Olumide Odeyemi: Trailblazing digital marketing leader and community builder

With a dynamic career spanning over a decade, Olumide Odeyemi has solidified his position as a distinguished voice in digital marketing and brand development. Currently serving as the Head of Growth and Product Marketing at Sterling Bank, Odeyemi leverages his broad expertise to drive strategic initiatives that foster innovation and business success.

Odeyemi’s journey in the marketing and communications industry is underpinned by a solid academic foundation and a passion for continuous learning. He holds a B.Sc. in Dramatic Arts from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University and a Professional Marketing Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK. Complementing his formal education, he has earned several globally recognized certifications in communications, branding, growth, and project management. This extensive knowledge base enables him to tackle challenges with creativity and strategic insight.

Having made his mark across a diverse range of sectors—spanning IT, real estate, media, PR, health, entertainment, and banking—Odeyemi has developed a keen understanding of market dynamics and consumer behavior. His ability to adapt and excel in different industries has contributed to his reputation as a versatile and forward-thinking leader.

Odeyemi is also a respected thought leader and author, known for his books Building A Social Empire and Content for Engagement & Optimization. Through these publications, he offers valuable guidance on leveraging digital platforms to build influence and engage audiences meaningfully.

Commenting on his professional journey, Odeyemi shared, “I take immense pride in my role as the convener of LinkUp Lagos, a social networking event that has successfully partnered with top brands and inspired similar gatherings across Nigerian cities. My work as a facilitator for the Digital Marketing Institute Certification Program has allowed me to mentor emerging marketers and share insights that help them excel in their careers. I also lead The Glowville Club, where I train and empower aspiring social media marketers and content developers.”

Odeyemi’s commitment to community building and knowledge sharing is exemplified by his various initiatives. LinkUp Lagos, a networking platform created for busy professionals, serves as a space for career growth and personal development through social engagement. Since its inception in 2017, it has evolved from an annual event known as Lagos Hangout into a bi-monthly program, offering more inclusive opportunities for young professionals.

He elaborates, “LinkUp Lagos was born out of my passion for creating environments where professionals can find work-life balance while advancing their careers through meaningful connections. Over the years, these gatherings have facilitated life and career-defining opportunities for attendees across different Nigerian states.”

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Odeyemi is a dedicated mentor, guiding the next generation of digital marketers. “Having received mentorship myself, I believe in paying it forward. My approach focuses on helping mentees identify their strengths and build upon them. Many aspiring marketers feel the need to be proficient in all areas, but I emphasize honing core strengths and expanding from there.”

In addition to his mentorship efforts, Odeyemi’s impact extends into academia. He serves as a tutor for the CIM Professional Marketing Diploma at Simon Page College of Marketing, helping to equip future marketers with the skills needed to thrive in the industry.

Odeyemi’s leadership has also been shaped by his diverse career trajectory, which includes strategic roles at several prominent organizations. From his early days as a Marketing Officer at Realty Point Limited to his tenure as Project Lead at Media Panache Nigeria and later as Marketing Manager at Sidmach Technologies Nigeria Limited, Odeyemi has consistently demonstrated a capacity for driving brand growth and innovation. His contributions at Healthtracka and Stanbic IBTC further reinforced his reputation as a transformative leader before he joined Sterling Bank in his current role.

Reflecting on his early days at Sterling Bank, Odeyemi disclosed, “When I started my current job, I felt unqualified—like I didn’t deserve to be ‘Head of Growth & Product Marketing’ in such a big organization. I panicked at the thought of managing a large team. But looking back, I couldn’t be prouder of the culture we’ve built and the impact we’ve made.”

Looking ahead, Odeyemi remains dedicated to advancing the field of marketing and nurturing talent within the industry. He announced plans to host a marketing conference in 2025, aiming to provide a platform for knowledge exchange and professional development for emerging marketers.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Odeyemi enjoys social connections, movies, music, and gaming. His diverse interests, combined with his dedication to excellence and continuous growth, make him a standout figure in the digital marketing landscape.