Building Excellence: Inside the Customer Service & Leadership Seminar at YIBS

In today’s fast-evolving educational environment, institutions must go beyond academic delivery to provide exceptional service and strong leadership. Recognising this need, Yaoundé International Business School organised a 6-day Customer Service & Leadership Seminar to strengthen the capacity of its administrative staff.

This training was designed to improve how the institution engages with its students, staff, and stakeholders, while also developing leadership skills essential for long-term growth and impact.

Overview of the Seminar

The seminar took place at Campus B, Carrefour Simbock, Yaoundé, and was structured into two key phases:

  • Day 1 – Day 2: Customer Service Training
  • Day 3 – Day 6: Leadership Development

The training was facilitated by an experienced professional, Fabien Sundjo, PHD. Certified Senior CX Professional; Health and Development Economist. Delivering sessions that combined theory, practical examples, and interactive engagement.

This seminar was specifically organised for administrative staff, recognising their critical role as the first point of contact and the backbone of institutional operations.

Customer Service Training: Laying the Foundation (Day 1 & Day 2)

The first two days focused on building a strong understanding of customer service and customer experience within an academic setting.

Participants explored how every interaction; from enquiries to service delivery; shapes the overall experience of students and stakeholders.

Key Topic Covered:

  • Customer Service vs Customer Experience
  • Why Customer Experience Matters
  • Elements of Good Customer Service
  • Effective Communication Skills
  • Understanding Your Customer
  • The Customer Journey

Key Takeways

  • Customer service is not just a function but a culture
  • Every staff member contributes to the institution’s image
  • Effective communication is essential for building trust
  • Understanding the customer journey helps improve service delivery

These sessions set the foundation for creating a more responsive, student-centred environment at YIBS.

From Service to Leadership (Day 3 – Day 6)

Following the customer service sessions, the seminar transitioned into leadership training, emphasising the importance of leadership in today’s dynamic world.

Participants were introduced to the idea that great service begins with strong leadership, and that every staff member has a role to play as a leader within their capacity.

Leadership Training Highlights

The leadership phase of the seminar explored both global and African perspectives on leadership, making the sessions relevant and practical.

Topics Covered:

  • What is Leadership and Why It Matters
  • Leadership Theories
  • African Leadership Philosophy
  • Traditional Leadership in Africa
  • Leadership in Cameroon
  • Self-Leadership & Emotional Intelligence

Interactive Activities:

  • Group discussions and reflections
  • Scenario-based learning
  • Role plays and drama presentations

These activities allowed participants to apply concepts in real-life situations, making the learning experience engaging and impactful.

Impact of the Seminar on Staff

The seminar had a noticeable impact on participants, both professionally and personally.

Staff members developed:

  • Improved communication and interpersonal skills
  • Greater awareness of customer experience
  • Stronger leadership mindset
  • Increased confidence in handling responsibilities

The training also strengthened teamwork and encouraged a shared commitment to excellence across departments.

Why This Seminar Matters for YIBS

This initiative reflects the commitment of Yaoundé International Business School to continuous improvement and excellence.

By investing in staff development, YIBS is:

  • Enhancing the quality of service delivery
  • Strengthening relationships with students and stakeholders
  • Building a culture of professionalism and accountability
  • Positioning itself as a forward-thinking institution

This aligns with the institution’s core values of discipline, integrity, innovation, optimism, and humility.

A Transformative Learning Experience

One of the key strengths of the seminar was its practical and interactive approach. Participants were not just passive listeners; they were actively involved in discussions, activities, and reflections.

The sessions created a space for learning, sharing, and growth; making the experience both educational and transformative.

The Customer Service & Leadership Seminar at Yaoundé International Business School was more than just a training programme; it was a strategic step towards building a stronger, more responsive, and more effective institution.

By equipping its administrative staff with the right skills and mindset, YIBS continues to reinforce its commitment to excellence in service and leadership.

As the institution grows, initiatives like this will play a key role in shaping a future where both staff and students thrive.

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