Our Comms Spotlight for this week takes us to the intersection between Communications and Social Impact. Meet Lesijolu Eite Eric-Nwabuzor the Executive Director at The Comms Avenue. Lesijolu’s career has been built with a passion for driving and sustaining positive change in the corporate and non-profit sectors. In her interview with us, she takes us through her career journey and shares her vision for The Comms Avenue.
How did your career begin and how has the journey been so far?
My journey in Communications started while studying Law at university when I realised the power of writing and its impact on shaping perceptions and driving change. I was a member of AIESEC and Victus Chambers on campus and was consequently required to articulate positions in writing or present them in person.
I was considered mostly quiet but it soon became evident that whenever I was required to communicate anything – oral or written – I would operate in my zone of genius. It did not take long to recognise this as not just a gift, but a tool I could harness and build a career around.
I have always wanted to make a difference in the world and leave an impact. I also recognised early on that I had the gift of connection. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse teams across commercial and non-profit sectors, honing my skills in Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement. My background in law created opportunities for me in corporate services and regulatory compliance but, interestingly, communications remained a core deliverable.
Each experience has been a learning curve, pushing me to adapt to new trends, challenges and technologies in the ever-evolving corporate landscape. With the benefit of hindsight, I see a common thread of development which speaks to my innate desire to make an impact on the world and people.
What drives you as a Comms professional?
What drives me as a Communications professional is the opportunity to amplify voices, tell compelling stories, spark meaningful conversations, effectively shape narratives and influence the future. I believe communication has the power to bridge gaps, inspire action, and bring about positive change. I believe we can create whatever realities we desire by enabling people to vividly envision what is possible.
Whether shaping brand narratives, advocating for social causes, promoting sustainable practices, or charting a new national course, I am fueled by the potential to create impact and drive results through strategic and authentic communication. I firmly believe authenticity reflects in individual creativity, and the world would be so much richer and fuller if people were not held back by the fear of how their creativity might be perceived or received.
What is your go-to source for inspiration?
My inspiration has its roots in my relationship with God. I am a believer and I spend time meditating on the Bible because it constantly gives me the most powerful insights for life as a whole. Music does amazing things for my mind and body, so I spend a lot of time creating it (playing the piano, singing and writing songs) and moving to it (aerobics, contemporary dance and flag dance).
In addition, I am drawn to diverse perspectives and experiences, so I find inspiration in listening to people and hearing stories from across different backgrounds and contexts. Art, literature and nature also offer a unique lens through which to view the world and fuel creativity in my work.
In your experience, how does Comms bring about social impact?
Communication plays a pivotal role in driving social impact, whether through impactful storytelling, advocacy campaigns or strategic partnerships. Communications can shine a spotlight on pressing issues, amplify marginalised voices, and catalyse collective action towards positive change by raising awareness, mobilising communities, and influencing attitudes and behaviours. When we harness the power of communication ethically and responsibly, we can address societal challenges and contribute to building a more equitable and sustainable world.
I recognise that Communications professionals have the skills, tools and frameworks to shape widespread perception, and many of us deploy these for the benefit of our products, and brands or only within our roles. I believe The Comms Avenue will be able to awaken the majority to their power to shape the future of their societies, nations, the continent and the world by painting pictures of possibilities alongside amplifying their brands and securing market share; this paradigm shift has the capacity to change the perception of our continent like never before.
What was your inspiration to Join The Comms Avenue?
I was drawn to The Comms Avenue because of its proven commitment to empowering Communications professionals across Africa, and its stellar track record of tailoring effective solutions for the African context. As someone passionate about creating meaningful impact and building capacity, I saw an incredible opportunity to contribute to our mission of raising the standard for Communications talent in Africa.
My experience over the years has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the African Communications landscape, and I hope to be able to contribute towards addressing some of those challenges and harnessing the opportunities, hand in hand with other visionaries across the continent.
What do you envision for the next level at The Comms Avenue?
Fostering community and collaboration is paramount, and our Chapter Leads will be launching regular networking events, industry forums, and collaborative projects in their respective regions that connect members, establish spaces for knowledge exchange and collaboration, and showcase their talents and contributions. We recognise that a supportive and collaborative ecosystem can collectively raise the bar for communications excellence in Africa and empower our members to thrive in their roles.
To enhance professional development, we will collaborate closely with industry experts and thought leaders to co-create cutting-edge programs that address the evolving needs of communications professionals on the continent and beyond, creating opportunities for mentorship and building a legacy of growth. The long-term goal is to harness digital platforms for on-demand virtual learning so there are no barriers to access for Comms professionals keen to upskill.
What career advice would you give to your younger professional self?
If I could go back and give advice to my younger self, I would emphasise the importance of continuous learning, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and building meaningful relationships. I would encourage myself to stay curious, seek mentorship, and never underestimate the power of resilience and adaptability in navigating a dynamic and competitive field, because no knowledge is lost. The entirety of my journey has taught me valuable lessons, strengthened my skills, and reinforced my passion for using communication as a force for good.
Most importantly, I would remind myself to always serve with excellence, remain authentic and stay true to my values, letting them guide my journey in making a meaningful impact. It is incredible to hear now that people who knew me from a decade ago have similar things to say about my competence, character and personality as people who have known me for only a year. In truth, it can be difficult to stick to your values because, in the short term, it might seem like you have the short end of the stick. However, I am learning that people know exactly what you represent, whether they say it to you or not.
