First Core Consulting Repositions Corporate Excellence as Dr. Gbemisola Ope Champions Africa’s New Era of People-Driven Business Growth

By Benson Michael

As organizations across Nigeria confront rising economic pressures, shifting customer expectations, and workforce performance challenges, business leaders are increasingly turning toward people-centered transformation as the new engine of sustainable growth. Steering this evolution is Dr. Gbemisola Ope, Founder and Managing Director of First Core Consulting, a firm reshaping how companies build customer loyalty, empower employees, and structure long-term business performance.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in Nigeria’s service and HR ecosystem, Dr. Ope has built a distinguished track record of excellence grounded in strategic leadership, human engagement, and operational discipline. Over the years, she has earned several notable recognitions that reflect her impact across multiple industries.

She is a Distinguished HR Leader Award nominee at the HR Excellence Awards 2025 and a Fellow of the West Africa Association of Customer Service Professionals (WAACSP). She is also a Member and Dr. Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Sales and Customer Service Management (CISCSM), a Member of the Society of Corporate Governance, and a Member of the Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD).

In addition, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Professional Party Planners and Event Managers of Nigeria and was named among the Powerlist of 60 Most Influential Professionals in the Nigerian Events Industry.

Speaking on the firm’s philosophy and strategic direction, Dr. Ope explained that First Core Consulting was created to address a critical gap in how African businesses approach people and performance.

“When employees feel empowered, and customers feel understood, businesses thrive,” she said. “Our mission is to help leaders design systems and experiences that not only engage people but also drive measurable and sustainable growth.”

First Core Consulting operates with a strong human-first methodology that integrates customer experience design, HR advisory, employee and guest engagement systems, and client relationship management. The firm aims to help organizations strengthen internal structures, enhance service delivery, and build cultures that support both productivity and long-term customer trust.

Industry observers note that Dr. Ope’s work is especially timely as businesses across Africa seek solutions for customer retention, workforce optimization, and performance improvement. Her approach combines strategic expertise with practical insights, enabling organizations to diagnose challenges quickly and implement frameworks that create meaningful impact.

Under her leadership, First Core Consulting has become a trusted partner to executives looking to reset, refine, or scale their operations through structured people-driven strategies. Her influence continues to grow as she champions the importance of aligning customer experience, employee performance, and organizational culture as interconnected drivers of business success.

First Core Consulting is a people-centered business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations deliver unforgettable customer experiences, build strong client relationships, and elevate employee engagement. Through intentional human-focused strategies and performance-driven solutions, First Core supports businesses in creating structures that enable internal clarity, operational excellence, and long-term growth.