If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and stumbled on actionable business tips, smart marketing insights, or just a straight-up dose of strategy that makes you rethink how you show up online, chances are, you’ve met Adesola Adeyemi, the digital growth architect behind Bizlift.
With a sharp mind for strategy and a heart for helping businesses grow, Adesola is on a mission to make digital success simple and achievable for African entrepreneurs.
Through Bizlift, his digital marketing and business growth brand, Adesola has become a trusted voice for business owners looking to show up better, sell smarter, and scale faster, all while staying true to their unique story.
Recognized for his no-fluff, results-driven approach, Adesola is not just creating content, he’s building capacity, community, and confidence in the digital space.
In this interview, he takes us through his journey from a chemistry student to a digital powerhouse, and how he’s helping African entrepreneurs stop playing small.
CA: Adesola, you’ve had quite a remarkable journey. Truly inspiring! Can you take us back to where it all began? What led you to build something as impactful as Bizlift?
ADESOLA: Thank you. Honestly, it all started back in my final year at Ekiti State University, where I was studying Chemistry.
At the time, I began exploring social media, not for fun, but out of curiosity. I was fascinated by how people could build influence and earn online. That curiosity quickly turned into passion. I started helping friends promote their businesses, just testing different strategies.
Over time, I realized there was a serious gap, many Nigerian businesses were online, but not marketing effectively. That’s when Bizlift was born: to help brands grow through intentional digital strategy and media buying.
CA: Wow, that’s amazing. But breaking into the digital marketing space is no small feat. What was your journey like? Were there any key mentors or role models who helped guide you along the way?
ADESOLA: The journey was rough in the beginning. Resources were limited, and I had to learn a lot through trial and error. But I was intentional about studying global experts in the field, people like Neil Patel, Dan Henry, and a few Nigerian trailblazers as well.
I didn’t have direct access to mentors initially, but I followed their content religiously. Later on, I got the opportunity to work closely with some industry leaders here in Nigeria, and that helped me fast-track my growth.
CA: It’s really interesting how much dedication you put in, especially without access to mentors at first. Digital marketing is so competitive and ever-evolving. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you manage to navigate them?
ADESOLA: One of the biggest challenges was earning trust. In Nigeria, many people are skeptical about digital services. I had to prove myself over and over again, by delivering results, not just promises.
Another challenge was staying updated. The algorithms change frequently, so I made learning a daily habit.
I also invested in courses, communities, and tools even when it was financially inconvenient. Consistency and humility helped me stay afloat.
CA: That’s powerful. What kept you going, especially during those early days when things were really tough?
ADESOLA: Honestly, I just couldn’t imagine giving up. I was driven by the bigger picture, to build something meaningful that helps others. Seeing even small wins from clients kept me going.
Also, I come from a background where opportunities weren’t handed to you, you had to create them. That hunger for growth and impact kept me focused even when things were tough.
CA: Your story is seriously amazing. How has your background and experience shaped the way you create marketing strategies, and how you teach through Ads Academy?
ADESOLA: Because I started from scratch with zero funding, I understand what it means to build on a tight budget. That’s why my strategies are always practical and result-oriented. I don’t teach theory, I teach what works in the Nigerian context.
Ads Academy was built on that same principle: make learning simple, relevant, and actionable. My experience allows me to relate deeply with my students and guide them step-by-step.
CA: You’ve impacted so many businesses and trained a lot of aspiring media buyers, how does it feel knowing that your journey is paving the way for others? That must feel incredible!
ADESOLA: It’s humbling and fulfilling. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone go from complete confusion to confidently running campaigns and earning from it.
It’s a reminder that the struggles I went through were not in vain. I’m grateful that my story can inspire others and provide a blueprint for their success.
CA: Wow! That really resonates. From founder to mentor, you’ve become a guide for the next generation of digital marketers. What inspired you to take that route and start mentoring through Ads Academy?
ADESOLA: I know how lonely and confusing the journey can be, especially at the beginning. If someone had shown me the ropes earlier, I would have avoided a lot of costly mistakes.
That inspired me to be that guide for others, to shorten their learning curve. Ads Academy was created to democratize digital skills and make expert-level knowledge accessible to everyone.
CA: That’s honestly so inspiring. What’s next for you in your career? Any exciting projects we should be looking out for?
ADESOLA: We’re currently expanding Ads Academy to include advanced certification programs, and we’re partnering with more brands across Africa to create internship pipelines for our graduates.
Personally, I’m also working on a book that details the behind-the-scenes of my journey, from unknown to authority. It’s my way of giving back and preserving the lessons I’ve learned.
CA: That’s incredible! As someone deep in the world of social media and paid advertising, what’s one common misconception about media buying or digital marketing that you think needs to be cleared up?
ADESOLA: A lot of people think running ads is just about boosting posts and waiting for sales to roll in. That’s not how it works.
Media buying is strategic, it requires a deep understanding of your audience, the platform, the creative, and your offer. It’s not magic, it’s marketing. And you have to test, analyze, and refine constantly.
CA: So true. And lastly, for anyone out there dreaming of making an impact in the digital marketing space but unsure where to start, what’s one solid piece of advice you’d give them today?
ADESOLA: Start where you are, with what you have. Don’t wait for perfect tools or capital. Learn, practice, and stay consistent. The digital space rewards those who take action. And most importantly, stay teachable, because the moment you stop learning, you stop growing.
