FOLAKE ODEDIRAN

Advocate| Leader| Loves God

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

Navigating Uncertainty: Leading When the Path Is Not Clear. This article explores how leaders navigate seasons of uncertainty, the fog, the inner compass, and the quiet moments that shape who we become. It includes a personal story that changed how I lead https://t.co/K35WTPACl8

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘 5 𝐨𝐟 5 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

Legacy is not noise.
It’s not performance.
It’s the quiet continuation of a life lived truthfully.

. https://t.co/GxDlDl666D

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

PURPOSE (4 of 5) — When the quiet becomes clear

Life often whispers before it speaks.
Sometimes it sounds like the quiet in your own heart…
other times like the soft rustling of a season shifting around you.
Purpose arrives this way - gently, steadily… https://t.co/OM6RkjhmQz

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

When life bends you, sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is bend with it.
Part 3 of 5 — Redefining

There are seasons when life bends you.
Not to break you, but to invite you into a different way of being
That’s the quiet beginning of redefining https://t.co/vqvgUINs95

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

You can look ready on the outside and still be ripening on the inside. That’s the truth about becoming.

Part 2 of 5 - Becoming: The Garden You Tend.

We don’t become in a moment.
Becoming is who you are growing into, the part that shapes what comes next.
https://t.co/X9WKBpffSO

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

Part 1 of 5 — IDENTITY

Last week, I shared a post introducing five mind shifts that have shaped my journey, not just in leadership, but in life. The response reminded me how universal these themes are, and how many of us are navigating similar questions. https://t.co/VNJ4gcOBGa

[Obi @ithinkobi25]

@sanofi @FolakeOdediran I personally have worked under @FolakeOdediran and I must say she is absolutely one of the best leaders I’ve ever met.

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

🦋 Struggle makes wings strong.
Grace is born in endurance.
Stay long enough to meet who you’re becoming.

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

Elevation is not just about being seen, it’s about being ready and readiness is forged in hidden places .

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

If the rules of the fight are stacked against you, you can’t stay in the ring. You’ve got to box your way out!
Your dreams are valid. Fight for it

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

Work of Becoming: Why Progress Demands We Stay https://t.co/maIIUrAsoC

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

It’s nothing less than the essence of leadership: inspiring others to believe—and enabling that belief to become reality.

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

Diary of an Olympic Volunteer.

I've just completed two unforgettable weeks volunteering at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The experience was unparalleled, and the lessons indelible.

On my first day at Bercy Arena during the Men's Gymnastics, customer service took on a new meaning when I used my open palms as a makeshift trash can for a tissue-soaked Coca-Cola. The boy's grateful smile and the warm 'Merci' from his father and other spectators will linger with me. My small act enhanced the spectator experience. Customer service is more about addressing immediate needs than following a predetermined plan.

Support system -. I witnessed athletes being cheered on by family, friends, and strangers alike as they confront their task.

It's your race - although we may be coached and supported, ultimately, we navigate life as individuals. This was clear as I watched a gymnast approach the Vault to face their challenge alone.

The gymnasts' stretches highlighted the undeniable potential of humans. We all stretch, whether as athletes, climbing the career ladder, or pursuing other endeavors.

Gymnasts who rise after a fall teach us the importance of adapting to the unexpected. Winning is about getting back up each time you're down.

The athletes' mastery reminds us that you reap the benefits of what you invest in life. Consistency trumps intensity.

Course correction - Athletes often assess and correct themselves. The ability to manage emotions and self-correct can make the difference between winning a medal or not.

The honor of a Nation - Carlos Yule, the gold medalist in the men's floor and Vault gymnastic events, showed that we are "all in."

The power of an opportunity - I saw how a moment could define everything as competitors lost balance on the beam as D’Amato Alice won the gold medal

The power of a comeback is exemplified by Simone Biles, the 11-time Olympic medalist, who triumphantly secured three gold medals and one silver, Departing with a heart brimming with joy.

Jordan Chiles' remarkable comeback from 5th place to a bronze medalist highlights the importance of going the extra mile.

Witnessing Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bow to Rebeca Andrade as she secured the gold medal in the women's floor Artistic Gymnastics was a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and sisterhood.

Trampoline gold medalist Bryony Page demonstrated that age is not a barrier by moving from 5th position in the qualifications to winning gold.

On Leadership: My volunteer experience has highlighted the importance of clear and concise communication in leadership roles.

Community: @sanofi colleagues staying at the same hotel swiftly formed a close-knit group, A heartfelt thank you to Martine, Alejandro, Olivia, Jasmine, Marcio, Corrie, and Natalia.

Thank you, @sanofi , for an unforgettable employee experience.
Thank you, Paris, for sharing your light!
#IgnitingPotential #Paris2024

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

Grace

Leadership is about inspiring belief in others and turning that belief into reality, which requires grace.

The poise of a dancer, the fluid motion of an athlete—true Grace is revealed under pressure, sometimes even fire.

Grace is the humble voice that reminds us, "It's not about you." It beckons us toward accountability, responsibility, and action. Indeed, the accountability we seek in others begins with ourselves.

When challenges arise and the path ahead is uncertain, grit drives us forward. It's the relentless determination that fortifies us against all odds. Yet, leading others demands more than just grit.

Grit answers to grace—the true ruler. In failure, grace reassures us that we will be more than okay—we will improve. In success, grace protects us from arrogance. What matters is our conduct, the legacy we create, and the feelings we evoke in others—our grace.

Consider moments of crisis. People observe who panics and who remains composed. They invariably focus on the individual radiating the confidence that 'everything will be okay.'

With this in mind, we must contemplate: Are we the ones people look to? Regardless of circumstances, do we possess the grit to remain graceful?

Reflecting separately, I recognize that Grace is also a name!

My Sunday morning reflections, inspired by my journey and Gary Burnison Book.

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

- Robert Frost

Daily, we encounter a split in our path: one route is easy, the other challenging. The guidepost at this juncture is character.

Character is often described as the sum of our actions when we are alone. It shapes our decisions and propels our deeds, which in turn, fuel our endeavors and outcomes.

The temptation to follow the crowd and do the bare minimum is ever-present. Yet, there are moments to stand out, driven by ambition and desire to excel.

This raises a question: Is it possible to streamline our efforts without compromising results, and without depriving ourselves of the growth from our experiences?

There is indeed a delicate equilibrium here, blending art with science.

Ironically, there are instances where taking a shortcut is the prudent choice. It's not about haphazardly skipping steps, but about consciously defying conventions.

It involves the courage to move beyond the past, particularly when conventional wisdom no longer holds.

Leadership, akin to life, is not straightforward. It's a journey filled with teachings in every turn, with the most significant insights often gained on the longer, winding path.

At life's crossroads, the path we choose varies. Yet, in moments of uncertainty, we let our character lead the way.

That is how we discover our less trodden path.

My Thursday reflections, inspired by Gary Burnison.
Korn Ferry CEO.

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

Life’s lessons from Beethoven

In an IE insights article by Christina Simón on lesson from Beethoven , Professor Cristina Simon reflects on the life lessons to be learned from the visionary composer’s stamina, innovation, and clear sense of purpose.

She concludes that In a figure that could seem so alien to us given the time in which he lived and his profile, we can pinpoint three important lessons that are relevant to our lives today: the definition of a life purpose, the constant desire to innovate by building on the lessons of the past, and the ability to be energetic in the face of adversity by seeing difficulties in a positive light.

Personally , I have spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on Beethoven 9th Symphony , which is widely regarded as one of the greatest compositions in the Western classical music canon. Not just its dedication to all of mankind and as a symbol of universal friendship, also its innovative structure, symphonic mastery, emotional depth, and influence. Particularly, because it voices the message of one who has risen beyond himself, beyond the world and beyond the time in which he lived

In his insightful TED Talk, Life Lessons from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the esteemed conductor Benjamin Zander propels us to transition from a mindset rooted in positivity to one that embraces possibilities.
"Positive thinking is a fraud and possibility is a language of creation”.

I don’t not know which reflections resonates deeply with you , but between Beethoven 9th Symphony, Simon article , Zander’s Ted talk and my personal reflections , there is a wealth of insights for today’s listeners.

We don’t need everything to do anything. !And yes, all the seats are not taken, we can still find our spot if we would be patient with ourselves and commit to the process .

⁃Folake

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

Flip the Script…
In his book Win the Day , Batterson reveals his strategy for excellence in seven habits. The first two habits deal with our past, ( Flip the script , kiss the wave) what we should forget and what we should remember. The next two habits deal with daily decisions. ( Eat the frog, Fly the kite), unleashing the power of a 24 hour day. The next two habits help us imagine tomorrow, ( Cut the rope, Wind the clock ), Taking risks and recognizing each moment is a gift from God. The last habit reminds us to seize the day because right now, this moment is all we've got.

My fascination is the order in which the habits are laid out ; Yesterday, today , tomorrow and finally “ Now’
You can’t just flip the calendar, you have to flip the script. If you want to change your life, you have to change your story.

Batterson argued that we tend to think of habits as external exercises , increase proficiency, practicing skills etc. whilst these are useful no doubt, the biggest habits are our internal monologues. The stories we tell ourselves day in and day out. Indeed, the stories you tell yourself is more important than the situations you find yourself and that’s how you flip the script

He suggests that winning the day isn’t about getting it right the first time... it’s about getting it right eventually.”
Imagine how much better life would be , if instead of obsessing over the past or worrying about the future, you set out to win today…every day.
Interesting, that’s some of my approach to life . After-all Destiny is not a mystery , destiny is a decision and you are one decision away from a totally different life .

I alluded to this in my recent post on staying consistent in our pursuit and playing the long game.
I think Vladimir puts it better
“There are decades when nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen” -Vladimir Ilyich Lenin

To flip the script , you have to know your name, fix your focus and change your story .

This reminds me of a quote from Clear in Atomic Habits
“Be the designer of your world and not merely the consumer of it. Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. Success is the product of daily habits—not once-in-a-lifetime transformations. When you can't win by being better, you can win by being different”.

This week, flip the Script !
- lake inspires

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

Gradually, Then suddenly !

That’s how you go bankrupt, it’s also how you become financially independent.
That’s how you win an Olympic medal and also how you achieve your dreams.

Almost anyone can accomplish anything if you work at it long enough, hard enough and smart enough.

It’s gonna take longer than you like and it’s probably be harder than you think .
But it’s gonna happen gradually , then suddenly.

You have to play the long game.
If you continue to do the right things day in and day out , God is gonna show up and show off.

At the 1984 Olympics men’s 100m freestyle , Rowdy Gaines from the United States won a gold metal and set an Olympic record of 49.8sec.
He trained 8 years for a race that would last not more than 1 minute .
He swam a total of 20,000 miles in training for a race that would last less than 50 seconds.

We cannot control suddenly, that’s the pay off, it’s the lag measure, the outcome but gradually is the input , it’s the lead measure , that’s the name of the game

For the journey is the destination!

It’s a new month , keep stretching.

[FOLAKE ODEDIRAN @FolakeOdediran]

My reflections as I watch the sun sets from my living room window.
It’s often said we are built to last!
What about built to C.H.A.N.G.E.?
Wired to respond to life’s challenges and seasons and not react .
Happy to share my musings

1. To run life’s race, you need to stay in your lane and find your pace . sometime you need to change that pace, slow down or race up depending on where you are at on your race
2. Change your paradigm - the way you see things , the way you think change your thinking - Be flexible
3. Change your perception- your philosophy on life. You need a different point of reference . Know your compass, what is true north in your life . If I ask you , what’s your true north what would you say?
4. Change your plans! :Be flexible and Release the breaks on your plans.
let God have His ways !

Tune out the world that is making you feel less than yourself .
Walk your walk and don’t define your life by external influences or other peoples experiences or even your changing circumstances .
Get a little out of your own head , your purpose is bigger than your pain
Greater is coming!

The sun is setting now , but it will be back up by tomorrow
- Láké inspires.