Our Comms Spotlight for this week is Femi Adeyemo, Public Relations Manager at Bolt. Femi’s career journey began during his NYSC year at The Quadrant Company, where he discovered his passion for PR. Over the years, he has built a rewarding career telling authentic stories and shaping how brands connect with their audiences. At Bolt, he leads PR efforts that highlight the people behind the platform, the drivers, and teams making mobility better every day. In his interview, Femi shares lessons from his career journey, the leadership values that guide him, and advice for young professionals ready to grow professionally.
How did your career journey in Communications begin?
My career journey in communications began during my NYSC year when I was posted to a PR agency — The Quadrant Company. That experience changed everything for me.
Interestingly, I had very little knowledge about PR or communications at the time, but I was fortunate to work with some incredible professionals who guided me. It didn’t take long for me to realise this was the right path for me. Since then, I’ve fallen completely in love with communications, and I’ve enjoyed every step of the journey.
What does your role as Public Relations Manager at Bolt involve, and what part of the work do you enjoy most?
I also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure our communications are consistent, transparent, and aligned with our brand values.
What I enjoy most is telling stories that spotlight the people behind the platform, the drivers, the riders, and the teams working hard to make everyday mobility safer and more accessible.
Can you tell us about the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your career journey and how you overcame it?
One of the toughest challenges I’ve faced was working with a boss who constantly put me down and made me doubt my abilities. It was a very difficult period and easily the lowest point in my career.
I decided not to let that experience define me. I left that job and took on a new challenge elsewhere, determined to prove my worth, not to anyone else, but to myself. I worked hard, focused on growth, and told myself I’d become a star in my next role. Looking back, that experience taught me resilience, self-belief, and the importance of a positive work environment.
What are some lessons being a leader has taught you?
Leadership has taught me to be a good listener and to empathise with others. Every team member has their own story and motivations, and understanding that helps me support them better. I’ve also learned that leadership is not about authority, it’s about service, guidance, and helping others become the best version of themselves.
What are some misconceptions you often face in your role and how do you deal with them?
One common misconception is that PR is just about publicity or crisis management. In reality, it’s a lot more strategic, it’s about building relationships, managing reputation, and influencing perception over time.
Another misconception is that PR professionals always have ready-made answers; in truth, we spend a lot of time researching, planning, and ensuring our messaging aligns with both brand values and public sentiment. I deal with these misconceptions by demonstrating the value of thoughtful, data-driven communications through consistent results.
Second, don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re part of the learning process.
Third, be curious and keep learning, the communications landscape evolves fast, and staying relevant means being open to new tools and ideas.
Finally, always give your best, even when no one seems to be watching. Opportunities often come from unexpected places, and consistency always pays off.
