Tofunmi Akinseye, a seasoned Public Relations and Media Expert, has made remarkable strides in shaping the narrative of Nigeria and Africa on a global scale.

As the founder of Savvy Media, Savvy Magazine, and other innovative platforms, she has built a reputation as a dynamic force in the media industry.

Her journey, marked by creativity and resilience, reflects her passion for storytelling and reputation management. Most recently, her contributions earned her recognition in an interview with Funke Akindele. You will find more about that below.

CA: As a seasoned PR and media expert, what sparked your passion for storytelling and reputation management, and how has that passion evolved over time?

Tofunmi: My journey into storytelling began about 10 or 11 years ago during my third year at university when I launched a youth-focused magazine.

At the time, I was surrounded by young people doing extraordinary things in the face of scarcity and obscurity—people whose brilliance deserved recognition but rarely got it.

I felt it was important to tell their stories, to inspire others to chase their dreams, and to encourage those who had found purpose beyond themselves.

That drive to give a voice to the unsung was the spark that ignited my publishing career, culminating in 17 editions of Savvy Magazine.

Storytelling, I’d say, is the foundation of everything I do. Over time, I’ve earned the nickname “The Celebrity Storyteller”—not just because I’ve shared the tales of well-known figures, but also because I’ve brought unsung heroes into the spotlight.

Reputation management, however, became a natural extension of my craft as my business grew into the realm of public relations.

Here, storytelling took on a new dimension: creating perceptional value for brands and individuals through proactive, authentic narratives.

I’ve come to realize that storytelling isn’t just about capturing attention; it’s about building trust and shaping how people are perceived.

In today’s digital age, where controlling your narrative feels almost impossible, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for building a rock-solid reputation.

It allows brands to take both preventive and reparative measures—turning potential crises into opportunities for trust and connection.

It’s been an exhilarating journey, seeing how storytelling has evolved from simply inspiring individuals to becoming the backbone of reputation management in this dynamic, ever-connected world. Every story I tell reinforces one thing: stories don’t just entertain; they empower, shape, and redefine.

CA: Can you share a pivotal moment or challenge that tested your expertise in your journey for your magazine? How did you navigate the situation, and what did you learn from the experience? The journey of becoming and thriving as a publisher?

Tofunmi: Let’s just say it tested my resolve—and my expertise—at every turn. From day one, I faced challenges that stretched me beyond my limits.

The first hurdle was funding. Publishing is a capital-intensive industry, and I quickly realized I was biting off more than I could chew.

Getting enough advertisements to cover print costs, managing the logistics of creating quality content with credible sources, and sourcing contributors and celebrities? Let’s just say, none of it came with a handbook.

And then, there was the constant battle to stay ahead of the curve. The biggest lesson? Pivoting is survival. I spent way too much time, energy, and resources sticking to print when the world was clearly going digital.

Had I embraced the shift to digital media earlier, the outcomes would have been so much different. The signs were there, but hindsight is, as they say, 20/20.

Still, I see these experiences as more than just growing pains. They were a masterclass in resilience and adaptability. Each setback was a stepping stone, instilling in me the mindset and skills to navigate the often-harsh realities of building a brand and chasing purpose.

What I’ve learned? Challenges don’t define you—how you respond to them does. The resolve to push through and the ability to pivot when necessary aren’t just survival tools; they’re the keys to growth.

These lessons have shaped not just the publisher I am today but the storyteller and brand-builder I continue to become.

CA: Your work is making a significant impact in the African media landscape. What drives you to continue driving change, and how do you measure the success of your PR campaigns?

Tofunmi: Thank you! What truly drives me is the power of storytelling to create lasting change. From my early days as a publisher, I’ve seen how untold stories—especially those of unsung heroes—can inspire action, reshape perceptions, and ignite purpose in others.

For me, every PR campaign is a chance to amplify voices, rewrite narratives, and influence how African stories are seen and valued globally. That sense of purpose keeps me going.

When it comes to measuring success, I believe in a balance between tangible and intangible outcomes. Of course, metrics like media reach, engagement rates, and client visibility are critical indicators.

But beyond the numbers, success for me is about impact: Are we sparking meaningful conversations? Are we shifting perceptions? Are we building trust and loyalty for the brands we represent?

Ultimately, success is measured by the lasting value we create—whether it’s helping a brand solidify its reputation, transforming a crisis into an opportunity, or inspiring individuals through compelling narratives.

When our work resonates beyond the campaign and leaves a lasting impression, that’s when I know we’ve truly made an impact.

CA: How do you believe your African heritage and upbringing have influenced your approach to storytelling and reputation management?

Tofunmi: My African heritage is the heartbeat of my storytelling. Growing up in a continent rich with oral traditions, vibrant cultures, and resilient spirits, I learned early on that stories are not just words—they are lifelines. They carry history, ignite hope, and shape identities.

In my approach to storytelling and reputation management, I lean on the African way of weaving narratives with depth, warmth, and authenticity.

We don’t just tell stories; we bring them to life, ensuring they resonate on a soul level. And just like the griots of old who preserved legacies, I see my role as crafting narratives that stand the test of time—stories that honor truths while inspiring possibilities.

When it comes to reputation management, my upbringing taught me that respect and trust are earned, not given. In Africa, we’re taught to value relationships, to listen more than we speak, and to handle challenges with grace.

That’s exactly how I approach managing reputations: with proactive storytelling, a deep respect for context, and an unshakable focus on building trust.

In a world that often underestimates African narratives, I see every story as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, celebrate resilience, and showcase the brilliance of our people and brands. My heritage isn’t just an influence; it’s my superpower.

CA: What advice would you give to young African PR professionals, especially women like you that are just starting out on their own journeys? What are some common challenges they may face, and how can they overcome them?

Tofunmi: My advice to young African PR professionals, especially women. Hmmm! Learn the ropes and embrace every opportunity to grow—be it through internships, a 9-to-5 job, or freelance projects, even when they’re unpaid or underpaid in the beginning. Those early experiences aren’t just tasks; they’re the building blocks of confidence, professionalism, and discipline.

Develop an insatiable appetite for feedback; it’s the secret sauce to improvement.
Build a growth mindset and understand that no one is coming to rescue you—so become your own superhero. Integrity and truthfulness should be your compass, and client retention your north star. Don’t just land clients; nurture relationships that keep them coming back.

As women, you’ll face unique challenges. Navigating personal and business relationships while maintaining professionalism is one of them.

Master your emotional intelligence—it’s your silent superpower. Learn to approach situations with poise, diplomacy, and strategic thinking.

And please, don’t let gender-based limitations define you. Society may try to box you in, but break out and break through. Strive to become a well-rounded individual who can command any room, challenge norms, and deliver excellence.

Above all, remember this: your journey won’t always be smooth, but every bump is a lesson, and every victory—big or small—is proof that you’re on the right track. Keep at it; the African media landscape is waiting for your magic.

CA: Can you tell us about some exciting projects or initiatives you’re working on? How do you see them impacting the African media industry?

Tofunmi: Exciting Projects and Their Impact on the African Media Industry
I’ve had the privilege of working on some truly thrilling projects that fuse creativity, culture, and strategy, redefining how African narratives are told. For instance, collaborating with Filmhouse

Cinemas have been a journey of innovation—infusing Africanism into international stories through experiential marketing and strategic communications.

From the West African premieres of Black Panther and Barbie to Avatar, we’ve provided strategic content marketing, media amplification, and more to create unforgettable moments for audiences.

Another standout moment was spearheading the ₦1 Billion Celebration of Funke Akindele’s historic box office milestone. We managed guest curation, communication strategies, and media amplification in collaboration with GAC Motors, turning the event into a resounding celebration of African excellence in film.

One project close to my heart is the See Naija Initiative powered by MTN—a vibrant celebration of Nigeria’s rich culture. We handled everything from digital PR to content creation, influencer marketing, guest management, and media amplification.

Seeing the initiative inspire pride in our heritage while sparking conversations about our unique identity was incredibly fulfilling.

I’ve also championed initiatives for young creatives, like the Savvy Media Masterclass, which connects top content creators with emerging talents for free.

From training the next generation to orchestrating Google and Facebook partnerships for SMEs, I’m passionate about empowering others to grow.

And through our digital magazine, I’ve had the honor of spotlighting young Nigerians whose contributions are putting Nigeria on the global map.

Looking ahead, my dream is to amplify Brand Nigeria on a global stage, reshaping narratives and telling stories that celebrate our resilience, creativity, and diversity.

Africa has so much to offer the world, and I’m committed to ensuring our voices are heard in ways that are nuanced, authentic, and powerful. The future of African media is bright, and I’m thrilled to be part of the journey.

CA: Looking back, what partnerships or collaborations have been instrumental in your journey? How have they helped shape your approach to PR and media relations?

Tofunmi: Looking back, I’d say the foundation for my journey was laid early on when I became a publisher at a young age. It was my crash course in understanding the media landscape, almost like being handed a backstage pass to the world I’d later navigate professionally.

That experience, combined with five years of working a 9-to-5 in marketing, gave me a solid toolkit—everything from strategy to relationship-building—that’s been invaluable in PR and media relations.

Then came the game-changers: collaborating with global brands like MTN and Filmhouse Cinemas. These partnerships didn’t just raise the bar—they catapulted it.

They taught me the art of delivering excellence, no excuses, and gave me a masterclass in storytelling on a grand scale. Each project with them felt like unlocking a new level of creativity and strategic thinking.

Ultimately, every collaboration, big or small, has shaped my approach, teaching me that PR isn’t just about pushing a narrative—it’s about crafting experiences that resonate, inspire, and stick.

And the journey? Well, it’s been as much about building relationships as it’s been about building stories.

CA: How do you see African media professionals competing or collaborating on a global stage? What opportunities or challenges do you think they’ll face, and how can they prepare?

Tofunmi: African media professionals are already stepping onto the global stage, and I believe they are poised not just to compete but to collaborate in ways that redefine the narrative.

Our edge lies in the richness of our stories, the authenticity of our voices, and our unique ability to weave culture, history, and innovation into compelling narratives.

The opportunities are vast—global brands are hungry for authentic, nuanced storytelling, and African media professionals are natural storytellers.

From the vibrancy of Nollywood to the creative genius behind Afrobeats, we’ve proven we can tell stories that resonate universally.

The challenge now is maintaining integrity and accountability as we scale. The world is watching, and our ability to stay true to our roots while adapting to global standards will set us apart.

We also need an appetite for excellence that knows no compromise. In a global arena, thoroughness isn’t optional—it’s the currency.

Understanding and respecting geographical and cultural differences is another key ingredient. The more we embrace new perspectives, the more collaborative opportunities we’ll unlock.

But let’s not forget: the greatest challenge is also our greatest opportunity—redefining perceptions. For too long, Africa’s story has been told by others. Now, we’re rewriting that script, one project, one partnership, and one powerful narrative at a time.

To prepare, we need to stay curious, adaptable, and grounded. Hone your craft relentlessly, build networks rooted in trust and collaboration, and carry a deep sense of responsibility for the stories you tell. The global stage isn’t just a competition—it’s a canvas. And African media professionals are painting a masterpiece.

CA: What’s one lesson you’ve learned from a PR challenge or failure, and how has it shaped your approach to crisis communications and reputation management?

Tofunmi: One of the most eye-opening lessons I’ve learned in PR came from navigating a major crisis with a client—a crisis that was trending heavily on social media.

It was a masterclass in how dangerous a one-sided story can be, especially when amplified by popular voices. It taught me that popularity doesn’t equal truth, and convenience often trumps curiosity in how people consume narratives.

The real revelation? The media space, with all its potential for mischief, doesn’t operate in isolation. It thrives on an audience with itchy ears—ready to believe what sounds good, even if it’s far from accurate. This experience reshaped my approach to crisis communications and reputation management.

Now, I operate with a laser focus on integrity and balance. The first step is to ensure that the client’s truth is clear, compelling, and out there—no room for gaps that speculation can fill.

Then comes patience and persistence, because swaying public opinion takes time, but the truth, when handled well, has staying power.

That challenge was a reminder that PR isn’t just about managing perceptions; it’s about shaping the conversation with courage and clarity, even when the odds—or the hashtags—are stacked against you.

CA: As a media leader, what legacy do you hope to leave in the African media industry?

Tofunmi: As a media leader, the legacy I hope to leave in the African media industry is one that sparks both transformation and inspiration.

I want to champion the art of nuanced storytelling—the kind that doesn’t just reflect where we are but boldly reimagines where we can be. It’s about telling the futuristic African dream, weaving narratives that aren’t afraid to dream big and break molds.

For young women in media, I hope to be a lighthouse, guiding them to discover a passion for storytelling that transcends material gains.

It’s not just about the bylines or the accolades—it’s about finding and reshaping themselves through stories that matter, stories that move the needle.

I want to create a blueprint—a practical, sustainable roadmap for success in the African media landscape. One that balances creativity with strategy, passion with discipline, and innovation with integrity.

If the stories I’ve helped shape, the people I’ve inspired, and the paths I’ve cleared can serve as stepping stones for the next generation, then that’s the kind of legacy worth leaving.

This interview offers a glimpse into Tofunmi’s inspiring journey—a blend of challenges, growth, and unwavering commitment to her craft.

Her story reminds us that passion, when coupled with purpose, can create ripples of impact far beyond borders. Through her work, Tofunmi continues to elevate African stories, ensuring they are celebrated and valued on a global stage.