Name: Tosin Shobukola

Title: CEO

Organisation: Apreecourt Limited

With a career spanning over 15 years as an Enterprise Architect, Tosin Shobukola a business innovation & tech leader renowned for driving impactful digital transformations. His expertise extends across diverse domains, including Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Enterprise Strategy, and Business Transformation.

His global experience encompasses collaboration with top organizations across 25 countries, where he has navigated complex technological landscapes to align solutions with organizational goals.

He has also extended the objective nature of his technical expertise to help businesses productize their offerings and subsequently grow their revenue by margins of 3X - 10X.

His passion lies in inspiring change in people and organizations, fostering inclusive workplaces, and sharing insights that propel the ever-evolving tech landscape forward.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

It is common knowledge that the organization's energy depends on the energy the leader exudes. Being a reserved person, I usually have to come out of my shell to exude that energy. While this helps me become a better person, it is something I have to remind myself to do constantly.

Secondly, as an advisor to other leaders across diverse disciplines, it's usually challenging to be in their shoes to be able to contextualize their challenges in order to give the best or most accurate recommendations. While we are usually able to make every customer smile, it is always Day 1 with every customer.

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

Permit me to say that I have always been a leader from my early years (with all humility).

This was from taking on lead actor roles and always having class leadership roles while in school.

As I grew up the career ladder, I began to take on more responsibility, and one thing led to another and that is where we are today.

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

I typically start my day with some prayer and meditation. after which I go for an outdoor walk or run. (I am lucky enough to be in a climate that allows me to do this all year.) My cardio activity is usually followed by some bodyweight strength exercise or a gym session.

I review my calendar for the day and also include new items that may come up that are not already on my calendar.

This is followed by family time (school prep and runs).

My workday starts with creative work, and then I try to do business meetings & coaching calls, post-lunch. Two times a week, I go for a swim.

Because my day starts really early, I take a break around 3 p.m. to do some reading and catch up with emails and other issues.

My weekends are filled with family and other extracurricular or volunteer activities.

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

Leadership is not about what you day or claim to believe in. It is actually about what you do. The culture of an organization typically reflects the mind and character of a leader regardless of whether there are 10 employees or 300K employees.

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 have read a couple of books. However, the book, Business by The Book stands out for me. No, it doesn't teach business models or growth strategies. Rather, it is a very "intense, deep-dive" into matters around integrity and personal ethics.

Very few books teach these issues, and for me, this is a unique gem that keeps resonating in my mind and keeps reminding one to stand true in integrity and trust.

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

Leadership is not a walk in the park, but it is definitely a rewarding experience. Remember that many people look up to you, and the lives of many people depend on your actions and decisions.

Don't take this for granted, because people's futures and also the organization's future depend largely on the actions you choose to take or otherwise.

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

I remember a time where I had to nominate younger leaders to take over a position with national coverage, after cautious evaluation, the two top candidates were ladies, whom I immediately endorsed.

I recall that it was quite novel at the time and my director was concerned about their ability to execute, basically because of their gender.

I stuck to it and was able to convince him to endorse the nominations.

That in effect became the first all-female leadership team in the history of the organization.