One of the biggest challenges new managers face in professional spaces is figuring out how to turn ideas into execution for real-world impact. As a corporate girl myself, my ears pricked up the moment my guests on the red carpet at the 2024 Global Mentorbridge (GMB) Gala began sharing deeply insightful nuggets on this very topic. I couldn’t wait to bring those conversations back to my readers. A Little Backstory In 2023, when I hosted the second edition of the Global Mentorbridge Gala, I met some truly remarkable individuals – innovators, executives, creatives and culture-shapers. It was an evening woven with powerful ideas, heartfelt storytelling about mentoring and reverse mentoring, vibrant celebration, and a buffet that could win awards of its own. So you can imagine my excitement when I was booked to host the red carpet at the 2024 edition. If you’ve ever attended the gala, you know the atmosphere is a blend of camaraderie, warmth and deep learning. The kind of environment that makes you pause, reflect and – whether consciously or not – recalibrate the way you work. This third edition did not disappoint. On the red carpet, I had the pleasure of speaking with leaders like Abimbola Adebakin, Tochukwu MacFoy, Dr. Clement Obadimu, the convener – Jane Oma, and many others. This edition’s theme, Beyond Ideas, inspired conversations that speak directly to the realities you and I navigate every day – turning concepts into reality, navigating failed projects – and the role of mentoring in unlocking growth. How to Turn Ideas into Execution – From the Red Carpet to the Corporate Stage Beyond the fun of welcoming guests and setting the tone for the evening, I was quietly storing the most thought-provoking nuggets from those conversations. These lessons hit home for every professional, creative or leader who is trying to move from concept to impact. 1. Execute Your Ideas with This: Borrow Experience, Not Just Inspiration One of the biggest insights on how to turn ideas into execution is understanding that you don’t build alone. When asked how he leverages mentoring to execute ideas successfully, Tochukwu MacFoy explained that he leans into his mentors’ journeys. “The wisdom and path to execution is in people’s journey,” he said. Think about your current project, your pitch deck, your creative idea, your strategic plan. You don’t have to guess your way through it. Someone has walked that path already. For MacFoy, that includes learning what not to do by reflecting on mentors’ past failures. He then said something many high-achievers struggle with: “Humility is the courage to rightly estimate yourself.” In any corporate or creative environment, this is gold. The sooner you admit what you don’t know, the sooner you can learn what gets you to the finish line. In other words, be honest about where your skills and knowledge currently stand. Then be humble enough to seek the guidance you need to turn your next idea into execution. 2. When an Idea Fails, Do This: Expand the Question, Not the Shame Let’s face it: sometimes we give our best to an idea we believe will change the world… and it still flops. When I asked Abimbola Adebakin how she moves forward from such moments, her approach to a failed idea is a mindset shift every professional can use: “I ask: ‘what else, who else, when else?’” What an empowering way to pivot from a “failure”. Think about it: According to her, these questions open the door to reflection. They help you decide whether to explore the idea differently, shelve it for a better time, or move on entirely. If you’re going to go Beyond Ideas in the workplace, failed projects can’t be dead ends. They must be detours, redirections or invitations to look again. 3. Beyond Mentoring: The Power of Reverse Mentoring This third lesson wasn’t spoken — it was seen. You see, mentoring is core to what Global Mentorbridge does: driving conversations, building mentorship frameworks for organisations, guiding individuals in business, career and executive presence, and celebrating people shaping the mentoring ecosystem. But beyond traditional mentoring, Global Mentorbridge champions reverse mentoring as well. That’s why at a typical GMB event, you’ll meet people of diverse ages, industries, cultures and backgrounds. The young are eager to learn from the experienced. The experienced are equally eager to learn from fresh perspectives. The tech professional seeks insight from the finance leader and vice versa. Here lies the lesson we often overlook in the workplace: You can be the most experienced person in the room… and still be the least informed about what’s emerging. You can be the youngest in the room… and still be the most insightful about what’s next. No matter where you are in life, there is someone you can learn from — and someone you can guide. There’s someone who can help you turn your ideas into execution — and someone who will benefit from the lessons you’ve learned executing yours. Ultimately, how to turn ideas into execution is less about having perfect ideas and more about asking better questions, learning continuously, and acting with clarity. The red carpet truly buzzed. Hosting it was an honour, and drawing out these insights from the guests was one of the highlights of my year. Now I’m passing the mic to you: How have you pivoted from a failed project in the past? Let me know in the comments below. Planning an Event Soon? Book me as your emcee. [Or Recommend me to your organisation here]. With me as your event host, your speakers will shine, your audience will stay engaged, and your event will run like a well-oiled engine. Book me and schedule a discovery call here. I offer professional hosting services for main events, red carpets and panel moderations. Events are business tools, but they don’t work if the room is flat. As a professional event host, I help brands communicate their message clearly and create the right energy in the room. From conferences, AGMs, gala and
What Professional Networking Looks Like in Real Life | LinkedIn Local Lagos Event Host
A lot of what people call “professional networking” is often spoken about in theory. But as a professional event host in Lagos, my experience with it has been more practical than that. Some of the most meaningful opportunities I’ve had didn’t start in formal settings – they started online. One of those was with Seun Odegbami. We first came across each other on Instagram. At the time, he was sharing content around LinkedIn and how to use it more intentionally. That led to a collaboration between us, and from there, we connected more intentionally on LinkedIn. Over time, that relationship grew, and eventually it led to me hosting the LinkedIn Local Bootcon in Lagos. This was my first experience hosting a LinkedIn Local networking event in Lagos. Day of the Event I arrived early, so the venue was still quiet. As a professional event host, I usually arrive early to understand the energy of the space before guests arrive. Only a few members of the team were around at the time, setting things up before guests started coming in. It was hosted at Café One in Lagos. This gave it a different feel from a typical conference hall – softer, less formal, and more open. As people began to trickle in, the room slowly started to take shape. Even though this was my first LinkedIn Local event, it quickly became clear what people meant when they described it. Some people were meeting for the first time. Meanwhile, others recognised faces they had interacted with on LinkedIn and continued those conversations in person. In some cases, people met, connected on the spot, and added each other afterwards. However, it wasn’t instantly seamless for everyone. Some guests eased into it quickly, while others needed a bit more time to find their rhythm in the space. That was where I came in as host, not just to guide the programme, but to shape the guests’ experience. Professional Networking at a LinkedIn Local Event The theme for the event, Getting Interconnected, and my discovery call with Seun, gave me a simple direction to work with – help people move from being in the same space to actually engaging with one another. In practice, it meant being very intentional about how I held the room and the opportunities I created for interaction. This included the following approaches. Tech for Engagement At the beginning of the event, I used a simple tech-driven prompt to open things up and ease people into participation. It helped set the tone early and got guests engaging in a very natural way. It also served as an entry point for people who were still settling in. Instead of jumping straight into conversations, it gave everyone something light to respond to first. That helped break that initial stiffness and made it easier for everyone to interact. Spontaneous Panel Moderation Not everything about the day followed a fixed structure. At a point where a planned panel moment didn’t unfold as expected, I had to adjust quickly and keep the conversation going. I shifted the energy by bringing audience members into the discussion and guiding them with questions that helped draw out their experiences in a clear way. A key part of this was knowing how to frame the right questions and follow up just enough to reach deeper insight. That kept the conversation active even without a formal panel setup, and those who were initially just listening became part of it in real time. Audience Interaction What is a professional networking event without audience interaction? The energy of the room had to stay active all day, and that meant constantly creating openings for people to engage with each other. At different points, I pulled the room into simple exchanges that got people turning to each other and responding in real time. And in between, I leaned into humour and timing, engineering laughter in a way that kept the atmosphere light and made it easier for people to open up. Award Ceremony The event ended with special recognition of professionals who were consistently adding value to their online LinkedIn communities. As I hosted that segment, I kept the tone warm and steady, giving each recognition the attention it deserved. It was a fitting close to a day that was really about one thing – connection, in all its different forms. Professional networking isn’t just about meeting people – it’s about what happens when those connections are placed in the right environment and allowed to grow in real time. That is exactly what played out at LinkedIn Local Bootcon in Lagos. Connections that started online came into the same physical space, some meeting for the first time, others continuing conversations they had only ever had on LinkedIn. My role as host was to shape the flow of the day in a way that made those interactions easier, more natural, and more connected. Every event is different, and I enjoy working with organisers and teams to design a flow that reflects each event’s uniqueness, like I did for LinkedIn Local Bootcon in Lagos. Organising an event soon? I’d love to help bring your vision to life on stage. Send me a quick email to info {at} buifenomeh {dot} com or reach out here – let’s collaborate. I offer professional emcee services in Lagos for: Events are business tools, but they don’t work if the room is flat. As a professional event host, I help brands communicate their message clearly and create the right energy in the room. From conferences, AGMs, gala and award ceremonies, to red carpet events, I make sure the message comes through and the audience stays engaged. If you are planning something, contact me today, let’s talk.
A Female MC’s Experience Hosting a Lagos Gala Event
As a female MC in Lagos, one of the things I’ve learned from hosting countless events is this: no two events are ever truly the same. Even when two events share the same theme or audience type, there’s always that one thing — that spark — that makes each unique. I look forward to discovering what that special something will be every single time. For me, this discovery usually begins at the discovery call — my first meeting with the event organizer or planning team. At this stage, I listen closely to your vision. I focus on the “why” behind your event. I also consider the experience you hope your guests will walk away with. 👉 [Click here to book me for your event] Hosting the Global Mentorbridge Gala 2023 This was exactly the case when I was invited to serve as the female MC for the 2023 Global Mentorbridge (GMB) Gala. From my very first conversation with the convener, Jane Oma, I could tell this wasn’t a run-of-the-mill event. The vision was inspiring, the audience was diverse, and the program lineup was thoughtfully curated. Right from the start, everything about it felt intentional. I knew my role as emcee would be to amplify that energy. Once I was confirmed, I went to the drawing board to craft how to make the evening flow effortlessly. I also planned how to keep the audience engaged, connected, and inspired, echoing my client’s vision. Stepping Into the Gala Preparation is one thing — but stepping into the actual event is another story entirely. As expected, the moment I walked into the venue at Radisson Blu Ikeja, I felt the anticipation immediately. I knew this was more than just another event. It was a gathering of minds and hearts across generations. Here’s What Stood Out to Me as a Female MC in Lagos 1. First, The Vision Behind the Event Global Mentorbridge’s mission is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge across generations, industries, and geographies. The Gala is one of the key platforms that bring this vision to life. It brings people together across age groups and backgrounds to mentor, reverse-mentor, and network. As the host, my goal was to guide conversations and keep the energy flowing so that everyone — regardless of background — felt included and connected. 2. Next, A Truly Diverse Audience The GMB Gala brought together an extraordinary mix of attendees — from their 20s to their 60s, spanning multiple career levels, industries, and ethnicities. Despite these differences, one thing united everyone in that room: their passion for mentoring. That shared purpose became the heartbeat of the evening, and as emcee, I had the joy of amplifying it through my delivery, tone, and transitions. 3. Finally, Mentoring, Reverse-Mentoring & Networking These three pillars are the GMB trifecta for sustainability and knowledge transfer. Together, they created a powerful and engaging atmosphere. Throughout the evening, it was phenomenal to watch attendees — Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Zers — exchange insights, challenge perspectives, and celebrate one another. From the red carpet interviews to the main stage conversations, the energy was nothing short of electric — exactly the kind of atmosphere an experienced emcee thrives in. Final MC Thoughts By the end of the night, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Every interaction, every shared insight, and every connection underscored the importance of my role as the event host. Overall, hosting the Global Mentorbridge Gala 2023 was a truly remarkable experience. So, if you’re planning an event and need a female MC in Lagos who brings warmth, intelligence, and flair to the stage, I’d love to work with you. 👉 [Click here to book me now] I offer professional emcee services in Lagos for: Events are business tools, but they don’t work if the room is flat. As a professional event host, I help brands communicate their message clearly and create the right energy in the room. From conferences, AGMs, gala and award ceremonies, to red carpet events, I make sure the message comes through and the audience stays engaged. If you are planning something, contact me today, let’s talk.
Hosting SocialGood Summit Lagos 2023: 5 Key Takeaways
On September 16, 2023, SocialGood Lagos, one of the local hubs of the United Nations Foundation plus Social Good program, held it’s 2023 edition of the SocialGood Summit Lagos. The theme of this year’s edition was Ideas Shaping the World. In line with this theme, SocialGood Summit Lagos 2023 focused on how we can leverage technology, new media and more young people participation to accomplish the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With the 2030 deadline underway, the SocialGood Lagos team curated sessions and speakers to hone in on the theme. The speakers shared incredible ideas on how to go beyond awareness to actions that drive the achievement of these goals. From a keynote by Mr. Niyi Yusuf, to interactive plenary sessions on the topics: Moving from Ideas to Change and More Young People, More SDGs Action. We also had innovative speeches from the likes of Chioma Ukpabi and Fabia Ogunmekan. Lessons from Behind the Mic at SocialGood Summit Lagos 2023 I had the privilege of anchoring the summit as the official emcee, and the experience was one for the books. From guiding the conversations and engaging the stakeholders at the summit to keeping the excitement amidst a rainy day. Beyond creating an amazing experience for the attendees, I also penned down some wisdom from the speakers. In this post, I’ll be sharing 5 of those lessons. This is to help anyone interested in contributing to Nigeria’s efforts towards the achievement of the 17 SDGs before 2030. 1. You Have a Role to Play. Usually when we think about national development, everyone’s expectation is that it is the government’s sole responsibility to change the standard of living in the country. However, that isn’t entirely true. Granted, the government has a role it must play. However, you and I must also make our inputs if Nigeria is to cover enough miles in the accomplishment of the SDGs before the 2030 deadline. 2. Educate Yourself. Did you know that the 17 SDGs are further broken down into 169 targets? Did you know that Nigeria is only in time to accomplish only one out of these 169 targets: registration at birth? That is both shocking and sad. But it also buttresses the fact that each of us needs to join this movement. How can you contribute? Start by educating yourself on the 169 targets of the sustainable development goals. This will help you to discover the area(s) you would like to contribute with your skills and experiences. Educate yourself also on the best approaches for participating in this very important and challenging work. If you’re new to this terrain, and are looking to join a team that’s already working in this regard, Social Good Lagos is currently open to volunteers. Consider joining the team to learn more about the role you can play, and begin taking action. 3. Find Partners. It goes without saying that this work is not a one-man business. Hands must be locked if we’re going to make significant strides before 2030. In fact, the 17th SDG is Partnership for the Goals. Go figure. SocialGood Lagos is keen on partnerships too. So it wasn’t surprising that one of the panel discussions covered partnerships. If you’ve already got your foot in the game, and are looking to find the right partners, the panelists advise that you need to first define your goals. What are you trying to accomplish? What are the challenges you would likely encounter? Who would make an ideal partner? Who has the skills, resources or will to solve the same problems you are working on? Which organisation can you collaborate with? I particularly loved what Sheila Ojei said about partnerships: it doesn’t always have to be money. For instance, instead of asking an organisation to provide monetary sponsorship for your project(s), consider partnering with an organisation that already has what you would spend the money on. 4. Social Entrepreneurship is a Thing. Usually, when we think of the 17 SDGs, opening an NGO that creates awareness or provides education in an area comes to many people’s minds. But can there be for-profit organisations whose business is creating solutions to one or more of the problems identified in the #Agenda2030? The answer is yes. Muazu Africa by Tolulope Makinwa and ECO by Samuel Owolafe-Austin are good examples. Can your startup/business manufacture a health product that can directly contribute to the eradication of some of the diseases covered in the SDGs? Then make it available at a subsidized rate? #somethingtothinkabout 5. Philanthropy is a Vital Vehicle. Fabia Ogunmekan’s speech was one for the money. Let me reiterate it this way: imagine you and 9 of your friends come together and decide to contribute N50,000 monthly to be donated to a cause working towards any of the goals/targets? That’s N6,000,000 per annum. Or you could decide to purchase a key medical instrument for a local hospital to provide better diagnosis and/or care to patients. The list goes on. It doesn’t have to be N50,000, but I’m sure you get the gist. So, if you already have too much going on that directly working on any of the goals/targets isn’t feasible for you, send your money to go where you can’t. Every kobo helps. Those were my top lessons from this year’s SocialGood Summit Lagos. In general, the event was a productive one. And I had a blast creating a wonderful experience for everyone (including the virtual attendees) as the event host. How are you contributing to the SDGs? Which of these lessons resonates with you? Want to experience the SGS Lagos 2023 yourself? Here’s a replay of the livestream. Events are business tools, but they don’t work if the room is flat. As a professional event host, I help brands communicate their message clearly and create the right energy in the room. From conferences, AGMs, gala and award ceremonies, to red carpet events, I make sure the message comes through and the audience stays engaged. If you are planning something, contact me today, let’s talk.