Omobabinrin Osideko, branding expert and social media influencer; Nihinlola Latona, Lead Educator of The Prepared Women Institute; and Gift Ifokwe, sustainable development strategist and socialpreneur are some of the Nigerian changemakers who were recently made members of the ForbesBLK community for their leadership, business, social, and community endeavours. In these interviews by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, they speak about their work and what being a ForbesBLK member means to them.
What do you do and in what ways does it impact society?
As a branding expert, personal development coach, mentor, and social media (LinkedIn) influencer, I play multifaceted roles that impact society in several ways. I help individuals and businesses build strong, recognisable brands, fostering economic growth.
Economic growth: Through my branding expertise, I help businesses create strong, marketable identities. This can lead to increased visibility, customer trust, and revenue.
Personal empowerment: I guide individuals in setting and achieving their goals. This empowerment can lead to better career prospects, improved self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction.
Information dissemination: Being active on social media, especially on LinkedIn, allows me to share valuable knowledge, ideas, inspiration, and insights. This contributes to a more informed and educated society, promoting lifelong learning and critical thinking.
Recognition and inspiration: My brand, The Iconic Brand Awards, celebrates outstanding brands and professionals, providing recognition, inspiration, and motivation to excel in various industries. This event not only honours excellence but also promotes healthy competition and innovation in the business world. It motivates them to strive for excellence and innovation.
You were recently made a member of the ForbesBLK community. Why did ForbesBLK deem you fit for its community?
ForbesBLK often selects individuals based on various criteria, including notable achievements, contributions to their respective industries, leadership, and impact on society. My membership in ForbesBLK suggests that I have demonstrated excellence and leadership in my field, making significant contributions that align with Forbes’ standards and values. It is a recognition of my accomplishments and potential to further influence and inspire others.
How would the benefits associated with the ForbesBLK recognition impact your work and career?
Credibility: Admission into the community will enhance my professional credibility, signalling to clients, employers, and colleagues that I am a trusted expert in my field.
Networking: It would open doors to valuable connections and networking opportunities with other accomplished professionals.
Visibility: Media coverage, increasing visibility and reach, potentially leading to new opportunities and partnerships.
Career Advancement: It would boost my career by attracting jobs, speaking engagements, and consultancy opportunities.
What could people learn from you as regards your acceptance into the ForbesBLK community?
In 2020, my application to join the Forbes Coaches Council was rejected because I did not meet a certain number of revenue and coaching hours. With my admission into the ForbesBLK community, I believe I am now closer to the main goal.
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What do you do and in what ways does it impact society?
I am the Lead Educator at The Prepared Women Institute (TPWI), a community of learning to educate, enlighten and empower women to discover and fulfil their purposeful calling in excellent and exceptional ways. I am also the Founder of Starlight Ambassadors Development Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on community and humanitarian services.
As a visionary in women’s empowerment and social development, we have impacted women through entrepreneurship, career upskilling, sports empowerment, and other community goodwill.
You were recently made a member of the ForbesBLK community. Why did ForbesBLK deem you fit for its community?
ForbesBLK is a fast-growing community for Black professionals, leaders, and creators that are driving systematic change in business, culture and society.
Their vision resonated with the work I am doing towards fulfilling the purpose of TPWI and the Starlight Ambassadors Development Foundation.
When I found the opportunity for membership, I enrolled. Although the application process was a bit challenging, it was also engaging because it asked about what I was passionate do. Since our vision aligned, I was excited but not too surprised when I got the certificate of membership.
How would the benefits associated with the ForbesBLK recognition impact your work and career?
Forbes is a big name and ForbesBLK is the new big thing happening right now. Being recognised by the ForbesBLK community will ignite more energy to go all out and achieve more.
It is like a financial grant to boost your business, you would not want to waste the resources and come back to the grantor with excuses.
When collaborating and engaging with others, the recognition will also position you as a trusted brand and the trust will instil the confidence to stand tall in your conversations and deliberations.
What could people learn from you as regards your acceptance into the ForbesBLK community?
Be resilient and avoid the imposter syndrome. Resilience will energise you to never give up and keep pushing forward despite any difficulty.
Avoiding the imposter syndrome will give you the strength to say no to anything whispering “not enough”, “not qualified” and every what not.
When I saw the opportunity, I had this feeling that maybe what I was doing might not be enough for the recognition but my in-built resilient spirit told me to go ahead. Avoid negativity at all costs.
However, also understand that in the question of life, NO is also an answer.
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What do you do and in what ways does it impact society?
I am a sustainable development strategist focused mainly on the environment, fashion, and lifestyle. I lead and inspire changemakers who are dedicated to making people and the planet a better place. Together, we are walking the walk which is causing a significant difference in our diverse societies. In simpler terms, I am a dynamic professional volunteer and socialpreneur.
You were recently made a member of the ForbesBLK community. Why did ForbesBLK deem you fit for its community?
I believe my selection was based on my purpose and alignment with the values, goals, and mission of the community. In my application, I stated how my presence will benefit the community and contribute to its overall objectives. In fulfilling my life’s purpose, I have demonstrated a track record of significant professional accomplishments, leadership, and noteworthy contributions to my field. Furthermore, I am enabling others to achieve the same, which I believe is what the ForbesBKL community is also building.
How would the benefits associated with the ForbesBLK recognition impact your work and career?
The benefits associated with being a ForbesBLK member are numerous, which range from enhanced visibility, trust building, and increased business opportunities leading to growth and financial success. Recognition in ForbesBLK will elevate my brand, advance my career, and give access to exclusive networking events and circles, allowing me to connect with other accomplished professionals and potential mentors or collaborators.
These will convert to greater influence and positive impact on the issues I am focused more on. While networking and learning from other changemakers and leaders, I get to become an inspiring role model which is something I always desire — that my work can be something of real value and emulated.
What could people learn from you as regards your acceptance into the ForbesBLK community?
My recognition as a ForbesBLK member is a significant achievement and an opportunity for personal and professional growth. I believe that people could learn a lot from this rare privilege.
Consistent effort and commitment to one’s goals can lead to recognition and success. ForbesBLK membership shows that even in the face of adversity, I have the resilience and determination to keep forging ahead. Also, having a good and strong network is key, while nurturing relationships. I learnt about this community via a friend and mentor I love, respect, and admire who inspired and encouraged me to apply.
ForbesBLK celebrates diversity and inclusion, highlighting the accomplishments of individuals from Black communities. I believe that this recognition can serve as an inspiration to others, especially those from underrepresented communities. It shows that with determination and perseverance, anyone — irrespective of background, colour or religion — can achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact once one’s mind is set on it.
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