Leadership Journeys [195] - O J Adekoya - "We've built a culture that is very warm, effective and productive. "

Choosing Leadership with Sumit Gupta

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this episode, I sit down with O J Adekoya, CEO of Cecure Intelligence, to explore his remarkable journey from tech expert to empowering leader.

O J shares how he transitioned from focusing on technical skills to prioritizing people, crafting a leadership style that’s both visionary and compassionate.

We dive into the challenges he faced as an introvert in leadership and how he deliberately connects with his team to create an environment where they thrive.

His ambitious vision for bridging African tech talent with the global market offers insights for leaders looking to think beyond borders and embrace bold innovation.

If you're a leader navigating growth, balance, or unlocking your team's potential, this conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways..

You can find O J Adekoya at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ojadekoya/
• [e-mail]

In the interview, O J shares

• "Leadership isn’t about technical brilliance alone—it’s about vision and the resolve to empower others."
• "O J Adekoya’s journey from techie to leader is a powerful example of blending personal growth with visionary leadership."
• "Empowering people to thrive, both personally and professionally, lies at the heart of O J's leadership philosophy."
• "As an introverted leader, O J leverages quiet observation and deliberate connection to build genuine relationships."
• "O J Adekoya is on a mission to provide world-class technical talent from Africa to the global market, bridging a critical educational gap."
• "Leadership is not about position but about choice and impact—creating environments where people wait for Mondays, not Fridays."
• "Choosing leadership means stepping into the unknown, celebrating victories both small and large, and creating lasting impact."
• "O J’s vision for Cecure Intelligence aims to emulate the success of Asian tech giants by elevating African talent on a global stage."
• "Leadership, as O J demonstrates, is about empowering others and fostering environments where personal well-being is valued alongside professional success."
• "From his work as a CEO to his love for gardening, O J Adekoya embodies the balance of nurturing both people and ideas."