Profession: Architect & Building Expert
City: Ibadan
Country: Nigeria

What inspired you to want a life in Architecture and the creative industries?:
Growing up, I was fascinated by the way buildings and spaces can shape human experiences, identity and emotions. I was drawn to the creative freedom and technical challenge of architecture, where art meets science. Seeing my work from design stages to construction stages and transforming into reality. This interest led me to explore various creative industries, including design, art, and innovation. I am excited about the opportunity to bring people together, solve complex problems, and create meaningful, functional, and beautiful spaces that inspire and uplift others.

Who inspired you in finding your path to Architecture/Film and the creative industries?:
Several people and experiences have inspired me in finding my path to Architecture and the creative industries, particularly in construction.

– Mentors and Professors: My architecture professors and mentors encouraged me to explore the intersection of design, storytelling, and technology, which ultimately led me to film.
– Architects and Filmmakers: The works of visionary architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, TAD. Omisore, and filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick, Christopher Nolan have been a constant source of inspiration.
– Family and Friends: My family and friends have supported me in pursuing my passions, and their encouragement has played a significant role in shaping my path.
– Collaborations and Projects: Working on various projects and collaborating with like-minded individuals has helped me discover my strengths and interests in architecture and construction.

These influences have collectively inspired me to pursue a career that combines creativity, technical skills, and storytelling.
How you unlock obstacles and overcome bias in your work?: To unlock obstacles and overcome bias in my work, I apply principles from various project management methodologies, including PMP, Agile, Lean, and Six Sigma. Here are some strategies I use:

Unlocking Obstacles:

1. Root Cause Analysis (RCA): I use RCA to identify the underlying causes of obstacles, rather than just addressing symptoms.
2. Collaborative Problem-Solving: I work with cross-functional teams to leverage diverse perspectives and expertise, ensuring that obstacles are tackled from multiple angles.
3. Agile Methodologies: I apply Agile principles, such as iterative development, continuous improvement, and flexibility, to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome obstacles.
4. Design Thinking: I use design thinking to approach problems with empathy, creativity, and experimentation, which helps to identify innovative solutions.

Overcoming Bias:

1. Six Sigma’s DMAIC Framework: I apply the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) framework to identify and mitigate biases in processes and decision-making.
2. Data-Driven Decision-Making: I rely on data and objective metrics to inform decisions, reducing the influence of personal biases.
3. Diverse Teams and Stakeholder Engagement: I work with diverse teams and engage with stakeholders to ensure that multiple perspectives are considered, which helps to identify and overcome biases.
4. Continuous Learning and Improvement: I prioritize ongoing learning and professional development, which enables me to recognize and address biases in my own work and decision-making processes.

PMP Principles:

1. Stakeholder Management: I identify and engage stakeholders to ensure that their needs and expectations are understood and addressed.
2. Risk Management: I proactively identify and mitigate risks, which helps to minimize obstacles and biases.
3. Communication Management: I prioritize clear and transparent communication to ensure that stakeholders are informed and aligned.
What improvements do you feel are required to promote effective change in the academic and working environment?: To promote effective change in academic and working environments, several improvements can be made:
Academic Environment:
1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between departments and faculties to foster a more holistic understanding of complex issues.
2. Practical Application: Incorporate more practical, real-world examples and projects into curricula to better prepare students for industry challenges.
3. Emphasis on Soft Skills: Develop students’ soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, to complement technical knowledge.
4. Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs that pair students with experienced professionals or academics to provide guidance and support.
5. Continuous Feedback and Evaluation: Regularly solicit feedback from students and incorporate it into curriculum development and teaching methods.

Working Environment:
1. Flexible Work Arrangements: Implement flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, to improve work-life balance and increase productivity.
2. Professional Development Opportunities: Provide regular training and development opportunities to help employees stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
3. Open Communication: Foster an open and transparent communication culture, where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns.
4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
5. Recognition and Rewards: Recognize and reward employees’ contributions and achievements to boost morale and motivation.

Common to Both Environments:
1. Embracing Technology: Leverage technology to enhance learning, and work processes, and to stay ahead of the curve in terms of innovation and best practices.
2. Collaboration and Partnerships: Encourage collaboration and partnerships between academia and industry to drive innovation and address real-world challenge.