Temi Popoola: Talking about the things that truly matter

Dear Young Lady, break the glass ceilings. Do not quit because you are female. Remember that you are a role model yourself and for another lady somewhere.

If Temi isn’t at the firm, she is probably anchoring one of your favourite events. Listed recently on the Y Naija Power List she has become a force to be reckoned with, inspiring a generation of young powerful professionals who want to continue changing the world.

I don’t know any other way to say it than you inspire me and I am sure I am not the only one who is inspired by what you do, Temi. This is why I have been very inquisitive to know what pushes you? What wakes you up in the morning that makes you want to be better than you were yesterday?

There are so many things but you know, my faith, my big dreams, mentors, role models, friends and everyone who believes in me. They all inspire me to be better every day.

Journalism is not a career path, a lot of people would expect a Lawyer to get into, especially not after spending so many years in school. LOL. but you have once again said, “we can do everything we put our mind to”.Why journalism?

I enjoy public speaking, I have always loved it. Just as I enjoy, advocacy and moderating conversations. I usually describe my career as being at the intersection of Law and Media. When I was an undergraduate at the University of Ibadan. I was involved in the Faculty of Law Moot and Mock activities and I was also a Presenter at the University of Ibadan's radio station. I find both Law and Media to be interesting and I'm carving a niche here.

I like that, ‘owning your space’ Let us talk about the next-gen of leaders, people like you. It’s the International Youths Day. What do you need other young people like you to know? How can we change the country? How can we be better people?

I believe that young people like me can make a difference using the little platforms that we have. We shouldn't wait to achieve all our goals before we imbibe good values and start to make an impact in the lives of others. It starts with us. I encourage other young people not to allow the fear of failing to keep them from trying. Please ask yourself, 'What if i succeed?'

The girl-child and her career path. What are you saying to other young girls like you right now?

First, I say this to society: I believe that girls and boys should have equal access to opportunities and it's important that other people recognise this too.

“Dear Young Ladies, break the glass ceilings. Do not quit because you are female. Remember that you are a role model for another lady.”

Let your work be filled with excellence so that it will be difficult to ignore it. Let us cheer one another on.

It’s a complex world right now, nevertheless, we are all trying to keep pushing, you know to be better. What are you doing right now? Are you working on something new? And how are you keeping your mind sane at this moment?

There are opportunities even now and it's important to recognise them. For example, the event industry was affected by the pandemic and physical events were banned. I switched to hosting more high-profile virtual events with participants from different parts of the world. They include a Webinar on Women in Renewable Energy and Environment organised by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria and the largest EdTech conference in Nigeria organised by Edves.

I also founded the Voices and Faces Community for people who are interested in Public Speaking, Professional Branding and Networking and we have been learning together.

Due to popular demand, I host one-on-one and Group consultation and training sessions on Public Speaking, Professional Branding or LinkedIn optimisation for individuals and organisations.

Currently, I'm working on helping other Comperes monetise their passion for compering events. I'm hosting a Masterclass on the 22nd of August for this purpose and i enjoin all young Comperes and Panel Moderator to be a part of it. Here's the Registration Link if you wish to join. LOL!

Thank you so much for talking to me, Temi.

It is a pleasure anytime, Eni.