LEADERSHIP -Adetule Adetutu Oluwapelumi.

Good day, fam!

I’m Adetule Adetutu Oluwapelumi, but most people call me AAO — which I love.

Over the past few years, I’ve been privileged to serve in different leadership roles and I’ll be answering a few questions from the host, sharing my thoughts and experiences around leadership:

What it has meant to me, the lessons I’ve learnt, and what I’m still learning along the way. I hope you’ll stay with me and follow through! Thank you so much for being here.

What does leadership mean to you?

I understand where this question is coming from, especially in this generation where leadership can mean different things to different people around the world.

Leadership — when understood in its original design is all about SERVICE. It’s about guiding, inspiring, and supporting others so that together, we can achieve a shared purpose whether that’s God-given, in a corporate setting, or anywhere else.

Leadership is never about a title, position, or exercising stern authority over people. For me, it’s about Influence, Impact, and Affluence — all sponsored by Love.

When all is said and done, I’d like to remain in people’s hearts because they saw that:

“In my sphere of INFLUENCE, I IMPACTED lives, and there was AFFLUENCE to keep it viable.”

In what settings have you had the opportunity to lead?

I’ve had the opportunity to lead in two main settings:

Church: First, as the Assistant General Secretary of RCF EKSU, Ekiti State, and later as President and Bible Study Coordinator of the RCCF Osogbo Chapter, Osun State. Occasionally, I also lead in house Bible study and prayer sessions for the young folks I disciple.

Corporate/Volunteer: I currently volunteer with a poetry brand where I serve as the team leader, lead writer, and administrator. I’m responsible for managing weekly remote tasks, including scheduling moderators, executing new projects, and communicating with team members.

Which leadership experience has stood out to you the most?

That would definitely be my time serving as the President and Bible Study Coordinator of the RCCF Osogbo Chapter, Osun State. There’s so much history and so many stories to dig up from that season. I laugh in the Holy Ghost just remembering it!

Could you please share a detailed account of your most impactful leadership experience?

I arrived at RCCF Osogbo as a Corper looking for a place to stay during my one-year national service. But more than just seeking accommodation, I was led there by the Lord. Deep in my heart, I sensed there was a rebuilding work to do, much like what Nehemiah undertook to restore the walls of Jerusalem. The Lord had exposed me to that Scripture prior to that time.

From my first weeks in the family house, I observed that several things were out of place—both in the lifestyle of the residents and the general spiritual atmosphere. Within just four weeks of settling in, I was appointed as the President and Bible Study Coordinator. That marked the beginning of intentional leadership.

My first focus was to restructure the house to reflect its true purpose. I laid down clear rules and codes of conduct, not as a means of control, but as a way to restore order, unity, and godly living. Equally important to me was the Bible Study fellowship. Instead of diving straight into advanced topics, I dedicated time to teach extensively on the basics of the faith, laying a solid foundation so everyone could grow steadily and genuinely.

During my tenure, we also went beyond our walls: we attended external Christian gatherings, and held enriching internal programmes that built stronger bonds as a family. But what mattered most to me wasn’t the number of activities we did, it was the outright transformation I witnessed in the lives of the house members. By the time I was leaving, many shared heartfelt testimonies of how my leadership had impacted them and how the house had found its spiritual balance again.

To the glory of God, the work didn’t end with me. The President who succeeded me, and the one after him, continued leading faithfully under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Even years later, I still hear encouraging reports of growth, order, and spiritual progress from the family house, evidence that what God began during my season has kept flourishing.

This experience remains my most impactful leadership journey: it taught me that true leadership isn’t just about holding a title or running programmes, but about staying true and through to the Call of Service, laying a godly foundation, and inspiring sustainable change that outlives one’s time in office— a legacy!

Who is your leadership role model?

I don’t have just one specific leadership role model. Instead, in my heart, there are about four leaders whose impact on my life over the years I have genuinely acknowledged and deeply recognised.

What book would you recommend for learning about leadership?

I highly recommend “Becoming A Leader” by Myles Munroe.

It’s a powerful book that goes beyond leadership techniques to explore the mindset and character of a true leader. Myles Munroe explains that leadership is not about position or power, but about discovering your purpose, serving others, and cultivating the vision within you. It’s practical, deeply insightful, and truly transformational for anyone aspiring to lead from the inside out.

What challenges have you faced as a leader, and how did you overcome them?

One major challenge was people not believing in the vision that guided my leadership as President and Bible Study Coordinator. At first, it was tough because I wanted everyone to do things right. But I learned to balance firmness with kindness — praying, listening more, and correcting in love rather than criticism. This helped most people come on board with the vision, and by God’s grace, we found unity in the Holy Ghost.

Do you have any words for the leaders out there? If yes, please share.

Leadership is first about following Christ and serving others — never forget this!

Serve with humility, pay attention, and genuinely love the people you lead. Even when no one sees your sacrifices, God sees and in His time, He honours faithful service.