Adewolu works at Google as the Head of Government
Affairs & Public Policy (West Africa). He graduated in 2009 with an MSc in International
Business and his career spans roles in strategy, regulatory affairs, and
government relations.
He credits Kent’s modules in Strategy and Managing the
Multi-National for shaping his approach to global business challenges, and encourages
students to embrace teamwork, focus on impactful dissertation topics, and
explore international business dynamics.
Tell us about your career path since graduation.
I've had an interesting & diverse career journey
covering functions including people management , strategy , regulatory affairs
& government relations. I've also worked within organizations covering a
range of verticals including telecoms, technology & professional bodies;
progressing from entry level through junior & mid -management to senior
management roles.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
My work days can be quite diverse depending on whether it's
a week when I have a fair bit of travel to engage with policymakers/other
stakeholders or one where I'm working through emails and meetings. In general,
I would say the more regular features include the outlining of priorities I
want to get done on the day and using that as a North Star to navigate through
emails, virtual (and in-person) meetings, as well as interaction with
colleagues.
Can you share a professional highlight from your career
so far?
Without naming specifics, I would say the highlight has been
seeing the tangible outcomes and positive everyday impact of my work in the
policy and regulatory space.
How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current
career?
It's been an amazing accessory. I particularly recall
learnings from the Strategy and Managing The Multi-National modules at the Kent
Business School which have been super-helpful in how I approach issue analysis,
strategic responses and understanding the dynamics of huge corporations
operating in an increasingly global sense. Also, having to work collaboratively
with course mates on projects and presentations back then, gave me an early
exposure to cultivating the collaborative attitude which is key in
organizations such as the one where I currently work.
What advice would you give to our current/prospective
students who are looking to get into the same line of work?
- Embrace opportunities to work on collaborative
assignments (deepen your capacity to be a team player).
- Go all-in (or out!) with your dissertation (find a theme/topic with
socio-economic relevance and look to engage with existing industry players to
test your hypothesis).
- Cultivate an interest in the dynamics of operating a business across
multiple borders.
Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as
a student?
Unfortunately, no. I went to the gym a bit but we were the
inaugural occupants of the Virginia Woolfe accommodation. My room was a haven
for me :-)
Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?
I have several. The weekend trips to the city centre. Going
for walks outside the campus. A night-out with friends when we travelled to a
neighbouring town to watch an R & B star perform live (the artiste never
turned up!).
Is there anything you would do differently if you could
repeat your time at Kent?
Maybe I would embrace and indulge in travel & tourism a
wee bit more.
Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or
academics?
Yes indeed I am. I once met up with a former lecturer who
was visiting Lagos on a work trip. Also still exchange messages with a few
flatmates and course mates.
What are your future ambitions?
Continued career growth.
