Kikelomo Opatola: Your value comes from who you are, the lives you touch and the difference you make.

I know a career woman whose career spans over 18 years, working across FMCG, healthcare, beauty and wellness and presently, manufacturing. She willingly embraced the unfamiliar because she knows that is how growth happens. This woman is none other than Kikelomo Opatola, MPH, B.Tech, PMP, EQ, AI Certified, the Executive Leader at Industrial and Medical Gases. She might have worked in different industries that appear unconnected; however, she understands they all have the people element. Something she loves because of her passion for creating value and making an impact.

The facts don't lie. Based on logistics, Kikelomo has performed exceptionally in her chosen fields, generating 8.37 billion in revenue, achieving a 90% profit target, 2X asset base growth, 30% reduction in overdue debt via predictive financial modelling, strategic execution of a gas-to-liquid project, amongst other achievements.

Surprisingly, her defining moments didn't come from her achievements, but from challenging situations she would have easily thrown in the towel. Kikelomo is not one of the contacts that stress you because she knows what she wants. When Omote Ro Dhe requested to interview her, she did her due diligence and willingly obliged. I don't take this for granted because she could have been doing other things, but she chose to give her time to make this happen. Congratulations to both of us as we are both 'graduates' of the Digital Lion Program courtesy Alibaba Global Initiatives and Africa Business Heroes. We got to know we were selected for the program and finished together...yass!!!. Now we know like-minded people always have a way of coming together.

From the mouth of this Amazon comes so much wisdom, knowledge and experience that this feature had to get enough space to contain. 

Read excerpts from this comprehensive interview below: 

Please can you tell us about yourself and the journey that has shaped your career across multiple industries?

My name is Kikelomo Opatola, and if there's one thing my journey has taught me, it's that growth often begins with the courage to embrace the unfamiliar.

When I look back, I don't see a career built on titles or industries—I see a journey of purpose, resilience, and reinvention.

Over the past 18 years, I've had the privilege of working across FMCG, healthcare, beauty and wellness, and now manufacturing. On paper, those industries seem worlds apart. But for me, they've always been connected by one thing: people. Whether I was helping consumers make healthier choices, supporting healthcare solutions, leading commercial growth, or advocating for skin health, my passion has always been about creating value and improving lives.

One of the most defining moments of my career came when I made the decision to leave an industry I knew so well and step into manufacturing. It was intimidating. I had to learn a completely new language, understand technical products, and earn credibility in a space where I was starting from scratch. There were moments of doubt, but I reminded myself that every expert was once a beginner. That decision stretched me in ways I never imagined, and today I serve as the Assistant General Manager, Sales & Marketing at Industrial & Medical Gases Nigeria Plc.

Beyond my corporate career, another part of my story is deeply personal. My passion for skincare and wellness led me to establish Skintervention Africa. What began as an interest in skincare evolved into a mission to promote skin health as a public health issue. Through community outreach, education, and initiatives like the Feed A Child Skin Movement, I've seen firsthand how knowledge can restore confidence, improve well-being, and transform lives.

I also enjoy creating platforms that educate and inspire. I am the Publisher of Skin Beauty Plus Magazine, the creator of the LEAfied Leadership Practitioner Diary, and the author of Becoming Woman, a reflective book that encourages women to embrace growth, purpose, and authenticity. Seeing Becoming Woman reach readers through Selar has been especially meaningful because it extends the conversation beyond leadership and career into personal transformation and intentional living.

Every chapter of my journey has taught me something different: resilience through change, empathy through serving people, courage through taking risks, and humility through starting over.

If there's one lesson I hold close, it's this: you don't have to fit into one box to make an impact. Sometimes your greatest strength is your willingness to evolve, to keep learning, and to answer the call to serve wherever your gifts are needed.

Today, I see my career not as a collection of different roles, but as one continuous story of growth, service, and impact. Whether I'm leading a commercial team, advancing skin health awareness, writing to inspire women, or developing future leaders, my goal remains the same—to leave every person, organisation, and community better than I found them.

And I'm still writing the next chapter.

Looking back on your 18-year career, what defining moments have had the greatest impact on your professional growth?

When I reflect on my 18-year career, I realise that the defining moments weren't always the promotions or the milestones people celebrate. They were the moments that stretched me, challenged my confidence, and forced me to grow.

One of those moments was choosing to leave the familiarity of the FMCG industry after many successful years and transition into manufacturing. It wasn't a comfortable move. I had to learn an entirely new industry, understand technical products, and prove myself all over again. There were times I questioned whether I had made the right decision, but looking back, it became one of the best decisions of my career. It reminded me that growth often begins where certainty ends.

Another defining moment was discovering that my purpose extended beyond the corporate boardroom. My passion for skincare and wellness gave birth to Skintervention Africa, where I began advocating for skin health as a public health issue. What started as a personal interest has grown into a platform that educates communities, promotes preventive skin health, and restores confidence to people who often suffer in silence. That journey taught me that true leadership is about using your expertise to create impact beyond your job title.

Leadership itself has also shaped me. Managing teams across different industries has shown me that results are important, but people matter even more. I've learned that empathy, listening, and developing others create far more sustainable success than simply achieving targets. Some of my proudest moments are not the numbers we've delivered but the people I've mentored, the careers I've influenced, and the confidence I've helped build in others.

Perhaps the greatest lesson of all has come from embracing reinvention. Every new season of my life has required me to become a different version of myself—more resilient, more adaptable, and more intentional. I've learned not to fear starting over because every new beginning has expanded my capacity to lead and serve.

Looking back, I don't define my career by the industries I've worked in. I define it by the lives I've touched, the challenges I've overcome, and the courage to keep saying "yes" to growth, even when the path ahead wasn't clear.

Your profile speaks about moving from vision to value. What does that phrase mean to you personally?

For me, moving from vision to value is about ensuring that ideas don't remain dreams—they become solutions that create meaningful impact.

I've always believed that having a vision is only the beginning. The real work lies in translating that vision into actions that improve lives, transform organisations, and leave lasting value.

Throughout my career, whether in FMCG, healthcare, manufacturing, or beauty and wellness, I've consistently asked myself one question: How can this idea create value for people? That mindset has shaped the way I lead.

For example, at Industrial & Medical Gases Nigeria Plc, it's not just about growing revenue; it's about building stronger customer relationships, driving innovation, empowering teams, and creating sustainable business growth.

The same philosophy inspired me to establish Skintervention Africa. What began as a passion for skincare evolved into a movement advocating for skin health as a public health priority. It wasn't enough to simply raise awareness—I wanted to create education, community outreach, and practical interventions that improve lives.

I've also carried this principle into leadership development through the LEAfied Leadership Practitioner Diary, because I believe leadership should produce measurable growth, not just inspiring conversations.

Personally, moving from vision to value means refusing to let purpose remain an idea. It means taking responsibility for turning passion into action, strategy into results, and opportunities into lasting impact.

At the end of the day, I don't want to be remembered simply as someone who had great ideas. I want to be remembered as someone who turned those ideas into value—for businesses, for communities, and for the people whose lives I had the privilege to touch.

What leadership principles have remained constant throughout your career, regardless of industry or role?

One thing I've come to appreciate over the years is that industries may change, markets may evolve, and job titles may come and go, but the principles that define great leadership remain timeless.

For me, the first is purpose. I've never wanted to lead simply to achieve targets or hold a position. I've always wanted my work to create value—for the organisation, for the people I lead, and for the communities I serve. Purpose has been my compass through every transition in my career.

The second is integrity. Trust is the foundation of leadership. Whether you're negotiating a business deal, leading a team through change, or making difficult decisions, people need to know that your words align with your actions. I've learned that credibility is built over time but can be lost in a moment.

Another principle is continuous learning. Moving across industries taught me that no one ever truly arrives. Every new role has required me to become a student again. I've learned to embrace curiosity, ask questions without fear, and remain open to new ideas. That willingness to learn has been one of my greatest strengths.

I also believe deeply in servant leadership. The best leaders don't create followers—they develop other leaders. Some of my proudest achievements are not the business results we've delivered, but the people I've mentored, the confidence I've helped build, and the opportunities I've created for others to grow.

Finally, I believe in courage. Leadership often requires making difficult decisions, stepping into unfamiliar territory, and choosing growth over comfort. My transition into manufacturing, launching Skintervention Africa, and balancing corporate leadership with community impact all required courage. Looking back, every bold decision became a stepping stone to a greater purpose.

If I were to summarise my leadership philosophy in one sentence, it would be this:

Leadership is not about being the most important person in the room; it's about making the greatest difference in the lives of the people in the room.

That belief has remained constant throughout my career, regardless of the industry, the role, or the season of life.

How important is technology in driving business growth and operational efficiency today?

Technology is no longer just a support function—it has become one of the most powerful drivers of business growth, innovation, and operational efficiency. Regardless of the industry, organisations that embrace technology are better positioned to make informed decisions, respond quickly to market changes, improve customer experiences, and remain competitive.

Interestingly, my appreciation for technology began long before digital transformation became a business imperative. With a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Project Management Technology, I was trained to think systematically—to understand how strategy, people, processes, and technology come together to deliver sustainable results. Looking back over the decades since I left university, I now see more clearly how that foundation shaped my mindset. It taught me to view technology not merely as a tool, but as a strategic enabler of innovation, efficiency, and long-term value creation.

Throughout my career, I've seen firsthand how digital transformation can reshape the way businesses operate. In my current role as Assistant General Manager, Sales & Marketing at Industrial & Medical Gases Nigeria Plc, technology has enabled us to improve sales visibility, strengthen customer engagement, optimise business processes, and make faster, data-driven decisions. It has shifted the conversation from simply working harder to working smarter.

Beyond the corporate world, technology has also transformed the way I create impact through Skintervention Africa. Digital platforms have enabled us to extend skin health education beyond physical communities, reach thousands more people through awareness campaigns, provide virtual consultations, and advocate for skin health as a public health priority. Technology has become a bridge that connects knowledge with the communities that need it most.

My passion for continuous learning has also led me to explore Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, because I believe the future belongs to leaders who can combine data, technology, and human insight to solve complex problems and create meaningful impact.

I also believe technology is transforming leadership itself. Today's leaders must be digitally aware, adaptable, and willing to embrace innovation while keeping people at the centre of every decision. Technology should never replace human connection; instead, it should amplify our ability to serve, solve problems, and create value.

Looking ahead, I believe organisations that successfully combine technology with empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking will be the ones that thrive. Technology is a powerful enabler, but its greatest value lies in how we use it to improve lives, strengthen businesses, and create sustainable impact.

A leadership book everyone should read?

Choosing just one leadership book is difficult because leadership is a lifelong journey, but if I had to recommend one, it would be The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell.

It's a timeless book that has shaped my thinking over the years because it reminds us that leadership is not about position or title—it's about influence, character, and the ability to develop others. The lessons are practical and relevant whether you're leading a business, a team, a community initiative, or even your own life.

One principle that has stayed with me is The Law of Process—the idea that leadership develops daily, not in a day. Looking back over my 18-year journey across FMCG, healthcare, beauty and wellness, and manufacturing, I can honestly say that every experience, challenge, and transition has contributed to the leader I am today.

I also believe every leader should read widely. Alongside Maxwell's work, I'd recommend Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek for its insights on servant leadership and building trust.

And, as much as I don't want this to sound religious, I would encourage every leader to take time to study the leadership journey of Moses in the Bible. Beyond its spiritual significance, Moses' life is one of the greatest leadership case studies ever documented. He led through uncertainty, managed people with diverse expectations, navigated crises, developed a successor, remained resilient through criticism, and continually aligned his decisions with a greater purpose. Whether you're leading a business, an organisation, or a community, there are timeless lessons in his story that remain relevant today.

Finally, if I may add a personal recommendation, I'd encourage readers to explore my LEAfied Leadership Practitioner Diary. I created it not as a traditional leadership book, but as a practical guide that helps leaders move beyond inspiration to intentional daily practice, reflection, and execution.

At the end of the day, the best leadership book is the one that doesn't just change the way you think—it changes the way you lead.

The world of work is changing rapidly. What trends do you believe leaders should be paying attention to right now?

The pace of change in today's workplace is unlike anything we've seen before. I believe the leaders who will thrive are those who remain curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning.

One of the biggest trends is artificial intelligence and digital transformation. AI is no longer a concept for the future—it's reshaping how we work today. Leaders don't necessarily need to become technology experts, but they do need to understand how to leverage AI and data to improve decision-making, productivity, customer experience, and innovation while ensuring people remain at the center of the transformation.

Another trend is the growing importance of continuous learning and upskilling. Skills have a shorter shelf life than ever before. The most successful leaders are those who are willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Personally, this mindset inspired me to pursue studies in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, despite having an established career, because I believe learning is a leadership responsibility.

I'm also paying close attention to the shift toward human-centered leadership. Today's workforce wants more than a paycheck. People are looking for purpose, inclusion, flexibility, psychological safety, and leaders who genuinely care about their growth and well-being. High-performing organizations are increasingly built on trust, empathy, and strong workplace cultures.

Another trend is the increasing value of cross-functional thinking. Business challenges are becoming more interconnected, requiring leaders to think beyond their own departments. My experience across FMCG, healthcare, beauty and wellness, and manufacturing has taught me that innovation often happens when we bring ideas from different industries together.

Finally, I believe leaders must pay attention to sustainability and social impact. Success today is no longer measured solely by financial performance but also by the positive impact organisations create for their employees, customers, communities, and the environment. Businesses that balance profit with purpose will earn greater trust and remain relevant in the long term.

Ultimately, I believe the future belongs to leaders who embrace technology without losing their humanity, who invest in people as much as they invest in innovation, and who see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity to create lasting value.

Beyond the corporate world, you are the Founder of Leadership Evolved Academy and Convener of Skintervention Nigeria. What inspired these initiatives?

The inspiration behind both initiatives came from a simple realisation: success is most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others to grow.

Throughout my career, I've been privileged to lead teams, mentor professionals, and engage with communities. In doing so, I noticed two significant gaps. The first was a leadership gap. Many talented professionals had the technical skills to succeed but lacked the leadership mindset and practical tools to maximise their potential. The second was a public health gap. Skin health, despite affecting millions of people, was often dismissed as a cosmetic issue rather than recognised as an important aspect of overall health and well-being.

Those observations inspired me to act.

I founded Leadership Evolved Academy to help individuals move beyond traditional leadership theories and become intentional leaders who create measurable impact. Through practical learning, coaching, and leadership resources like the LEAfied Leadership Practitioner Diary, my goal is to equip emerging and experienced leaders with the mindset, discipline, and tools to lead themselves, their teams, and their organisations more effectively.

Similarly, Skintervention Africa, formerly Skintervention Nigeria, was born out of my passion for skincare and my growing understanding that skin health is public health. I wanted to challenge the perception that skincare is merely about beauty by creating a platform that promotes prevention, education, early intervention, and community awareness. Through initiatives such as the Feed A Child Skin Movement, community outreaches, skin health campaigns, and digital education, we are helping people make informed decisions about their skin and overall wellness.

Although these initiatives operate in different spaces, they are driven by the same purpose: empowering people. One empowers individuals to become better leaders, while the other empowers communities to make healthier choices. Both are built on the belief that lasting impact comes from equipping people with knowledge, creating access to opportunities, and inspiring them to become the best version of themselves.

For me, leadership is not confined to the boardroom, and impact should never be limited by your job title. Whether I'm leading business growth, mentoring future leaders, or advocating for skin health, my mission remains the same: to create sustainable value and leave every person and every community better than I found them.

What would success look like for you personally?

For me, success has evolved over the years.

Early in my career, I measured success by promotions, achievements, and professional milestones. While those are important, experience has taught me that true success is much deeper than the title you hold or the position you occupy.

Today, success means living a life of purpose and significance. It means knowing that the work I do creates lasting value, not only for the organisations I serve, but also for the people and communities I have the privilege to influence.

Success is seeing businesses grow because of strategies I've helped shape. It's watching people I've mentored become confident leaders in their own right. It's seeing someone regain confidence through the work of Skintervention Africa or hearing that a leadership lesson has inspired someone to take a bold step in their career.

It also means leaving a legacy that outlives me. Through Leadership Evolved Academy, Skintervention Africa, Skin Beauty Plus Magazine, Becoming Woman, and the LEAfied Leadership Practitioner Diary, I'm building platforms that I hope will continue to educate, inspire, and transform lives for generations to come.

On a personal level, success is remaining authentic to my values; continuing to learn, growing through every season, nurturing meaningful relationships, and maintaining the courage to embrace new opportunities, even when they stretch me.

Ultimately, I hope that when people think of Kikelomo Opatola, they won't remember me simply for the roles I held or the awards I received. I hope they'll remember me as someone who led with integrity, served with compassion, empowered others to discover their potential, and left every place better than she found it.

To me, that is what success truly looks like.

How do you balance commercial success with social impact?

For me, commercial success and social impact are not competing priorities; they are complementary. I believe the most sustainable businesses are those that create value not only for shareholders but also for employees, customers, and the communities they serve.

Throughout my career, I've learned that business growth is most meaningful when it improves lives. In my corporate role, my focus is on delivering sustainable commercial results through strategic thinking, customer-centric solutions, innovation, and operational excellence. Strong financial performance enables businesses to invest, grow, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

At the same time, I have always believed that leadership comes with a responsibility to give back. That belief inspired me to establish Leadership Evolved Academy, where we equip current and aspiring leaders with practical tools to lead with purpose and impact, and Skintervention Africa, where we are advancing skin health awareness as a public health priority across African communities.

Interestingly, the skills that drive commercial success- strategic thinking, innovation, collaboration, execution, and understanding people's needs- are the very same skills that drive meaningful social impact. I've found that when you lead with empathy and purpose, the two naturally reinforce each other.

I don't see my corporate work and my community initiatives as separate journeys. They are expressions of the same mission: creating value, solving real problems, and leaving people better than I found them.

Ultimately, I believe the future belongs to leaders who understand that profit and purpose can coexist. Commercial success gives us the resources to make a difference, while social impact gives our success deeper meaning and lasting relevance. When those two come together, we don't just build successful businesses; we build stronger communities and a better future.

A quote you live by:

One philosophy I live by is:

"Leadership and impact are beyond the surface because the greatest legacy we can leave is a story beyond our footprints."

It's a belief that has shaped both my personal life and professional journey.

Over the years, I've learned that the greatest opportunities to create value are rarely found in what is immediately visible. Behind every successful organization is a culture. Behind every leader is a story of resilience. Behind every business challenge is an opportunity for innovation. Behind every skin condition is often a deeper story about health, lifestyle, confidence, or well-being.

That's why the platforms and movements I've built all carry the same philosophy:

Beyond the Surface – because people, businesses, and communities deserve to be understood beyond appearances.

Beyond the Skincare Story – because skin health is not just about beauty; it's about public health, confidence, lifestyle, and overall wellness.

Beyond the Street Foods – because what we eat reflects broader conversations about nutrition, food safety, preventive health, and sustainable living.

These are more than campaign themes—they represent how I see leadership and life.

Whether I'm driving commercial growth, mentoring future leaders through Leadership Evolved Academy, advancing skin health through Skintervention Africa, or writing to inspire women through Becoming Woman, I constantly challenge myself to look beyond what is obvious.

I've learned that true leadership requires curiosity before conclusions, empathy before judgment, and purpose before recognition. It asks us to see possibilities where others see problems and to create value where others see limitations.

Ultimately, I don't want my legacy to be the positions I've held or the achievements I've accumulated. I want it to be the stories I helped rewrite, the people I empowered, the communities I transformed, and the leaders I inspired.

Because at the end of our journey, footprints eventually fade.

But the stories we leave behind—the lives we touch, the values we instill, and the impact we create—become a legacy that outlives us.

That is why I believe leadership and impact are beyond the surface. They are about leaving a story that continues to inspire long after our footprints are gone.

Three words that best describe you?

Purposeful. Resilient. Transformational.

These three words best describe who I am—not just as a leader, but as a person.

Purposeful, because everything I do begins with a clear sense of why. Whether I'm driving commercial growth, advancing skin health through Skintervention Africa, developing leaders through Leadership Evolved Academy, or writing to inspire women through Becoming Woman, my goal is always the same: to create value that outlives the moment.

Resilient, because every chapter of my journey has demanded courage. Transitioning across industries, embracing unfamiliar challenges, and building purpose-driven platforms have taught me that resilience isn't about avoiding adversity—it's about growing through it. Every setback has become preparation for a greater assignment.

Transformational, because I don't aspire to simply achieve results—I aspire to leave people, organisations, and communities better than I found them. I believe leadership is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by the lives we influence and the legacy we leave behind.

If I could add one more word, it would be Curious. Curiosity has kept me learning, evolving, and asking better questions. It has taught me to look beyond the surface—to see opportunities where others see obstacles, stories where others see statistics, and potential where others see limitations.

Ultimately, these four words reflect the philosophy that guides my life:

Purpose fuels vision. Resilience sustains the journey. Curiosity uncovers possibilities. Transformation creates legacy.

Because at the heart of everything I do, I hope to leave a story beyond my footprints.

One word that describes the future?

Legacy.

To me, the future is legacy.

Not just what we build, but what endures. Not just the footprints we leave, but the stories that continue to inspire long after we've moved on.

Every decision we make today—how we lead, how we innovate, how we serve, and how we empower others—shapes the legacy we leave behind.

That's why I choose to look beyond the surface. Beyond immediate success. Beyond titles. Beyond recognition.

Because the future belongs to those who create lasting value, transform lives, and leave a story worth remembering.

For me, the future is Legacy.

What is your advice for women struggling to find identity and be the best versions of themselves in today's world?

My advice is simple: Don't spend your life trying to become someone else. Discover who you were created to be, and have the courage to become her.

One of the greatest challenges women face today is comparison. Social media often presents curated versions of success, beauty, relationships, and careers, making it easy to believe you're falling behind. But your journey was never meant to look like anyone else's.

Finding your identity begins with knowing your values, understanding your purpose, and embracing your unique story—even the chapters marked by setbacks and uncertainty. Those experiences don't diminish you; they shape you.

I've learned that becoming the best version of yourself is not about perfection—it's about progress. It's about choosing growth over comfort, learning over fear, and purpose over popularity. Every season of my own journey, from transitioning across industries to building platforms like Leadership Evolved Academy, Skintervention Africa, and writing Becoming Woman, has required me to evolve into a new version of myself.

I also encourage women to invest in themselves relentlessly. Read widely. Learn new skills. Find mentors. Build meaningful relationships. Protect your well-being. And don't be afraid to start again if your purpose calls you in a new direction.

Most importantly, remember that your worth is not determined by your job title, your relationship status, or the applause you receive. Your value comes from who you are, the lives you touch, and the difference you make.

If there's one message I'd leave with every woman, it is this:

Stand tall in your authenticity. Lead with purpose. Grow through every season. And don't just leave footprints—leave a story that inspires others to believe in what's possible.

Because the world doesn't need another copy of someone else.

It needs the best version of you.