Adeshina Adewumi, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Trade Lenda. At Trade Lenda, Adeshina is committed to providing strategic financing for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across emerging markets, bringing financial inclusion to over 250,000 business owners today.
Adeshina Adewumi | Chief Executive Officer and Founder | Trade Lenda
Adeshina’s journey to corporate leadership began humbly as the youngest of three boys, evolving into a young leader during rigorous training at the Nigerian Military School. With a degree in Accounting from Bowen University, Nigeria, and an MBA from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, Adeshina’s career has been defined by seizing opportunities and exchanging value, notably at Stanbic IBTC. We, at EliteX, are honored to introduce Adeshina Adewumi as one of the Impactful CEOs: Making a Difference, 2024.
Inspired by the belief that leadership is paramount, Adeshina continually strives to grow and transform, understanding that the growth of others hinges on his own development. Success, for Adeshina, is measured by impact, particularly in creating jobs and nurturing leadership within his team. A standout achievement for Adeshina is leading the team at Trade Lenda, witnessing their solution support SMEs, creating over 10,000 jobs since 2021, with a target of 1 million by 2027.
“Everything rises and falls on leadership. Our people can only grow as much as we grow.” – Adeshina Adewumi
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at Trade Lenda, with an open-door policy and equal opportunities for all, including individuals with special needs and diverse genders. Challenges are viewed as opportunities for growth and reflection, with setbacks serving as lessons to propel forward. Adeshina’s approach to fostering innovation and creativity involves cultivating an environment that supports initiative-taking and learning from both successes and failures. When faced with tough decisions, Adeshina Adewumi, as a corporate leader, always prioritizes the well-being of his team. One challenging moment stands out when the choice lay between downsizing or diversifying revenue streams to stabilize the company. Opting for the latter not only retained team members but also fostered a more motivated and committed workforce.
Balancing the needs of stakeholders, employees, and the community is crucial in leadership decisions. Adeshina emphasizes effective communication to align stakeholders with the company’s vision and goals, ensuring each understands their role in achieving collective success. To aspiring black corporate leaders, Adeshina advises taking ownership of outcomes and being proactive in shaping one’s career path. Inaction, he emphasizes, is not an option, and building strong networks and mentor relationships is key to navigating the corporate landscape.
Maintaining work-life balance is paramount for Adeshina, especially prioritizing family time. While the demands of his role as CEO can be overwhelming, he consciously strives to find equilibrium, recognizing that mental and emotional well-being are essential for sustainable success. Mentorship and professional development have played pivotal roles in Adeshina’s leadership journey. He underscores the importance of being both a good friend and mentee, recognizing that growth often hinges on the support systems in place.
“Inaction is not an option. Take ownership of your outcomes and shape your own destiny.” – Adeshina Adewumi
Staying informed about industry trends and emerging technologies is vital for Adeshina, who relies on digital channels and networking platforms like LinkedIn to stay updated. This ensures Trade Lenda remains relevant and adaptable in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Adeshina’s decision-making is guided by the principle that “everything rises and falls on leadership” by John C Maxwell. This foundational philosophy underscores his commitment to personal growth and nurturing leaders within his organization. Looking ahead, Adeshina aims to further develop Trade Lenda into a leading financial institution driving economic growth and financial inclusion across emerging markets. Additionally, he plans to invest in and support young entrepreneurs, contributing to the development of the EMEA region while exploring opportunities in education and governance.
In summary, Adeshina Adewumi’s leadership at Trade Lenda is marked by a commitment to impact, inclusivity, and fostering a culture of innovation, driving the company towards its goal of supporting SMEs and creating meaningful societal change.
“Success is not a one-off achievement, but a series of activities contributing to our path to greatness.” – Adeshina Adewumi
