Lola Adesioye
We were thrilled when this multi-talented lady – activist, journalist, singer, political writer all wrapped in one – offered to share some nuggets of wisdom with us. Her recipe for happiness (and, we’re sure, to her success)? Be fearless, work hard, and knock on doors. We particularly loved that last nugget of wisdom because Lola takes is further by adding: “The doors usually open.” How true. And, when they don’t? Like Lola, we move on to and meet life’s next challenge.
1. Who is your hero and why? The planet is my hero. It’s just an amazing miraculous thing. When I watch nature, I am always fascinated by it; its force, its strength, its adaptability, its diversity… It is wonderfully creative, beautiful and sustains so much life (including us). I have so much respect for nature. We really must take better care of the planet!
2. What was your dream job when you were a child? I had a few dream jobs. I wanted to be a lawyer at first.. then a journalist… then I wanted to be a singer. I didn’t study law or journalism (although I was a music scholar) but advocacy, writing/media and music make up the central themes of my professional life.
3. Is there any motto you follow? What’s something that you think always holds true?
I have four.
1) “The best students get the hardest tests”. I have realized this throughout my education, throughout my career and pretty much in everything that I have done. I have also realized that everything that I have been through in my life that was particularly hard (and I’ve been through a lot) was just there to equip me to get stronger as a human being and become a better student of life. I actually really appreciate who the challenges have made me into – I’m a much better person because of them.
2) Whatever the mind can conceive it can achieve.
3) If at first you don’t succeed, try try and try again
4) What’s worth doing is worth doing well (this is one of my mother’s favourites)
4. What’s something your parents told you that turned out to be right? There are a few phrases that my parents used to say: My mum would always say, “The sky’s the limit” and “Patience is a virtue” (I didn’t really learn the last one very well). My dad used to get me to say “I can do it”. All of those I think are true and have stayed with me.
5. Give some advice to someone 10 years younger.
Trust yourself. Listen to your heart. Do what you want to do and what you’re passionate about, not what society/parents/friends think you should do. Enjoy your life, don’t take it for granted since it’s the only one life you’ll ever have, and make the most of every opportunity – you never know where it will lead. The thing you’re most afraid to do may just be the thing you need to do. Knock on those doors – they usually open! Ask questions, think critically and only do what is true to you in your own experience.
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