“As quoted by John Quincy Adams, a leader should inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.”
In today’s business landscape, such leadership qualities are indispensable, guiding companies through periods of change and uncertainty. Leaders like Dr. Tobe Aguocha, the Construction Project Manager at Valero, exemplify this philosophy, shaping the future of the organizations through his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence. With 15+ years in construction, overseeing projects from $150M to $850M, Dr. Tobe emerges as a leader in inspiring innovation, driving growth, and empowering teams for success. Join us as we learn more about how he does that.
Professional Evolution
Dr. Tobe Aguocha’s career journey began in his late father’s furniture workshop in Nigeria, where he developed a passion for design and construction. This early exposure led him to pursue and complete a degree in Architecture, followed by a Master’s degree specializing in hospitality design and architecture. After practicing as an architect and delivering high-level commercial projects in Europe and Africa, Dr. Tobe found the design scope alone to be limiting, as it did not encompass the construction aspects that brought his designs to life.
This realization propelled him to expand his expertise in the construction industry. He achieved this by earning an MBA in production, process, and cost management. Dr. Tobe Aguocha”s career subsequently transitioned into project management within the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. His projects span multiple continents, including West Africa, Europe, the United States, and particularly London, where he collaborated with renowned international companies in various industries such as hospitality, retail, mission critical, and oil & gas.
As he progressed, Dr. Tobe managed projects of considerable size and budget, including those exceeding 3 million square feet and valued at over $300 million. His cumulative project budget surpassed one billion dollars. Throughout his career, Dr. Tobe has been driven to deliver projects that meet client time, budget, and quality expectations and enhance the construction processes.
Motivated by continuous improvement and client concerns primarily about costs, Dr. Tobe Aguocha embarked on a doctoral research program focused on cost management in construction projects. This academic pursuit further deepened his commitment to refining construction methodologies.
For Dr. Tobe Aguocha, success in any project—whether commercial or industrial—is not merely about meeting the basic requirements but also about advancing the efficiency and quality of the delivery process. This approach has established him as a leader in the field, dedicated to leveraging his expertise to foster knowledge sharing and process improvements within the construction industry.
Innovative Energy Leader
Valero Energy Corporation was established in 1980. It was named after the mission San Antonio de Valero—better known as the Alamo- and has grown into North America’s largest global independent petroleum refiner and a leading producer of renewable fuels. Valero stands at the forefront of the energy sector as a company deeply engaged in petroleum refining and crude and renewable energy production. Valero’s commitment to innovation, ingenuity, and unmatched execution enables it to meet the world’s increasing needs for reliable and sustainable energy. The company prides itself on being a top-tier producer of essential fuels and products vital to modern life, continuing its legacy to future generations.
Moreover, Valero fuels lives while protecting communities and the environment. This is evident in its industry-leading safety records and ongoing efforts to reduce emissions. The company’s operations extend across 15 petroleum refineries in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as 12 ethanol plants in the U.S. Midwest. Additionally, Valero is a joint venture partner in Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC, which owns renewable diesel plants adjacent to Valero’s refineries in St. Charles, Louisiana, and Port Arthur, Texas.
Valero envisions a future where energy is reliable, affordable, and sustainable, as well as an opportunity to advance the future of energy through leading-edge innovation and flawless execution. The company is dedicated to caring for the environment, employees, and communities, striving daily to be the industry’s safest and most reliable operator. Its focus extends to producing everyday products and maintaining environmentally responsible refining and renewable fuel operations, thereby delivering long-term value to its shareholders.
Comprehensive Management
Dr. Tobe Aguocha’s role at the company encompasses various strategic and operational responsibilities. He is primarily responsible for strategic planning, meeting detailed building requirements, and coordinating project schedules. Dr. Tobe is also crucial in managing contractor and subcontractor profiles to align with project delivery expectations. Additionally, he develops detailed financial projections for project development stages to safeguard project integrity from start to finish.
In addition to his strategic planning duties, Dr. Tobe Aguocha directs pre-construction activities and is heavily involved in sourcing initiatives. This consists of negotiating contracts, formulating budgets, and leading project teams. He oversees bid summaries, manages labor pricing and schedules, and evaluates subcontractors’ selections. Dr. Tobe has also administered development service agreements with various partners and teams. Furthermore, he researches economic trends and advises the company on potential impacts, such as material shortages, to mitigate risks effectively. Dr. Tobe’s multifaceted role is pivotal in navigating the challenges inherent in the dynamic construction field.
Overcoming Obstacles
Throughout his tenure at Valero, Dr. Tobe Aguocha has embraced challenges as opportunities for improvement rather than setbacks. One significant hurdle he faced was the disruption in the supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to shortages in essential production equipment. Dr. Tobe proactively sought alternative suppliers for critical components to mitigate this, ensuring that production timelines remained on track. Another challenge he encountered was securing a qualified workforce that met Valero’s high standards of competence. Aligning contractors and vendors with Valero’s unique project requirements and delivery expectations posed another obstacle, highlighting the importance of ensuring full buy-in from all stakeholders.
Moreover, unforeseeable risks, such as regulatory changes and governmental impacts, have often emerged, requiring agile responses and strategic planning. Despite these challenges, Dr. Tobe Aguocha remains vigilant in addressing manageable issues like project delays, demonstrating his commitment to navigating operational challenges and transforming them into opportunities for growth and improvement at Valero.
Academic Contributions
With his extensive education and expertise, Dr. Tobe has actively engaged with the academic community. He serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas in San Antonio, where he teaches the Construction science management capstone class—a graduate course tailored for students who are either currently employed in the construction industry or about to enter it. His role extends beyond lecturing, as he also mentors students, preparing them to handle industry challenges and navigate their careers effectively.
Dr. Tobe’s dedication to education and mentorship is part of his ongoing professional journey. He continues to explore various solutions within his field, maintaining an active role in research. Having completed his research on cost overruns, he has recently initiated a new study on risk management and project controls, collaborating with industry experts. Dr. Tobe has authored several articles amongst which is a publication in the construction business review on ” Navigating Datacenter Complexity: Smart building automation integration in Mission critical construction”. This blend of practical experience and academic involvement underscores his role as a construction project management leader and a significant contributor to industry knowledge.
Team Building Philosophy
Dr. Tobe Aguocha’s leadership philosophy at Valero centers on assembling the right team, emphasizing that mere skill set sufficiency is not enough. It is crucial for him that his team not only possesses the necessary technical skills but also shares the group’s philosophy and aligns with the company’s goals. To him, cultural fit and openness to equity and inclusion are paramount. He ensures that every team member feels heard, regardless of the magnitude of their suggestions.
A critical component of Dr. Tobe’s approach involves talent development. He does not expect all team members to start fully informed; hence, he prioritizes mentorship and coaching. He prepares his team for tasks through training sessions and access to essential resources and information. Moreover, he is committed to fostering growth opportunities within the group. Regular engagement with team members helps him identify and discuss potential growth paths within the organization.
Feedback and recognition are integral to his management style. Dr. Tobe believes in providing immediate and frequent feedback to help team members understand their strengths and areas for improvement. He also ensures that accomplishments are recognized appropriately through financial rewards or other acknowledgment forms.
Mentorship Approach
Dr. Tobe also serves as a mentor and educator at a university. His philosophy is centered on not imposing his opinions or ideas on mentees. Instead, he focuses on understanding their interests and encouraging them in their chosen fields. He emphasizes the importance of becoming an asset to any organization by equipping mentees with the necessary information and tools. He prepares them to meet the challenges they might face and to excel in their project delivery.
Furthermore, he encourages a mindset that fosters project delivery and task management excellence. He instills in his mentees that adopting this mindset and attitude is essential for their success. He also invites them to approach him with challenges, promoting a collaborative problem-solving environment. This approach prepares the mentees to shine in their roles and gives them the liberty and responsibility to develop solutions that best fit their challenges.
Strategic Innovation
A commitment to continuous research and innovation marks Dr. Tobe Aguocha’s approach to staying ahead in the industry. Rather than viewing competitors as adversaries, he sees them as potential partners but acknowledges the importance of benchmarking against them.
His key strategy involves relentless research to uncover new methodologies and technologies to enhance project delivery. Dr. Tobe Aguocha understands that staying at the forefront means embracing change and constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness. By leveraging emerging technologies and refining processes, Dr. Tobe ensures that Valero construction remains ahead of the curve. He emphasizes proactive problem-solving, seeking to anticipate and address challenges before they arise.
Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
To enhance client experiences, Dr. Tobe Aguocha implements innovative strategies, one of which focuses on stakeholder engagement, particularly with government entities. Recognizing the potential delays caused by the lack of understanding among officials, Dr. Tobe adopts a proactive approach to inform and educate key stakeholders.
At the outset of each project, he identifies and engages internal and external stakeholders, particularly city and state officials. Understanding that informed stakeholders are more likely to expedite approvals, Dr. Tobe familiarizes them with the project’s intricacies.
The company further ensures that officials comprehend the project’s scope and significance. This proactive engagement fosters a collaborative relationship, encouraging officials to work closely with the team to streamline the approval process. By transforming government entities into informed partners, Dr. Tobe’s strategy not only facilitates smoother project execution but also aligns stakeholders with the urgency and importance of timely approvals.
Future Initiatives
Looking ahead, Dr. Tobe discusses Valero’s expansion into renewable energy production as a key focus. One notable endeavor is the establishment of the Diamond Green Diesel refinery plants, with approximately 12 facilities across the United States. These plants utilize raw materials for renewable energy production, aligning with Valero’s commitment to sustainability.
A significant development on the horizon is the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is recognized for its climate-friendly attributes. Valero plans to roll out numerous SAF production units globally, including in the United States. This initiative reflects the company’s dedication to meeting the rising demand for eco-conscious solutions domestically and internationally.
| Year | Revenue (in billions USD) | Growth Rate (%) |
| 2022 | $176.383 | +54.75% |
| 2021 | $113.977 | +75.59% |
Advice for New Entrepreneurs
Dr. Tobe Aguocha highlights the importance of market research and innovation for entrepreneurs, urging them to stay proactive in identifying industry opportunities. He stresses the need for a customer-centric approach, emphasizing understanding and meeting customer needs for sustained growth.
Continuous innovation is key, with Dr. Tobe urging entrepreneurs to improve processes and project outcomes constantly. He advises agility and adaptability, especially in responding to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collaboration and partnership are also vital, with Dr. Tobe Aguocha recommending engagement with professional organizations for innovation and growth. Lastly, he emphasizes investing in talent and fostering a diverse, inclusive culture for effective problem-solving and solution embracement.
“With 15+ years in construction, overseeing projects from $150M to $850M, Dr. Tobe Aguocha emerges as a leader in inspiring innovation, driving growth, and empowering teams for success.”
