2021; A Review
Thankful for the last 365 days. 2021 presented me with numerous opportunities and a fair share of challenges. In all, I grew, learnt and progressed in the journey of becoming a better version of myself.
As this is the third consecutive year of writing this review with the aim of documenting my journey and as a channel of keeping up with you, my friends and family. I would like to sincerely appreciate you for always reading and for being part of my life.
Learnings
Books
In recent years, I have been fascinated with understanding the dynamics of the global trade and economy; how and why markets crash and their implications; national monetary and fiscal policies etc. So, I read a couple of books on the subjects.
I studied Anne Applebaum’s work on threats to democracy presented by far-right leaders in Europe and the USA.
I read about Nigeria’s colonial history and its relationship with the British. On business, I read about processes in Amazon and how some of its leading products were engendered. I also read about the rise and fall of Adam Neumann’s WeWork.
6–0, 6–3
What has kept me going on the court is the desire to be a better tennis player- to learn. This year has been my most active year on the court and I can confidently say I became three times better than I was last year. I participated in a single’s tournament and lost two games to nil ( for some reasons, I didn’t play my best game). Well, let me just say I have a training session with my coach later today.
Your Favourite Tech Bro
I worked from home for the most part of this year, which enabled me to dedicate a few hours daily to learning Javascript, this time for real. I should be done with the course in a few days’ time and I can’t wait to share my progress with you next year. So far, I have built three web apps ( a weather app, a to-do app and a simple chat app).
Others
I also started learning how to play snooker and I took a growth marketing mini-degree certification course with CXL institute. Meanwhile, I am still learning French on Duolingo where I finished the year in the top 5% on a 673 days streak.
From Facebook to my Living Room
Those who know me well, know how much I love artworks, particularly painting. In fact, I once led a start-up that attempted to solve a fundamental problem in the local industry.
A few years ago, I randomly saw a lovely aerial-view photograph of my hometown. The photograph flooded in some childhood memories and has been my Facebook cover photo since then.
Earlier this year, I reached out to the photographer who also happens to be a brilliant artist to commission the piece….I love it! The 48*36 piece is hanging right on the wall of my living room. Now, I plan to acquire at least one art piece every year.
I Wept!
“Every soul shall taste death and to us, you will be returned” [Quran 29:57].
Since the death of my mother 17 years ago, I have never been as devastated at the demise of anyone until this year — I wept like a baby. Late Abass Tolulope Ogundipe (Ogbeni Abass as I fondly called him), one of the most generous and selfless people, astute professional and avid investors I know, gave up the ghost a few hours after being a victim of a road accident.
Ogbeni Abass was a friend, a brother, an advisor, a confidant and a business partner. I pray The Almighty grants him paradise, forgive his misdeeds and heal his family.
Career
Managing a Brand
“Wole, are you interested in managing a Unilever brand”….that was a call from my former MD in January. Of course, I said yes and that was probably the best part of my 2021 career season.
I managed one of Unilever’s oral care brands where I coordinated a team of creative designers, content creators, social media manager and web developer; liaised with the brand team and its partner agencies.
In the short while I managed the brand, we launched a successful World Oral Health Day campaign that featured category influencers and relevant government agencies. My team managed a social engagement phase of the campaign and also proceeded to design a quiz that shared important research findings and helpful oral hygiene tips.
Teaching Media Buying
I love teaching, I really do. I often jump at every opportunity to share my knowledge. This year, I facilitated two training cohorts at Wild Fusion Digital Center, one of the leading digital marketing institutes in Lagos. I also got on a pro-bono advisory call with two small business owners to discuss how they can run profitable social media promotions for their businesses.
You should also check out my recent article — Asset Led Marketing: The Rise of Machine Learning in Digital Advertising.
Accepting Offers
After exactly four years working in different capacities across three teams and two businesses at Wild Fusion Group, I decided it was time to move on and embrace the next phase of my career.
In July, following a recommendation and meeting with the COO of a renowned marketing and communications group, I accepted an offer to join the digital business.
I was thrilled by the opportunity to manage the media planning and buying unit of the agency but after considering the realities of my work there, I resigned 6 months later and pursued an opportunity that better aligns with my personal and professional goals.
YellwCornr
Last year, in the heat of the pandemic, a group of creatives often assembled in a living room to discuss work, life and more particularly the intersection of creativity and mental health. Seeing the impact we were making, we quickly realized the value we could bring to the larger creative community.
Early this year, we registered as an organization, launched a website and social assets. We held two knowledge-packed public sessions; a physical and a virtual session where we hosted contributors from different segments of the creative industry
In 2021, I got recommendations for important functions and side projects. The takeaway is this; be damn good at what you do, always wear a good character and value every relationship. As I look forward to unpacking what 2022 has in store for me, I intend to have more fun and create beautiful moments with my wonderful wife.