I have always been a dreamer. Growing up in a middle-class Nigerian family ‘dreaming of a greener pasture’ was always in my rearview. I remember my brothers and I dreaming in the dim bedrooms, after a day filled with chores and high expectations, of a future where failure was not an option. Coming from a family whose core values were respect, culture, hard work, discipline, and tough love, it meant these dreams were not to build castles in the sky but to build a legacy with a solid foundation.

As one of twelve children, my dad ran a pretty tight ship (one would have to, having such a large family), and his approach was that of a military-style disciplinarian. Through his loving firmness, he imparted many lessons; but the one that stuck with me the most was that in life nothing is given to you—you have to earn it. This lesson became a mindset, philosophy, and eventually the driving force behind my entrepreneurial journey. 

My Entrepreneurial Journey

Five years ago, I bet on myself.

While working as a Project Management Consultant with a leading Canadian bank, I made a decision that would forever change the course of my life – to fully pursue a venture that I had been nurturing for three years. I quit my job, and never looked back.

Inspired by the struggles that I overcame as an immigrant trying to break into the workforce without Canadian experience; I launched Olade Consulting as a talent development and employment placement service company with a mandate to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their goals. Like most new immigrants, I had to go through the process of adapting into a new environment and figuring out how to break into the job market. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the job market and my focus has always been to provide support and clarity to others in similar situation.

Through our programs and network, we have successfully connected several IT professionals with leading Canadian organizations to support the implementation of large enterprise-wide initiatives. I am beyond proud of what we have achieved especially the relationships and communities that we have built since 2012.

I must admit, it has been a tough journey especially being in an industry where BIPOC representation is minuscule. I have had to navigate uncharted waters that have become all too familiar. Still, I have been able to take my experience with lack of diversity and inclusion in these spaces and pivot them into invaluable teachable moments for both myself and the business.

I could not have done it without the help and support of my family, friends, coworkers, and mentors. I am most grateful to my wife and partner Lola Adeyemi for trusting and supporting this dream from when it all started.

Someone once said that successful entrepreneurs are the ones that listen closely– to their clients, their peers, their competition—and learn to ask some really good questions. I have never been afraid to ask questions. I also have never been afraid to look for solutions. 

My New Adventure

That drive has pushed me to my latest venture.

I am happy to announce the newest chapter of the journey, the launch of Pro-Insight Consulting. 

Established in 2015 as a partner company to Olade Consulting, Pro-Insight has served to facilitate the implementation of some of our client projects. Leveraging the expertise of our consultants at Olade, the company has delivered a range of services including project delivery, PMO advisory, application development, and business process optimization. In addition, the company has also supported the strategic design and implementation of several community initiatives designed to provide economic mobility to BIPOC communities.

Pro-Insight will now operate as a separate full-service enterprise offering a range of services including Project Delivery Services, Technology Solutions, Business Strategy Advisory and PMO Services. I believe our experience over the years has prepared us for this new journey and I look forward to creating a lasting experience for clients.

I am excited about this new endeavor and I look forward to forging new relationships and partnerships.