Up Close with Olanrewaju Alaka, Life as a Leading Public Relations Maestro & Founder of Laerryblue Media

Olanrewaju Alaka is a visionary entrepreneur, renowned for his innovative & creative  approach to public relations and reputation management. As the Founder and CEO of Laerryblue Media, one of Nigeria’s leading PR agencies, he has spent over a decade empowering African businesses and CEOs to achieve global recognition. 

His impact extends beyond corporate borders through the Laerryblue Foundation, where he leverages his media expertise to amplify the voices of changemakers, NGOs, and youth empowerment initiatives. 

In this exclusive interview, Olanrewaju shares his journey, challenges, and insights into the future of African entrepreneurship.

CA: How would you describe yourself and your impact, especially for the African continent?

Olanrewaju: I see myself as a builder—of brands, connections, and opportunities. My work revolves around empowering African businesses and individuals to tell their stories effectively, both locally and globally.

Through Laerryblue Media, I’ve had the privilege of handling campaigns that redefine how African brands are perceived. Additionally, the Laerryblue Foundation focuses on amplifying the voices of changemakers, enabling them to reach wider audiences and make a tangible impact. My goal has always been to create platforms that inspire change and highlight the brilliance of Africa.

CA: Reflecting on your journey, what sparked your passion for your industry, and how has that passion evolved over time?

Olanrewaju: It started with my realization that visibility is power. Early in my career, I saw how a single news feature could transform lives. Someone could secure a job or land a contract just because their story was shared.

This inspired me to bridge the gap between brands and the media, especially for those who might not have the resources to engage expensive PR agencies.

Over time, this passion has evolved into a commitment to democratizing PR—making it accessible, impactful, and integral to marketing strategies.

CA: Can you share a pivotal moment or challenge that tested your resolve? How did you overcome it, and what did you learn?

Olanrewaju: Scaling Laerryblue Media was undeniably one of the most defining challenges of my career. The PR industry is fierce, and making a name requires more than just talent—it demands constant reinvention, creativity, and adaptability.

There were moments I questioned if we could keep up with larger, more established firms. I often found myself having to dig deep, reevaluate our strategies, and embrace innovation to stand out.

What got me through was a mix of academic grounding, mentorship, and an unyielding belief in relationships. My education gave me technical skills, but my mentors taught me how to navigate real-world challenges, offering perspectives that saved me from costly mistakes.

I also prioritized building meaningful connections—whether it was with clients, colleagues, or partners. For me, these relationships weren’t just transactional; they became the foundation of our growth. I learned that no matter how great your strategy is, the people around you make all the difference.

This journey taught me resilience and the value of continuous learning. Challenges are inevitable, but they also serve as opportunities to grow stronger and more focused.

CA: Your work is making a significant impact in your field. What motivates you to continue driving change, and how do you measure success?

Olanrewaju: For me, the motivation comes from the tangible impact our work creates. When I see a small business gain national recognition, or an NGO amplify its cause to secure critical funding, it reminds me why I started Laerryblue Media. The ability to help brands tell their stories and connect with their audiences is deeply fulfilling.

Success, however, is not just about hitting financial milestones. It’s about balance—delivering outstanding results for clients, cultivating a positive and inspiring workplace for my team, and making a meaningful contribution to society through initiatives like the Laerryblue Foundation.

Watching my team grow in their careers and seeing the ripple effect of our work on communities and individuals is what truly drives me. Success is not just an endpoint; it’s a continuous journey of making a difference while staying grounded in your values.

CA: How has your African heritage influenced your approach to work? Are there cultural values you incorporate professionally?

Olanrewaju: My African heritage is the bedrock of my work. Growing up immersed in a culture rich with resilience, storytelling, and a deep sense of community has shaped the way I approach challenges and opportunities.

I remember growing up in the city of Ibadan with visions, and a mission to serve and lead at the same time. That fueled my passion for Public Relations. I knew the influence of storytelling and how effective words travel.

PR, at its core, is about telling compelling stories and building connections, and Africa has a long tradition of using narratives to educate, inspire, and unite.

In my professional life, I draw on values like integrity, empathy, and collaboration—principles deeply rooted in our culture. I lead my team with a sense of shared purpose, where every voice matters.

The idea of “Ubuntu” resonates with me: “I am because we are.” This philosophy drives how I approach clients, partnerships, and team dynamics, always with a focus on collective success.

CA: What advice would you give to young Africans starting their journeys?

Olanrewaju: First, be intentional about your goals. Understand what drives you and where you want to go. Second, don’t underestimate the power of relationships. Building a network of supportive, like-minded individuals can open doors you never thought possible.

Challenges will come, from limited resources to societal skepticism, but resilience is key. Don’t let temporary setbacks define your journey. Instead, use them as fuel to innovate and push boundaries.

Finally, never stop learning. The world is evolving rapidly, and staying curious will keep you ahead. Be bold, be adaptable, and never forget where you come from. Your story is your power.

CA: Can you share some exciting projects you’re working on? What impact do you hope they’ll have?

Olanrewaju: Right now, we’re focused on expanding Laerryblue Media’s global footprint. We’re forging strategic partnerships with international platforms to amplify African brands, ensuring they gain the visibility, recognition, and value they deserve beyond the continent.

I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made so far. We’re currently working with major platforms such as the Africa Business Leadership & Investment Summit (ABLIS), GAHAwards,Global Entrepreneurship festival, amongst others.

Additionally, we’re collaborating with three high-profile magazines—Empire Magazine, Talented Women Network, and Intentional Magazine—as well as Crest Africa, a premier platform for celebrating African excellence.

Beyond media partnerships, we’re also building something truly innovative—a platform where brands can easily secure news features, just like ordering their favorite fashion items on ASOS. With just a few clicks, businesses—especially small ones—can access PR services and share their stories at affordable rates.

Through Pressdia, brands will also be able to submit their stories for us to pitch to top-tier global media platforms like BBC, Forbes, CNN, and more. This will be a game-changer, giving businesses of all sizes the opportunity to secure high-impact media placements that elevate their visibility and credibility.

The impact we aim for is clear—positioning African brands and voices on the global stage, opening doors for new opportunities, and driving narratives that inspire and influence.

Seeing how much we’ve grown, and how these amazing platforms and brands can partner with us, is truly humbling. 

Our goal is to continue bridging the gap between African brands and the global market, providing them with the visibility and recognition they deserve. We believe that every brand has a unique story to tell, and we’re committed to helping them tell that story to the world.

On the foundation side, we’re collaborating with NGOs to create visibility campaigns that bring attention to critical causes. These efforts aim to drive conversations that lead to action—whether it’s securing funding, influencing policy, or mobilizing communities.

For me, these projects are about more than just visibility; they’re about empowerment and rewriting the narrative for African brands and changemakers.

CA: Looking back, what partnerships have been instrumental in your journey?

Olanrewaju: Several collaborations have been pivotal, but the partnerships with organizations like MTN, Providus Bank, Tritek Consulting, Veritasi Homes, AutoGirl, Empire Homes, Coca-Cola, and Keystone Bank stand out.

These alliances allowed us to execute campaigns that showcased not just the potential of our agency but also the vibrancy and creativity of African excellence.

Mentorships and memberships in elite organizations have also been transformative. They’ve connected me to thought leaders, industry experts, and like-minded individuals, expanding both my horizons and my capacity to create meaningful impact. Each partnership has taught me something new, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in achieving success.

CA: What lesson has failure taught you?

Olanrewaju: Failure has been one of my greatest teachers. It has taught me to embrace vulnerability and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. One pivotal lesson is the importance of adaptability—being able to pivot when things don’t go as planned.

I’ve also learned that self-awareness is crucial. Understanding your strengths and limitations allows you to make better decisions and surround yourself with the right people.

Failure showed me the value of teamwork, communication, and celebrating small wins along the way. Most importantly, it reminded me to stay resilient. Every setback is a setup for a comeback.

CA: How do you see African entrepreneurs competing or collaborating globally?

African entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to thrive on the global stage. We have an abundance of talent, creativity, and untapped potential.

However, collaboration will be the key to unlocking this potential. By sharing resources, expertise, and platforms, we can overcome challenges and amplify our collective impact.

While competition exists, it’s important to see it as healthy and complementary. The global market is vast, and there’s room for everyone to succeed.

Entrepreneurs who embrace innovation, invest in networks, and remain adaptable will not just compete but thrive. African voices are powerful, and it’s time the world hears them in unison.

Olanrewaju Alaka’s journey shows the power of vision, resilience, and community. Through Laerryblue Media, he continues to reshape Africa’s communications landscape, and with the Laerryblue Foundation, he ensures that the voices of change-makers are heard. His story is one of innovation, empowerment, and an unyielding belief in Africa’s potential to lead on the global stage.