Reflections on Leadership, Design, and Impact: My Journey
Every journey starts somewhere. Mine began as a curious teenager determined to make a difference. My first venture, Seasoned Life Journal, was a digital platform that reached over 20,000 readers across 37 countries in just five years. This early success ignited my passion for leadership, driving change, and the transformative power of design.
Since then, I’ve worn many hats: digital marketer, designer, strategist, and social impact advocate. No matter the role, my core belief remains the same—leadership is about serving others and using our talents to create a better world.
One of the highlights of my career has been my work with SocialGood Lagos, an initiative that empowers communities and fosters leadership to build a more equitable future. Through this platform, I’ve witnessed the power of collaboration and the impact of purposeful action.
The Thread of Design in My Journey
Design has been a constant throughout my career. From building compelling brand identities to crafting interactive experiences, I’ve always seen design as a powerful tool for storytelling and change-making. As a brand designer and communications consultant, I’ve had the privilege of helping leaders and organizations bring their visions to life. These projects, from creating impactful brand experiences to amplifying social impact strategies, fuel my passion for using design as a force for good.
Academic Pursuits and Teaching
Education has also been a cornerstone of my journey. With a Master’s in Media Practice for Development and Social Change from the University of Sussex and a Bachelor’s in Physics Education from Lagos State University, I’ve combined theory with practice to explore the intersection of media, technology, and social transformation.
Today, as an adjunct lecturer of design at a university in Nigeria, I get to pass on this knowledge to the next generation of designers and thinkers. Teaching has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I learn as much from my students as they do from me, and their enthusiasm constantly reignites my passion for design and innovation.
Lessons Along the Way
- Start Small, Think Big: Whether it’s launching a blog, a business, or a movement, never underestimate the power of small beginnings. Seasoned Life Journal started with just an idea and grew to reach over 20,000 readers across 37 countries. This taught me that every significant impact begins with a single, deliberate step. Your ideas matter, and when pursued with dedication, they can grow far beyond what you imagine.
- Embrace Change: The twists and turns of life are often where growth happens. Each pivot in my journey has been a chance to learn and redefine my path.
- Lead with Purpose: Leadership isn’t about titles or recognition. It’s about serving others and creating value. True leaders focus on using their talents and resources to uplift those around them, making the world a better place. Fulfilment comes from the impact you create, not from accolades.
- Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Whether through formal education or real-world experiences, never stop learning. Curiosity keeps you innovative, adaptable, and ready for the next challenge. It’s what drives long-term growth and ensures you remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. - Design for Good: Design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating solutions that drive positive change. Whether crafting brand identities or developing strategies, I’ve learned to approach design with intentionality, using it to address real challenges and foster impact.
- Excellence vs. Perfection: Excellence inspires, while perfection paralyzes. I’ve often fallen into the trap of endlessly refining projects in pursuit of flawlessness, only to realize that progress is more impactful than perfection. Excellence is about doing your best and knowing when to step back, trusting your work to speak for itself.
- Lead with Impact, Not Ego: Leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most visible—it’s about enabling others to succeed. Effective leaders prioritize the mission over their recognition. They focus on outcomes and collaboration, creating spaces for innovation and leaving a lasting legacy of service and impact.
- Prioritize Self-Leadership: You can’t lead others effectively until you lead yourself. Self-leadership means aligning your actions with your values, maintaining discipline, and being accountable. It’s about achieving private victories—mental, emotional, and spiritual—that lay the foundation for public success.
- Be Transparent and Own Your Mistakes: Mistakes are inevitable, but how you handle them defines your character. Transparency builds trust, whether with your team, partners, or community. It’s not about airing all your flaws publicly but taking accountability in the right settings. Acknowledging your missteps shows integrity and a commitment to growth.
- The Power of Rest: Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. It’s not just about taking breaks but embracing a rhythm of work and restoration. Operating from rest allows you to recharge, refocus, and perform better. In a culture that glorifies hustle, choosing rest is an act of wisdom and faith, ensuring you’re fully present for the work that truly matters.
Looking Ahead
My journey has been anything but linear. Each challenge and triumph has shaped who I am today. I’m excited about what lies ahead—one design, one leader, and one idea at a time.
Through sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to lead with purpose, embrace change, and use their unique talents to make a difference.
Let’s continue to grow, lead, and create impact together.
Author
Abraham Ologundudu
I am an award-winning changemaker, designer, and multimedia storyteller. I am committed to the global agenda for economic growth and social inclusion and dedicated to promoting ethical and digital leadership for the development of communities. One of my mission in life is to help contribute to a new African narrative by challenging the mindset, culture and traditions that inhibit our growth.
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