Olalekan Akinyele’s journey from a young boy with a passion for drawing in Lagos to a prominent entrepreneur and creative leader exemplifies resilience, innovation and a deep commitment to empowering others.
His story is a testament to how nurturing talent, seizing market gaps and adapting to evolving landscapes can forge a successful path in Nigeria’s dynamic business environment.
Early Life and the Foundations of Creativity
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Olalekan is the second son and fourth child in a family of five siblings. His early childhood was marked by a natural inclination towards art and creativity, a trait that was actively encouraged by his father.
At the age of ten, Olalekan received his first set of drawing materials, igniting a passion that would shape his future.
“My dad bought me my first set of drawing materials at age 10 and I remember creating a drawing of Obafemi Awolowo that he proudly showed to friends and clients,” he recalls.
His father’s unwavering support and his mother’s observations, though sometimes scolding him for paying too much attention to detail, instilled in him an eye for observation and storytelling through visuals.
Despite financial challenges during secondary school, Olalekan’s resilience shone through. He developed skills in sketching sneakers and creating art for his peers, turning his passion into a means of livelihood.
His early foray into entrepreneurship was complemented by working with his father’s logistics business and learning the art of handmade greeting cards. These experiences laid a foundation of resourcefulness and adaptability, crucial traits for any entrepreneur.
Educational Journey and the Evolution of a Creative Mindset
Seeking formal training, Olalekan attended art school while waiting for university admission. His academic pursuits led him to study Geophysics at the university level, a choice that might seem unconventional for an artist but ultimately enriched his skill set.
During this period, he continued honing his craft by creating wall graffiti, greeting cards and banners, balancing his academic commitments with his passion.
After completing his degree, Olalekan served in Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), where he discovered graphic design. With the support of his family, he transitioned into the creative industry, working as an Art Director and later as an Associate Creative Director.
“My experiences in advertising helped me understand the power of storytelling and branding,” he explains. These roles sharpened his strategic thinking, blending artistic talent with business acumen.
The Birth of Xaine Ingenius
In 2015, Olalekan founded Xaine Ingenius, a design and innovation studio aimed at solving a pressing issue in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape.
He observed that small businesses and startups were often underserved when it came to effective brand design.
“Many design firms and freelancers prioritized big brands, leaving smaller enterprises without the branding support they needed,” he notes. Recognizing this gap, he set out to help these businesses develop compelling identities that resonate with their target audiences.
Initially operating as a creative studio, Xaine Ingenius adopted a project-based consultancy model to navigate Nigeria’s volatile economy and the Naira’s fluctuations.
Olalekan explains: “This approach gave us the flexibility to deliver high-impact solutions without the constraints of a traditional agency model. We also used this platform to empower other creatives and entrepreneurs with design thinking skills.”
His strategic pivot allowed the company to remain agile and relevant in a competitive market.
From Entrepreneurship to Intrapreneurship
While managing Xaine Ingenius, Olalekan’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to roles beyond his studio. He transitioned into intrapreneurship, taking up positions such as Chief Operating Officer at JT Agency, a visual storytelling powerhouse based in Abuja.
Leading a talented team of about 30 individuals, he emphasizes the importance of building a strong organizational culture. “Building and leading a high-performing team that shares your vision is one of the most significant challenges, but also the most rewarding,” he shares.
His diverse roles in the creative industry have been instrumental in shaping his holistic approach to leadership, combining creativity, strategic thinking, and business management. These experiences have made him a versatile professional, or as he describes himself, an “intrapreneur,” blending entrepreneurship with corporate leadership.
Lessons from Challenges and Successes
Olalekan’s journey has not been without obstacles. He recounts an early challenge when introducing a new leadership style led to the departure of his entire creative team.
“That was tough, but it taught me the importance of clearly defining the type of team you need and cultivating a culture aligned with your vision,” he reflects. Mentorship played a vital role in helping him navigate such hurdles, emphasizing the importance of guidance and resilience.
His most notable successes include transforming underperforming teams into high-achieving units and spearheading innovative creative strategies across Africa.
“Seeing African creatives flourish and reach their full potential is truly fulfilling,” he says. These accomplishments underscore his commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering industry growth.
Empowering the Next Generation of Creatives
Beyond his corporate roles, Olalekan is deeply passionate about mentorship and capacity building. Since 2019, he has led the initiative Think Like A Designer, training over 600 aspiring professionals and six creative teams.
This program aims to instill design thinking as a problem-solving tool, contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy. “My goal is to empower creatives to see themselves as problem solvers, not just artists,” he emphasizes.
He has also developed three innovative products through this platform, with plans to expand their impact. His advocacy for resourcefulness is clear: “Before investing money, tap into your creative potential and apply design principles to find solutions. Surround yourself with the right people, and you’ll save time and reduce stress.”
Emerging Trends and Future Initiatives
Olalekan is excited about the transformative potential of storytelling, especially with the advent of AI. “Storytelling has never been more accessible. With minimal tools and AI, we can craft compelling narratives that reach large audiences quickly,” he states.
He sees AI as a tool that, if harnessed correctly, can democratize content creation and elevate African voices.
Looking ahead, Olalekan and his team are planning a festival to showcase local talent and promote innovation. He hints at upcoming projects that will continue to bridge creativity and technology, aiming to position Nigeria as a hub for creative entrepreneurship in Africa.
A Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Empathy and Relationship Building
Reflecting on his journey, Olalekan emphasizes that leadership rooted in empathy and genuine care yields the most enduring success.
“When you lead with empathy, you gain new perspectives, uncover opportunities, and foster solutions that truly make an impact,” he asserts.
This approach has shaped his business philosophy, an unwavering focus on people, relationships and long-term growth.
Olalekan Akinyele’s story is a vivid illustration of how passion, resilience and strategic thinking can drive entrepreneurial success in Nigeria. From humble beginnings in Lagos to leading innovative design and storytelling initiatives, his journey continues to inspire aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs across Africa.
With a keen eye on emerging trends and a heart dedicated to empowering others, Olalekan remains a trailblazer shaping the future of Nigeria’s creative and entrepreneurial landscape.
