactions, relationship management, and business development.
Legal Leadership
In 2004, she became a partner at Law Allianz, a leading Nigerian law firm. Over the years, she has advised on high-profile corporate matters, mergers and acquisitions, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
Board-Level Advisory
Since February 2024, Ema Clark-Esi has served in several board-level and advisory roles, underscoring her strength in corporate governance and strategic leadership. She is an independent non-executive director at Centrum Finance Company Limited, contributing to board oversight through the Finance, Governance, and Risk Management Committees, and a board member at Modern Shelter Systems and Services Limited, where she supports strategic direction, regulatory compliance, and governance policy. She also serves as an advisory board member at Transform Lagos, providing strategic guidance on institutional development.
Thought Leadership & Coaching
Beyond her legal practice, Ema Clark-Esi has built a reputation as a leadership coach, an organisational learning specialist, and a speaker. According to her professional profile, she is deeply passionate about organisational learning and leadership development.
Her professional journey goes beyond legal achievements to building institutions, shaping organisational cultures, and mentoring leaders who can navigate ambiguity and change.
The Person Behind the Professional
Beyond her formal titles and accomplishments, Ema Clark-Esi is widely regarded as a deeply committed mentor, role model, and catalyst for personal transformation. Previously, she volunteered as governor of the TCN Human Resources Professionals Community Group at The Covenant Nation (TCN), where she led a community of 280+ HR professionals across nine streams, providing strategic vision and overseeing a leadership team of 18 HR leaders.
Those who have worked closely with her consistently describe her as resilient, intellectually rigorous, and unwavering in the face of challenges. Former clients and mentees speak of her exceptional work ethic, infectious enthusiasm, and relentless pursuit of excellence—not only for herself, but for others around her.
Also, her social media presence (for example, on Instagram) often reflects a mix of personal growth, reflection, and professional inspiration, suggesting that she sees learning not just as a career but as a life-long journey.
Her Role at Miva Open University
At Miva Open University, Ema Clark-Esi serves as an Executive in Residence for the Miva Master of Public Administration’s Organisational Theory & Behaviour. In this role, she does much more than lecture; she brings real-world context into academic theory.
- Practical Insights: Her experience in high-stakes legal negotiations, corporate governance, and banking gives students a window into how organisational theories play out in real life.
- Mentorship: She mentors MPA students, helping them connect course concepts (like motivation, structure, leadership, and change) to the practical realities they’ll face in their careers.
- Global Perspective: Having studied and worked at home and abroad, she offers a global mindset, helping students think beyond local norms, navigate cross-cultural environments, and design more inclusive organisations.
Why It Matters for Students
For Miva MPA students, learning from Ema Clark-Esi isn’t just academically valuable but a strategic advantage. Besides exams, students prepare for boardrooms, regulatory environments, and complex organisational challenges.
Also, Ema’s focus on organisational behaviour aligns with Miva’s mission to democratise education by combining theory with the lived experience of executives.
Wrapping Up
In a world where structures shift, people resist change, and leadership is more needed than ever, Ema Clark-Esi stands at a powerful intersection: law, organisation, and learning. For MPA students, this means you’re not just studying a course; you’re gaining access to a mentor whose journey spans courtrooms, boardrooms, and classrooms.
If you’re interested in deepening your understanding of organisational theories and behaviour to lead better but haven’t applied yet, apply now to the Miva Master of Public Administration programme.
