Sola Adesakin’s journey is a testament to personal transformation and financial empowerment. As a respected finance coach, author and mentor, she simplifies money management, guiding individuals to financial milestones. With degrees from institutions like Oxford Brookes University and the Edinburgh Business School, she combines academic rigour with personal experience. Sola’s expertise, honed through overcoming financial struggles, has empowered others to break free from debt. Her commitment extends to writing, with eight books and numerous articles on financial literacy. Recognitions, including the Women X Scholarship, Forbes Coaches Council membership, and being listed among Nigeria’s Most Inspiring Women, underscore her impact. In a world where formal education often falls short, Sola’s dedication to financial literacy continues to transform lives globally. Her story exemplifies the power of personal commitment to financial education, creating a legacy of empowerment. In this interview with ESTHER IJEWERE, she shares her story.
[ad]
Reflection On Being Named One of Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Women
THIS honour was a profound acknowledgement of my efforts to elevate financial literacy. It represented the culmination of years spent working towards empowering individuals and business owners, especially women and children, and household units to achieve financial independence. Each seminar, workshop, and book has been a stepping stone leading to this recognition.
Challenges, Overcoming Them In Finance Coaching
Throughout my career, the challenges have been diverse, ranging from dispelling financial myths within different cultural contexts to addressing the scepticism around financial education. The greatest hurdle, perhaps, was illustrating the tangible value of financial literacy. I overcame these challenges by steadfastly showcasing the real-life impact of sound financial management through success stories, interactive training, and relatable content. My books and courses are practical, not just theoretical, bridging the gap between financial concepts and everyday financial decisions.
[ad]
Inspiration Behind The Books, Their Impact
My inspiration for writing came from my own financial transformation and the desire to share the knowledge that catalysed it. I realised that financial literacy is a lifelong journey that should start early. The impact of my books has been incredibly humbling. They’ve helped countless individuals reshape their financial mindsets and equipped them with the skills to build a more secure future. It’s about giving others the same tools that helped me take control of my finances and, by extension, my life.
Key Principles For Financial Well-being
The core strategies I advocate are rooted in education, practical application, and a right-money mindset. Education is the foundation — understanding how money works is crucial. I emphasise starting with a plan, no matter how small your income may be, and sticking to it. Investing wisely is also key, along with creating diverse income streams to build resilience. Always plan for the long term, not just for immediate gratification and lastly, believe that money is a tool to help you lead an amazing life. It’s inanimate, you are animate, hence you are smarter and more intelligent than money. Don’t allow it to rule you.
[ad]
Influence Of The Women X Scholarship
The Women X Scholarship was a catalyst that allowed me to expand my outreach. It provided me with the resources and platform to deepen my commitment to financial education. The scholarship also enabled me to connect with other like-minded individuals and broaden my perspective on global financial practices.
Current Projects Beyond Finance Coaching
Beyond what we currently do at Smart Stewards, the focus is on expanding our digital learning platforms and tools to make financial education even more accessible for Africans at home and in the diaspora. I’m also involved in several initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among women and young adults, recognizing that financial independence is critical to empowerment. Through the FRUIT Foundation, we are empowering underprivileged women with the skills and tools to help them build successful enterprises that will not only help them meet their needs, but also contribute to the society.
Challenges In Financial Education
The main challenges include, combating financial illiteracy, breaking through the noise to reach those most in need, and continually adapting our message to resonate with a global audience. Additionally, navigating the ever-changing financial landscapes to provide current and effective guidance remains a significant task.
[ad]
Three Women Who Inspire
My response to this question would be to mention three batches of women who have inspired me instead. The first batch of women in my life who’ve inspired me are my mother and two aunties, all of whom I lived with. They taught me hard work and resilience.
The second will be my group of spiritual sisters, called the AsSisters. They have been a source of strength and growth as we have navigated the highs and lows of life together over 13 years, sharpening and strengthening one another in the process and celebrating our results as they materialize.
The third category will be my mentors who have provided invaluable guidance in my spiritual, career, and business endeavours.
Each group has instilled in me the principles that guide my life and work.
[ad]
