Participant Spotlight | Adebola Osakwe
Global Head of Talent and Diversity at Millennium
Ceresa Community Manager, Emily Worthington, talks with Adebola about her experience being a participant in the Ceresa Accelerator, and how it’s inspired her to give back.
E: Hey, Adebola! Thanks for joining us to share your experience. Let’s start by hearing about your mentor - what is your favorite thing about them?
A: I liked that she always pushed me to think about my challenges differently. I would go to her with things I was working on during our sessions. She would ask me questions that encouraged me to think about it from a different perspective. It allowed me to be thoughtful in making decisions and coming to a resolution.
E: What's new about you since beginning your Ceresa journey?
A: I transitioned from my prior company at KKR as Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity and joined Millennium as Global Head of Talent and Diversity. I'm excited about this next chapter and the opportunity to work in a new industry.
E: In what way(s) are you hoping to grow in the new year?
A: I am looking forward to mentoring others in Ceresa and giving back. Honestly, I was more on the skeptical side of the value that an external mentor from a different industry and sector could provide. I was really pleased by the impact that this kind of relationship can have on your career and life. It really is about the individual and the mentor's ability to connect, probe and ask questions, and avoid making assumptions or giving suggestions out of context. I got real value in having Alexis as my mentor. I'm excited to help someone else in the Ceresa organization.
E: How do you define leadership?
A: I think that leadership is about being authentic, thinking both strategically and innovatively, while also being someone who can empower, develop and support your people.
E: Is there a resource (book, podcast, game, quote, etc.) that has been influential in your life? If so, tell us about it.
A: The quote "you don't have to, you get to" has stuck with me, especially during the pandemic. I like it because there were so many times where we couldn't do the things we wanted to do. The monotony of going to work from a room in your home was challenging at times, but I like this quote because it's a reminder that there are so many people who have bigger challenges. They may not have the luxury of working from home. It's a privilege to have a job that allows me to work from home and to be safe.
E: What are you looking forward to most as the world opens up again?
A: It's definitely travel. My husband and I have three kids and it's so interesting seeing the world through their eyes when we go to new places. In other parts of the world or the country, things may not look the same as they do where we live. It doesn't have to be a big trip. During the pandemic, we didn't get to see our extended family or go camping, so those things will be nice to do. We're supposed to go to Florida in a month and that will be the first time we get on a plane in over a year. We're supposed to travel to Europe at the end of the year too, but that's a big question mark.
E: Thanks for talking with me today, Adebola. We wish you the best with the continued pursuit of your goals!
A Leadership Journey
Like No Other
The Ceresa Leadership Accelerator is designed for growth-minded leaders from first-time managers to executives, and this highly personalized program gives you the space, structure, and support to focus on achieving your biggest professional aspirations.