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Lola Owolabi, FRSA, FInstLM: A Transformational Force in Leadership and Empowerment

Lola Owolabi is a trailblazing transformational leadership coach, certified mediator, and empowerment advocate whose impact spans over 15 years of inspiring change and excellence. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (FInstLM), Lola has dedicated her career to empowering women and girls to rise above challenges and unlock their potential.

As the Founder and Director of Proudtobeme, she has created life-changing programs that build confidence and resilience in young women. Her global Empower Tours Project seamlessly blends wellness and leadership development. Her influence extends to organizations such as the Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network and prestigious platforms like London and New York Fashion Weeks, where she champions African creatives.

Numerous awards, including the Chrislit Book Award and the British Citizens Award, have recognized Lola’s enduring mission of inspiring, empowering, and leading by example, guiding individuals and communities toward excellence and transformation.

What inspired you to pursue a career in leadership coaching and personal empowerment, particularly for women and girls?

Growing up in a single-parent family as the first of five children was a defining experience. It was a challenging journey, one that shaped my resilience and determination. As the eldest child, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of navigating life with limited resources and the weight of responsibility.

Those early struggles ignited a deep desire in me to overcome my circumstances and help others rise above theirs. As life began to improve, I felt a strong calling to empower others, particularly women and girls, who often face unique challenges.

I saw leadership coaching and personal empowerment as tools to break cycles of self-doubt and limitation. By equipping individuals with confidence, skills, and a renewed sense of purpose, I realized I could help them rewrite their stories and unlock their potential.

This mission became deeply personal to me because I understood the importance of having someone believe in you, guide you, and help you see possibilities beyond your current struggles. My experiences gave me the empathy, passion, and drive to create programs and initiatives that inspire women and girls to dream big, push boundaries, and achieve greatness.

As the Founder and Director of Proudtobeme, what key challenges have you encountered in empowering young women, and how have you overcome them?

As the Founder and Director of Proudtobeme, one of the biggest challenges I have faced is helping young girls deal with low self-esteem. Many of them do not want to admit they are struggling with it. Instead, they hide behind a fake image of confidence. They often have unrealistic ideas of life, are influenced by social media, and lack good role models. Many are not ambitious and don’t believe they can achieve much.

To address this, I show them there is more to life than they think. I create programs, share inspiring stories, and introduce them to positive role models who teach them that hard work, focus, and self-belief can change their lives. These role models help them see that their dreams are valid and achievable.

Another big challenge is finding funding to run projects for these girls. The work requires resources, and securing support is not always easy. I handle this by building relationships with organizations and individuals who believe in our mission. I also share the success stories of the girls we’ve helped to show the impact of what we do and encourage others to support us.

Even with these challenges, the work is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing a young girl believe in herself, dream bigger, and take bold steps toward her goals makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s a reminder that even small changes can lead to significant transformations.

Could you elaborate on your vision behind the Empower Tours Project and how these retreats are designed to blend wellness with leadership development?

The vision behind the Empower Tours Project is deeply rooted in creating opportunities for women, particularly those from BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) backgrounds, to experience personal and professional growth in ways they may never have imagined. Many of these women have limited exposure to the broader world, and this project seeks to change that by giving them a chance to step outside their everyday environments, experience new cultures, and discover their potential in a refreshing, empowering setting. The impact of these retreats on their personal and professional growth is profound, often leading to significant transformations in their lives.

These retreats are intentionally designed to blend wellness with leadership development. The idea is to provide women with a much-needed chance to relax, refocus, and retreat—three pillars essential for renewal and growth. Each retreat includes one-on-one coaching sessions tailored to boost participants’ careers, mental resilience, and confidence. This personalized coaching helps participants identify their strengths, set clear goals, and develop strategies to overcome challenges in their professional and personal lives.

Beyond individual growth, the retreats emphasize leadership development through exposure and experiential learning. Being in a new environment opens their minds to new possibilities, perspectives, and ways of thinking. They learn to appreciate diversity and build critical skills like team building, bonding, and conflict resolution, which are essential for effective leadership.

Moreover, these retreats foster a sense of community among women. Through shared experiences, they learn from each other’s stories, strengths, and struggles. This connection helps build trust and collaboration, encouraging them to take these lessons into their workplaces and communities. It’s about creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Ultimately, the Empower Tours Project is about helping women unlock their full potential. It’s about showing them the world, exposing them to new opportunities, and giving them the tools to become stronger leaders, better collaborators, and more confident individuals. The impact of this project is truly inspiring and offers hope for a brighter future.

Your book, If She Can So Can You, is widely regarded for its inspirational message. What do you hope readers take away from your book and speaking engagements?

My book, If She Can, So Can You, conveys hope and possibility. I want readers to realize that greatness lies within them and that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. The book has stories and lessons to inspire people to push through challenges and believe in their potential.

The core message is simple: if others can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams, then nothing can stop you from doing the same. It reminds us that the barriers we often see are more about mindset than reality.

Through my speaking engagements, I aim to reinforce this message, encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones, embrace their strengths, and take bold steps toward their goals. I want my audience to leave feeling empowered, knowing that the journey to success starts with self-belief and the courage to act. The possibilities are endless if you believe in yourself and are willing to work for it.

You have received numerous accolades, including the Chrislit Book and British Citizens Award. How do these recognitions fuel your motivation to continue your work?

Recognition powerfully validates the work I do. It reminds me that the efforts, time, and dedication I have invested are making a real impact.

It is not just about the awards themselves but what they represent: adding value to others’ lives and creating meaningful change. Knowing that my work is being noticed and appreciated motivates me to keep going and push even harder for greatness.

These recognitions also remind me that the journey is about personal achievement and inspiring others. They show that pouring your heart into something and remaining consistent can create ripples of change. For me, every award fuels a more profound commitment to empowering others, especially women and young people, to unlock their potential and embrace their greatness.

How do you envision the future of women’s leadership, and what strategies do you believe are most important in fostering inclusive environments for women in business?

I envision a future where women are empowered to step into leadership roles confidently, starting from a young age. I see a world where young girls are shown early on that they can achieve greatness and where older women step up as mentors, coaches, and supporters to guide the next generation. 

One of the most critical strategies is starting early, introducing leadership concepts to girls in primary schools, and showing them what is possible. We need to help them focus beyond the traditional ideals of fashion, appearance, and societal expectations and instead nurture their intelligence, skills, and unique contributions. The emphasis should shift to what women can bring regarding ideas, solutions, and leadership.

Encouraging women to enter STEM fields is particularly important, as these sectors often lack female representation. Promoting female-centric courses, creating more visible role models, and offering tailored support can open doors for more women to excel.

Fostering inclusive environments for women in business requires a deliberate effort to provide opportunities, challenge stereotypes, and create safe spaces where women feel valued and supported. By combining mentorship, early exposure, and a focus on intelligence and innovation, I believe we can pave the way for a future where women thrive as leaders in every sphere.

What advice would you give young women aspiring to become leaders in their communities or fields, especially those facing personal or professional obstacles?

My advice to young women aspiring to become leaders in their communities or fields is simple: keep going, no matter the challenges. The leadership journey is not always easy, but it is worth it. Start by learning from others who have walked the path before you; read their stories, study their strategies, and draw inspiration.

Invest in personal development. Leadership begins with self-growth, so take time to build your skills, expand your knowledge, and work on becoming an expert in your field. Confidence comes from competence; the more equipped you are, the more prepared you will feel to take on challenges.

Find a mentor who can guide you, share your experiences, and offer support. Joining women’s organizations or networks can also provide a sense of community and open opportunities for collaboration and growth. The earlier you start, the better—don’t wait for the “perfect time.” Start small if you must, but start now.

Finally, do not shy away from coaching. Professional coaching can help you identify your strengths, overcome self-doubt, and develop the confidence to lead. Remember, every great leader starts somewhere, and with determination, preparation, and the proper support, you can rise above any obstacles and become the leader you aspire to be.

Given your diverse initiatives, from coaching to fashion and community service, what drives you to innovate and push boundaries constantly?

What drives me to innovate and push boundaries constantly is the deep desire to fully utilize every gift and talent within me for the betterment of humanity. Our abilities are not just for personal gain—they are meant to impact lives, uplift communities, and leave a legacy. For me, it is about making sure that everything I have been blessed with is poured into the world meaningfully.

Whether through coaching, fashion, or community service, my goal is to create opportunities, inspire others, and make a difference. I want to live purposefully and die empty, knowing that I have given my all and left nothing undone. That vision fuels my passion for taking on diverse initiatives and constantly finding new ways to empower and uplift others.

Looking back on your journey, what has been the most rewarding moment in your career, and what continues to inspire you to empower others?

One of the most rewarding moments in my career was mentoring and coaching nine fashion designers to showcase their designs at New York Fashion Week. Watching them walk the runway, confident and proud of their creations, was a marvelous and unforgettable experience. Knowing I played a role in helping them reach that stage was a moment of pride not just for them but also for me.

What continues to inspire me is the realization that my life is not just about personal gain or success; it is about making an impact, inspiring others, and creating opportunities, especially for women. My purpose is deeply rooted in empowering humanity, particularly the female kind. Seeing others rise, thrive, and achieve their dreams fuels my passion and reminds me why I do what I do. 

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