Young professionals and emerging leaders have been urged to look beyond conventional measures of success and focus on discovering their purpose, developing their abilities and creating lasting significance in their careers and communities.

Lanre Olusola, executive coach and leadership expert, made the call at the 2026 Custodian Mentors Conference in Lagos, where emerging leaders, entrepreneurs and young professionals gathered to gain practical insights into mindset transformation, career growth and executive leadership.

The conference, organised through the Custodian Social Responsibility Foundation, formed part of activities marking the 35th anniversary of Custodian Investment Plc and featured prominent speakers, including brand strategist, Leke Alder; Group CEO and Managing Director of TVC Communications, Victoria Abiola Ajayi; and creative entrepreneur, Darey Art Alade.

Speaking in his keynote address titled, “From Discovery to Significance,” Olusola commended Custodian Investment Plc for sustaining its investment in youth development over the years, describing mentorship as an important link between experience and the next generation.

“Mentorship is a noble cause; it is the vital bridge between the old and new, youth and wisdom, failure and success,” Olusola said.

Drawing on more than two decades of research into human behaviour and executive performance, he challenged participants to rethink how they define and measure success, urging them to focus on fulfilling the purpose for which they were created.

“Redefining success means living for, fulfilling, and excelling in the purpose for which you were created. Everything you need to stand out and remain outstanding is already within and around you,” he said.

Olusola’s message placed the emphasis on personal discovery as a foundation for professional growth, encouraging participants to recognise their abilities and make deliberate use of the opportunities and resources available to them.

Also speaking at the conference, Alder urged participants to build their professional ambitions around integrity, intentionality and continuous acquisition of relevant skills.

Ajayi and Alade reinforced the need for personal branding, strategic alignment and resilience as young professionals navigate an increasingly competitive and changing economic environment.

Group Managing Director of Custodian Investment Plc, Wole Oshin, said empowering young people through structured coaching and mentorship remained important to national development and sustainable economic growth.