Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) student Amos Ologunleko is the quintessential overachiever. His academic education journey with EIT kicked off in 2019 with him pursuing a Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation). He obtained his master’s three years later, in 2021.
After receiving an honorable mention from EIT during the graduation ceremony, one would imagine this to be it for Ologunleko. However, while balancing the demands of a full-time job and applying his skills, he still found time to write and publish his book Leadership Got Born.
Here, he tells us about his academic journey, shares inspirational titbits from his book, and reminds EIT students that “prioritizing studies can lead to remarkable outcomes.”
Congratulations on your Academic Excellence Award at the 2022 EIT graduation ceremony! Can you share your journey pursuing an online master’s degree and its impact on your career?
Thanks for recognizing me, and it’s truly an honor. My academic journey started in July 2019, and before that, I worked in industrial automation in Nigeria, the UK, and Brunei Darussalam under Nigeria LNG Ltd. In 2019, I was seeking an accredited engineering degree to enhance my knowledge without quitting my job. EIT’s online master’s program was the perfect fit. Two years later, I’m transitioning to a new managerial role in the same company where I began as a graduate engineer in 1998.
How did your experiences at EIT, academically and personally, contribute to your growth as an individual and a leader, as outlined in your book?
My academic journey at EIT mirrored my past success. I graduated with First Class honors in Physics (Electronics) in 1991 and repeated that feat precisely three decades later. My book shares these lessons to inspire others. EIT played a significant role in shaping my path.
Your book, “Leadership Got Born,” sounds intriguing. How did your EIT education influence the concepts in your book, especially in the context of leadership and mentorship?
You’re right; the book’s title is unique. It represents the central theme of whether leaders are born or made, and my online brand, G.O.T. B.O.R.N. (an acronym for Group of Ten Blocks of Refreshing Nuggets). After my studies at EIT, I realized the importance of leadership in successful change management, which I integrated into my book. Effective communication, coaching, mentorship, and sponsorship are crucial elements I learned from my Project Management module.
In your book, you mention EIT. Can you elaborate on how your EIT experience contributed to your leadership and mentorship insights?
EIT has become an integral part of my life. While my insights on leadership and mentorship mostly came from books and my three decades of experience in academia and the oil and gas industry, my time at EIT was memorable. A group project in the Data Communication module showcased seamless teamwork and leadership.
“Leadership Got Born” bridges engineering and leadership. Can you highlight experiences from your engineering studies that inspired you to explore leadership in your book?
Absolutely. In my book, I argue that leadership is crucial in all areas of life, which I term Ballistic Grammar: Business, Advertising, Law, Literature, Information technology, Sports, Tourism, Insurance, Commerce, Government, Real estate, Academics, Military, Medicine, Agriculture, and Religion. I also share how my leadership philosophy, “Soar High,” refined during my studies, was crucial in eliminating control systems’ obsolescence in my team over five to six years.
Managing work, life, and studies can be challenging. Could you share strategies you used to succeed during your master’s program?
Indeed. I managed my tight schedule meticulously and ensured financial stability throughout my studies. I also maintained discipline, attending all lectures and submitting assignments on time. My research project aligned with my work, allowing me to simultaneously contribute to my job and knowledge.
How do you believe the skills and knowledge from your engineering studies, especially in industrial automation, have equipped you for mentoring and leadership roles?
Industrial automation made me a professional engineer, coach, mentor, industry leader, and an enthusiastic personality. Testing my book’s concepts with mentees helped create a practical toolkit for leadership development.
