Name: Adeobajesu Aboluwade

Title: Content Marketing Specialist

Organisation: Slum2School Africa

With a wealth of experience, I've dedicated myself to empowering individuals and businesses, leveraging the power of social media and strategic brand positioning to foster online growth.

My mission goes beyond marketing; it's about kindling connections, fostering possibilities, and crafting memorable moments that resonate.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Adeobajesu's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

When it comes to being a leader in a role, the most challenging part for me is trying to be fair and not showing favoritism. Leading people is tough because everyone is different, and when problems come up, it requires insight to understand them and find solutions.

Many people want titles and power, but being a leader means taking on responsibilities and making sacrifices. I used to want titles too, but after some experiences, I realized that's not the most important thing. It's more important to be ready and skilled, the spotlight is not always the best places.

However, being a leader as a person is the most important kind of leadership to me. I push myself to improve constantly, not for titles or fame, but to be helpful and valuable to my world. There are many problems in the world, I want to be part of the solution, not the problem.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I learned about leadership by reading about great people. My family encouraged reading, especially my sister and my dad. We didn't have a lot of money or exposure, but I had hope and confidence that I could achieve great things in life.

I've always been a Christian, and my understanding of leadership mostly comes from real-life experiences. I've followed and learned from people I admire, both up close and from a distance. Plus, I've gained firsthand knowledge from opportunities to serve in various leadership roles since I was a kid.

During my time at university, I was involved in leading different groups within our Christian students' fellowship. This experience gave me a solid foundation in leadership, which I still rely on today. Since then, I've had the privilege to lead and help others in different ways and on various platforms.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Maybe because of where I am and how I live, I'm not so sure. But there are no strict rules in life.

My daily routine involves prayers in the morning, sticking to my regular schedule at work, and handling emergencies without disrupting my normal routine.

Rather than pushing too hard and then crashing, I believe it's about finding an approach that suits you best. It's all about discovering what works for you.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

One of the key lessons I have learned recently is that if you go along with something you don't agree with just to keep everyone happy, you’re setting yourself (and others) up for future problems.

I accept I cannot control how others respond, but I can control how true I stay to my principles. I learned that it's wiser to disagree upfront rather than engage in prolonged conflicts down the road.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

I've read many books, but one series that deeply influenced my leadership beliefs is by Rick Joyner. The Final Quest, The Call, The Touch and The Sword. Lessons from these books have stayed with me.

They taught me important lessons about leadership and life. In my formative years these books taught me to stay aware of my spiritual journey and warned me about challenges. I am reminded to be vigilant against the adversaries and to help prepare others. Most importantly, the books emphasize the love of God and His call for us to love and serve others in the same way.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Don't chase fame or wealth, when you meet life's needs, they will come naturally. Just be yourself and grab every chance to help those you can. Plus learning never stops.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

During my last year at university, I faced a tough situation. I ran out of money and had a project deadline looming. Missing it meant an extra year. Feeling helpless, I stayed calm, believing things would work out. I visited a friend just to say hello, and when I shared my situation, he unexpectedly helped me with the exact amount needed for my project.

From that experience I learned:

- To value relationships and treat others kindly.

- Trust in God matters most.