Kehinde Ajose, fondly called Kenni by colleagues and clients, is Nigeria’s foremost Talent development coach, publicist, and writer. He became a columnist at the age of 18. His articles have been published in Businessday, Daily Independent, Entertainment Express, Vanguard, Timeless Magazine, Guardian, The Nation, Punch, Laffmattazz among others.
The young expert is also the Creative catalyst of M.O.V.E. Solutions, a public relations cum capacity building outfit with a bias for the youth demographic. He has a passion for helping individuals discover/develop their talents in order to create wealth, gain visibility and become global brands.
As a result of his inspirational articles geared towards national/youth transformation, EDUTAINMENT MAGAZINE in 2008 named Kenni “Nigeria’s Youngest Motivational Speaker”. At present, numerous organizations hire Kenni to inspire their audience and create result oriented publicity strategies.
Kenni runs Nigeria’s fastest growing empowerment cum lifestyle blog which has featured in television programmes including Showdown on Channels TV, Youth.com, Superscreen’s breakfast show, and New Dawn with Funmi Iyanda.
In an interview with DailyPost correspondent, Wale Odunsi, the 25 year old English graduate of Lagos State University shares how it all began and his view on some national issues.
At what point did you discover your talent in coaching others? I had been coaching people on what it takes to develop and create wealth from their talents without even knowing. I remember coaching graduates, artistes, entrepreneurs when I was in 100-level at the university. People read some of my inspirational articles in national dailies and then book an appointment with me. They sought solutions to one challenges or the other plaguing them from reaching for the stars. As the demand for my coaching service increased, I decided to monetize it and place a value on it. That was how I discovered my talent in coaching. I believe It was divinely orchestrated.
What you do is quite unique, what does it take to be a talent development coach? In becoming a talent development coach, there are three things involved which I have called the three P’s. Firstly, passion for people is paramount to your productivity in this field. You cannot go far in life if you are not passionate about what you do. You have to be interested in the advancement of others. Secondly, Personal development is also very crucial; your knowledge and expertise is what you sell. Therefore one has to read wide, understand global trends, study emotional intelligence and have a passion for learning. I invest a lot in books and magazine in order to be the master of my craft. Thirdly you need to find your platform. A platform is the medium in which you want to use in reaching out to people (your target audience). Some individuals use the print media, some organize monthly seminars, others build a fan base from their blog, others simply have a radio programme. Whatever it is, stick to what works for you.
How long have you been in this field? I have been doing this for three years now. I started way back in the university and its been a gradual, processional ride to the top. I thank God for how far I have gone.
Who are your role models? My role models are individuals who are living proof of what they profess. The likes of Fela Durotoye, Ibukun Awosika, Farrah Gray, Betty Irabor, Chude Jideonwo, Ayeni Adekunle, Samson Olatunde, Steve Harris, Toyosi Akerele. These individuals have all achieved great ends through humble means. Building their businesses from the scratch and showing others it can be done. Farrah Gray made his first million as a teenager.
I believe you read a lot, tell us your best three writers and the books they authored? Leke Alder-Brand it Chimamanda Adichie-Half of a yellow sun Okechukwu Ofili-How laziness saved my life
What are your high and low moments? In life you are bound to encounter the highs and the lows. The highs inspire you to put in more effort , while the lows teach you what doesn’t work. The highs for me has been testimonies of changed lives. I receive calls from individuals who are inspired and encouraged through my write-ups. Last week a well-known celebrity called me to commend what I do. When my clients are satisfied with the service I render, that becomes my high moments. On the flip side, my low moments are periods when you are being taken for granted because talent development is still a growing concept in Nigeria, and the challenges of being paid your value, not forgetting the epileptic power supply we battle with.
Share with us your vision? My vision is to become a sought after ‘mediapreneur’ and capacity building expert who will be instrumental In the productivity and empowerment of the youth demographic in Africa and the world at large.
What is your assessment of the state of the country? Our dear nation is unfortunately not living up to its capacity. Nigeria is only blessed in terms of potentials. We have not been able to convert our immense national wealth and human endowments into productive use. It hurts me when leaders refuse to face the fact and act as if all is well. But I am confident there is hope. There are individuals who make us proud to be Nigerians. The president needs the right people around him who will not necessarily tell him what he wants to hear, but what he needs to hear.
A lot of people have doubts about the realization of vision 20:2020 project. In your view, do you think it is achievable? People have doubts because we’ve had several projects in the past that didn’t see the light of the day. It is achievable only if those at the helm of affairs set their priorities right, focus on their core objectives and set goals for themselves. Talk alone cannot cook the rice.
If you were to tell the President one thing, what would that be? I would say to him; “Sir, please focus!”. Mr. President needs to focus on the one thing he wants to be remembered for when he leaves Aso rock. Four years is not too short to fix power supply and revive the economy.
What do you think the leaders must do to balance gender inequality? This is a problem we must deal with. We should not do things to the detriment of a particular gender. We need to assign responsibilities and appointments based on merits as opposed to tribalism, sentiments, and other factors. Also, capable women must be given the chance to head high positions.
Your advice for the youth? My advice for the youth is this: Be the star in your life’s movie. You are not created to be a “wakapass” in life; you are the superstar in your life’s story. Make it a blockbuster. Quit playing the blame game, look inwards and unveil your Godgiven abilities. If it is to be, its up to you.
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