Strathclyde Business SchoolSola Olododo

Sola Olododo

Bio

Sola Olododo is a digital, international business/entrepreneurship and innovation management specialist.

Sola embodies a hands-on, pragmatic approach, seamlessly blending modern consultancy's digital sentiments into the market—a driving force for growth in individuals, collectives, and cultures. Passionate about strategically repositioning businesses in the digital economy, Sola enthusiastically tackles digital strategies, elevates digital maturity, and leads transformation programmes propelling SMEs into internationally recognised brands and key players.

A catalyst for growth across diverse professional endeavours, Sola's leadership speaks through his role at Creativetribe Studios, where he led a dynamic team encompassing strategists, creatives, researchers, marketers, technologists, analysts, and innovative thinkers. Co-founding Natavi, an innovative consultancy and investment firm, he expertly managed projects for both public and private firms in Nigeria, focusing on innovation management, product development, marketing, and growth strategy. Sola also co-founded the Huluku Initiative, an NGO dedicated to empowering creative professionals and entrepreneurs in Africa's vibrant creative community. He embraces new possibilities, leaving a profound influence across diverse sectors and establishing himself as a dynamic force in both business and academia.

His academic journey mirrors his commitment to continuous growth and specialisation, holding an MBA in Marketing Management from Ahmadu Bello University and an MSc in Project Management and Innovation from the University of Strathclyde. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, his research delves into how digitalisation shapes the processes and outcomes of internationalising SMEs. Additionally, Sola holds the esteemed title of Stephen Young Global Leader at the Stephen Young Institute in Glasgow.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Sola enjoys board games, mobile games, poetry, reading, and cycling.

Vision for the future as a leader/aspiration

At this moment in my life, I am mindful of the contributions made by others to my development and growth. I firmly believe that individuals should serve as conduits of knowledge, bridging the gap between the past and the future. With that in mind, my aspirations crystallise into three key objectives:

1. To teach and engage in research at a university or college, focusing on newly developed international marketing, entrepreneurship, and innovation management typologies that can pragmatically and positively impact individuals, businesses, and society.
2. To assume roles in start-up advisory, providing expertise and guidance to businesses or organisations within my expertise.
3. To initiate and nurture several start-ups that challenge traditional business models.

How the scholarship will assist me in achieving my ambitions

Primarily, the scholarship would significantly support my ambition of becoming a globally relevant educator, researcher, business advisor or consultant, and entrepreneur. Gaining a highly respected credential would lend credibility to my expertise and make me attractive to academia and industry.

Without this scholarship, I would likely struggle to manage the financial strain of educational debt and funding. Therefore, this scholarship is essential for providing financial relief and stability in pursuing my goals. Ultimately, the programme will enable me to make valuable contributions to academia, synthesise helpful knowledge for the business world, and establish a network of peers, professors, and industry experts. This network would be a valuable source of collaboration and support for my research and entrepreneurial initiatives as well.

Experiencing the University of Strathclyde 

The praxis cycle of learning and transformative instruction at the University of Strathclyde brought about incremental and tangible shifts in my personal and career development. The knowledge I gained at the postgraduate level (MSc Project Management and Innovation) built my confidence and eliminated any fear of inadequacies that could arise in the workplace. The distilled knowledge offered at the University of Strathclyde attests to the institution's slogan as a place of useful learning. The tutors were approachable, responsive, and ready to assist. The facilities are functional, and the classrooms are well-equipped with state-of-the-art teaching equipment. Also, the diverse cultural background of students at the University of Strathclyde is a means to gain a global perspective and build valuable networks.

Living in Glasgow City

Glasgow City is a vibrant and dynamic hub for events, creativity, and cultural diversity. It's a place where you can consistently discover something thrilling to explore, be it captivating architecture, delectable cuisines, or serene parks.