Alabi, who was once based in the United States, was part of the executive team at the popular children’s television brand, Sesame Street, and a member of the marketing team that launched the Korean motor vehicle corporation,Daewoo, in America.
Beyond these roles, the 2012 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader is perhaps best remembered as the erstwhile Managing Director at MNet Africa. A position she held for five highly successful years before moving on to break new grounds in 2014.
“After working in the corporate sector for many years, I have become very passionate about grooming and mentoring people. It is my desire that the younger generation becomes ready and well-equipped to take on leadership roles.
“This burning passion led to the launch of the Grooming for Greatness initiative. This year-long programme will commence with a three-day event that will bring leaders across various sectors to share their experiences, expertise, and groom the next generation of African leaders,” she says.
Listed as one of the 20 Young Powerful Women in Africa by Forbes Magazine in 2012, she currently heads a dynamic consultancy firm that caters to clients in the broadcasting and entertainment industries.
These days, the stylish media icon that is blessed with a naturally appealing mien, is all about giving back to the society.
“I intend to give people some of the opportunities I had. I was living in New York and working on children’s educational materials in South Africa, Tanzania, Bangladesh, and in America. I looked forward to doing it in Nigeria as well.
“That was why I worked on Sesame Street in Nigeria until I came across the MNET opportunity. It was an amazing opportunity, I loved what I was doing and I was blessed with great colleagues,” she says.
Raised in Nigeria and America, Alabi spent her formative years in both countries before returning to the former at age seven.
She recalls, “I had a very peaceful and joyful upbringing. My parents were very hardworking and great role models. They started out as lecturers here in Nigeria, before they moved to the US. My mum has always been a social worker while my dad was an educationist.
“They both continued to do different things but remained very committed to giving back. My parents always told me that to whom much is given, much is expected. We were raised to understand that no man is an island and giving back is not really a virtue but a normal part of our lives. I later left for the US at 16.”
As a child, the graduate of Public and Community Health at the University of Cincinnati, in the US, excelled in the sciences and once toyed with the idea of becoming a doctor.
She recalls, “ As reality set in, I soon realised what I would like to become in future. It became clear that I was not going to end up in the sciences. I walked my way into my dream career. I had extremely great role models and I didn’t think I would be where I am today if I didn’t have anyone to mentor me.”
Having accomplished so much at a young age, with hindsight, Alabi, discloses a few things she desired to have handled differently a few years back.
She notes, “Maybe, I would have taken better care of myself and ensured that my health was more of a priority for me. There were times when I took a lot of things for granted because I thought I would always be young and vibrant. Young women sometimes take their health for granted and as such, they do not take their health seriously.”
Alabi is of the opinion that many career women still lack a very relevant skill.
She says, “Women often receive a lot of career advice and not enough negotiation advice. When I was exploring newer opportunities, my negotiations skill came in handy. I think pay inequality can be corrected if we empower women with negotiations skills and teach them to value themselves better.
“I have always been very enterprising and while I was at MNET, it didn’t really feel as though I was in a paid employment because I gave it my best shot. If I am invited to work on another exciting project, I will jump on it but right now the most exciting project for me is Biola Alabi Media.”
Happily married to Mako Alabi, a trained lawyer and an advertising practitioner, she strongly believes that a woman can have it all – career, marriage and a happy home.
“I met my husband through a friend; we were both introduced and I didn’t think I was going to end up marrying him when we first met. He is probably one of the most hardworking and smartest people I have ever met. He is also very supportive of my career in every way I can ever imagine.
“It is possible for career women to strike a balance on the home front. The importance of having a good support system cannot be over-emphasised. An individual can only be said to have a fulfilled life when every life desire is met. It is very important to have the right partner because when you and your husband are on the same page, you can achieve all you desire and then, you can be fulfilled.”
A fitness buff, Alabi takes her appearance and general well-being very seriously.
She says, “I am aware that there are a lot of people who say they do not need to exercise but I am not one of them. I like to exercise or else I will add weight. I also love to read, travel, watch TV, and spend quality time with my family.”
In the style department, Alabi who participated in The Yale World Fellows Flagship Programme at Yale University in the US loves it simple and sweet.
She says, “I like to be comfortable and classic. I really love to invest in clean and classic pieces that will last for a long time. I purchase fashion items that I can mix and match for a long time. I really don’t like to buy clothes and I do not have a fashion fetish.”
A high-flyer, Alabi is showing no signs of slowing down just yet.
“My next step is to move my production company to the next level. We started out with just one client and three employers. As a result of the expansion of our production arm, we now have about 20 staff. Our clients include telecommunications operators, television channel owners, and Pay TV operators.
“I embarked on a fellowship at YALE for a year after I left MNET last year and I was extremely excited and happy when I was invited to consult for some companies. I consider myself lucky to have people who believe in my business and invest in it.”
To round off the interview, Alabi says, “If I was not doing what I will be doing now, I will be involved in activities that will change people’s lives. I might probably be a teacher.”
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