How did your academics contribute to your career?
I studied Business Administration at the University of Ado-Ekiti, now Ekiti State University. At the time, I chose the course based on my cut-off mark. Today, I work in branding, and there’s little gap between what I studied and what I practise.
What inspired you to pursue your current career?
Immediately after my National Youth Service Corps programme, I secured a placement at one of Nigeria’s foremost advertising agencies. That marked the beginning of my journey in marketing communications, branding, advertising, event management, and public relations.
After about 10 years, I moved to a public relations firm for another year. During my agency years, I handled marketing communications and branding for corporate organisations and consumer products. Gradually, I began branding individuals as well.
When I left the PR firm, I founded Brands and PR. I still help small businesses promote their products, but I realised branding is more about the individual than the product. I tell clients all the time that ‘people buy you before they buy what you’re selling’, especially online.
What are the key operations of your business?
While I still take on product branding, my main focus is working with leaders, founders, CEOs, and key stakeholders. I help them build their personal brands from their core, understanding who they are, why they exist in the marketplace, and how to communicate their identity effectively.
How would you describe the challenges you’ve faced in your career?
There are several challenges, particularly because I was coming from the client side rather than an agency. One major challenge was getting clients to view things from a professional standpoint; understanding their brief, the deliverables, and the appropriate marketing communication channels.
Many clients know the problems they want solved, but not what they actually need to achieve those solutions. Sometimes, they insist you solve the problem their way. Convincing them to trust your professional judgement can be tough. If you follow their lead and the results fall short, you still get the blame.
What sacrifices did you make to become a brand CEO and attract big clients?
I still make sacrifices every day. Human beings are the most challenging resource to manage. Starting a business with no visibility is tough; you constantly introduce yourself and sometimes work for free just to build credibility.
Pitching to CEOs requires investment: time, money, and intense preparation. If the client doesn’t accept your pitch, that investment is gone. But it’s part of the journey, what many call “failing forward.”
What are your achievements so far?
My business is now five years old. One of my greatest achievements is waking up to messages from founders and CEOs sharing how the projects I handled have transformed their businesses.
There’s deep fulfilment in helping business owners who lacked clarity for years finally understand their brand direction. Many people have the resources but lack reputation and legacy; my work helps them establish that.
I take people from confusion to clarity. I help them shape their reputation and hand the world a “script” of what they want to be known for.
Do you have any advice for young entrepreneurs in your industry?
Stay informed; we live in a volatile environment where policies shift quickly. Have a vision. Don’t get distracted by the noise around passive income and “making money while you sleep.” You must be willing to work and remain consistent; it will eventually pay off.
There will be moments of discouragement or frustration, but you need the will and clarity to keep going. Also, don’t be emotionally attached to ideas; if something isn’t working, quitting is a valid strategy.
Finally, build a strong support system. No entrepreneur succeeds alone. Join accountability groups and surround yourself with the right people.
