Some journeys are shaped long before they are named. Lola Owolabi’s story is one of early responsibility, deep faith, and a lifelong commitment to helping people see themselves clearly and live with dignity.
At the centre of her work is a belief that confidence, identity, and self-worth are not luxuries, but foundations. Through Proudtobeme, Lola has quietly built spaces where individuals are empowered to grow, lead, and thrive, often in environments where systems fall short.
Her journey stands as a quiet testament to those who are shaped by purpose early, strengthened by responsibility, and guided by service rather than recognition.
It is a story grounded in faith, resilience, and consistency, one that reminds us that real impact is built patiently, intentionally, and with heart.
In this interview, we explore the moments of clarity, the challenges, the leadership lessons, and the vision that continue to shape Lola Owolabi’s work across communities and continents.
CA: Lola, your work has always centred people, confidence, and dignity rather than titles or visibility. Can you take us back to the moment you realised this was the work you needed to do?
Lola: There was a very defining moment for me, one that was deeply spiritual and unmistakably clear. I felt God impress upon my heart, “Daughter, your work is not about buying and selling. Your work is about empowering people.”
That moment fundamentally reshaped how I understood my purpose. It was not about commerce, recognition, or visibility; it was about people, about dignity, confidence, and helping individuals recognise their worth.
When I reflect more deeply, however, I realise that this moment was not the beginning but a confirmation.
The foundations of this work had been laid long before. As the first of five children, responsibility came early. Advocacy, care, and leadership were not optional roles; they were part of my daily life.
From my teenage years, I was instinctively drawn to supporting others, helping people articulate their voice, build confidence, and believe in themselves.
That moment of clarity gave language and direction to what had already been forming within me. I realised this was not a career path I had chosen; it was a life assignment entrusted to me.
CA: That clarity feels like a confirmation of something already forming in you. Before Proudtobeme became an organisation, it started as an observation and a decision. What were you seeing in people and in systems that made you feel you had to act?
Lola: I was deeply engaged in church, community work, and youth development, and over time, a recurring and troubling pattern emerged.
I encountered many young people, particularly young girls, who were profoundly disconnected from their identity. They struggled to understand who they were, why they mattered, and how to navigate life with confidence, boundaries, and purpose.
Alongside this, I observed significant systemic gaps. Parents, teachers, and institutions were often doing their best, but many lacked the resources, capacity, or emotional tools to provide what young people truly needed.
The consequences of these gaps were serious: low self-esteem, harmful relationships, poor decision-making, and, in some cases, involvement with the criminal justice system.
I came to understand a simple but powerful truth: people cannot give what they do not have. Governments have limitations. Systems are imperfect. That is where social enterprise, faith-led leadership, and responsible civic action must step in.
Proudtobeme was born from a conviction that while we may not change the entire world, we can intentionally change lives, one person, one family, one community at a time.
CA: Interesting. Seeing those gaps clearly, Proudtobeme has since grown from a small community project into an international social enterprise working across the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana. What has that growth journey been like, and were there any key mentors or role models who guided you along the way?
Lola: The growth journey has been deeply fulfilling, but it has also been demanding and, at times, stretching. Expansion requires more than passion; it requires vision, structure, faith, resilience, and the courage to keep going when progress feels slow.
I have learned that sustainable growth is not linear; it is shaped by perseverance and learning through challenge. I have not walked this journey alone. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by mentors, peers, and collaborators who have encouraged, challenged, and inspired me.
Individuals such as Nikki Odubola, our dedicated directors across the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana, and respected peers including Diana Crouch OBE, Carol Akinwunmi MBE, Veronica Martins, and Yetroselane have all influenced my leadership journey.
I am particularly inspired by leaders who embody quiet excellence, those who build impact through integrity, consistency, and service rather than recognition or applause. Their example continually reminds me that sustainable leadership is rooted in values and purpose, not visibility.
CA: That journey of values-led growth rarely comes without strain. Starting a social enterprise across different countries comes with real challenges. What were some of the toughest moments in building Proudtobeme, and how did you navigate them?
Lola: Financial sustainability has undoubtedly been one of the most significant challenges. Running a social enterprise or non-profit requires the same discipline, systems, and accountability as a for-profit organisation, often with fewer resources and greater pressure.
There were moments of fundamental uncertainty, where I had to confront difficult questions: Would we have sufficient funding to continue? Could we sustain staff, programmes, and commitments?
Beyond finance, there were operational complexities, registration processes, regulatory requirements, cultural nuances, and bureaucratic hurdles across different countries. These moments tested patience, strategic thinking, and emotional resilience.
What sustained me through those seasons was vision. Proudtobeme was never designed to be a short-term project; it is legacy-driven. I am building something that must outlive me, something that continues to serve communities long after I am gone.
That belief, grounded in faith and purpose, has kept me focused even in moments of exhaustion, doubt, and uncertainty.
CA: And that legacy-driven mindset clearly shapes your leadership. How have your experiences and background shaped the way you show up as a leader and coach today?
Lola: My leadership style is profoundly shaped by lived experience. Being the first of five children in a single-parent household taught me responsibility, accountability, and resilience from an early age.
Losing my father young deepened my sense of purpose and strengthened my emotional resolve. Watching my mother make countless sacrifices instilled humility, perseverance, and gratitude.
Professionally, my experiences as a magistrate, school governor, trustee of a domestic violence charity, faith leader, and contributor to UN Women UK have broadened my understanding of both systems and people.
I have seen the realities behind policy decisions and the human stories behind statistics. As a result, I lead with empathy, accountability, and realism. I do not lead from theory, I lead from experience, informed by compassion and grounded firmly in faith.
CA: From bootcamps to women-led SME initiatives, you have chosen impact over visibility. What kept you grounded and motivated during the toughest early days?
Lola: I live by a principle that has guided both my life and leadership: life is about impact, not accumulation. If at the end of a year no one can thank God for your life, then you have not lived purposefully.
Visibility has its place; it enables reach and influence, but impact is what gives work meaning. What keeps me grounded is a constant awareness of where I come from and why I do what I do.
Everything I am and everything I have achieved is by the grace of God. That perspective keeps my ego in check and my focus firmly on service rather than recognition.
CA: Given that perspective, you also spend time coaching leaders at different levels. Alongside your social impact work, you coach senior leaders, entrepreneurs, and students. What everyday struggles do you see leaders facing behind the scenes that people rarely talk about?
Lola: One of the most common challenges I observe is a lack of self-awareness. Many leaders do not fully understand who they are, their leadership style, their emotional triggers, their strengths, and their blind spots. This is why I strongly advocate for tools such as DISC, MBTI, and structured coaching.
I also frequently encounter imposter syndrome, burnout, overconfidence, and ego-driven leadership. Many leaders attempt to carry everything alone, failing to delegate or seek support.
Others struggle simply because they lack a coach. Every leader, regardless of level, needs guidance, accountability, and space for reflection. Leadership without growth is not only unsustainable but also dangerous.
CA: Your focus on growth and self-awareness is also reflected in your writing. Your book If She Can, So Can You reflects a belief in small, brave decisions. What inspired you to write it, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
Lola: The book reflects my life journey, every role I have held, every challenge I have faced, and every lesson I have learned. Growing up in a single-parent household, navigating leadership, public service, faith, motherhood, and governance, all of these experiences shaped the narrative.
I wrote the book to remind people that progress begins with belief. Without self-awareness, emotional intelligence, faith, and a growth mindset, it isn’t easy to move forward in any meaningful way.
I hope that readers feel seen, encouraged, and empowered to take responsibility for their own growth and destiny, one brave decision at a time.
CA: As that message continues to reach more people, you’re also building for the future. What’s next for you and for Proudtobeme? Are there new directions, communities, or ideas you’re excited to explore?
Lola: We are entering an exciting season of strategic expansion and consolidation. We are exploring opportunities in Francophone West Africa, South America, and parts of Asia, while continuing to strengthen our existing presence in the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana.
At the same time, we are activating key initiatives, including our Lagos business centre, hot-desking space, gift shop, Proudtobeme Academy, awards platform, and international coaching and training programmes.
Our vision is to build a sustainable ecosystem that empowers individuals, supports enterprise, and generates long-term social impact on a global scale.
CA: Finally, for anyone quietly carrying leadership potential but doubting themselves, what one piece of advice would you offer?
Lola: I’d say, begin intentionally, courageously, and thoughtfully, but do not begin unprepared. Invest in your development. Understand who you are. Seek mentorship and coaching. Leadership is not about perfection; it is about growth, humility, and service.
You have been entrusted with potential for a reason. Do not sit on it. Prepare yourself, step forward with confidence, and commit to excellence. Leadership is not about position or title; it is about responsibility and impact.
