Purpose

There is a pre-ordination about purpose that supersedes time, merit and ability. Because it is not our own, and was allocated in its full measure, prior to our understanding, its ability to be fully actualised is only dependent on our ability to 'search it out'.

In the same vein, the instant a foetus is formed, it possesses (within itself) everything required for it to mature into an adult. Initially, the foetus is not aware of itself, didn't particularly deserve, or, utilise any special skills to attain its DNA. It was given by its parents!

The onus then lies with me, the onus lies with you, to search and discover what was given to us. Be confident in the truth that, you are enough. As you go through the day, ask yourself, "What is my purpose DNA?".

My Personal Brand Icon Explained.

When clients talk with me about logo and brand marks, my passion takes over! Over time, however, I'm learning that not everyone is as passionate. But for those willing to listen, here is the meaning my personal brand emblem has taken on:

Starting with the 'J'...
• Amongst my different leadership capabilities, I observed that I naturally see others where they are meant to be functioning; going one step further by also 'pushing' them into their area(s) of calling. Hence why the 'J' resembles a hammer (at the top), but at the bottom, is reminiscent of a chisel. When both the hammer and chisel work hand in hand, moulding and formulation occur as by-products. In addition, the curvature of the 'J', also accounts for my extremely different but jovial approach in certain areas of my life. It is an implementation of my personality trait...It goes deeper than just looking nice.

Finally, the circle that lies at the foot of the 'J', is a representation of the gift(s) being mined out of the different people I have been called to be a blessing to; including past, present and future leadership roles.

• It goes without saying that, the brandmark (icon) itself, is very simply my initials (JK). But the manner and thought process behind its design is the differentiating factor that gives life to a 'simple' brandmark.

If you turn the 'K' sideways, you will notice a hanger without the hook. This symbolises my love for suits and formal wear. But more importantly, what I feel, is my calling in the area of business.

In conclusion, the two letters are an amalgamation of the two major arms that will drive me on for the rest of my life (Leadership & Business). The font created for the brandmark is majorly serif based (Is finished with strokes and lines) to give the entire icon a more formal finish. This is then paired with a refined sans serif (without strokes and lines) typography (the brand's written font). In a future post, I will explain how a logo system was created which ended up incorporating 5 different variants into the Joshua Komolafe brand. Each brandmark was made available in the 6 colours of the Joshua Komolafe colour palette (Blue #2BC8E4, Charcoal #14141B, Grey #46484D, Beige #BEB9B4, Cream #E1DFDD and White #FFFFFF). A special shout out to Startteck, the creative design agency that took time to hear me out and conjure up my personal brand design identity.

One thing to note, is that a logo is like an empty vessel. It takes on meaning as you intend for it to. As a brand consultant, I was able to direct the graphic design team; guiding them on what I wanted the end result to look like. Which is what I do for clients anyway. I was able to apply the same knowledge for the development of my personal brand identity. 

Also, because I have spent adequate time in the area of self-evaluation, lifetime projecting and purpose discovery and fulfilment, it wasn't hard for me to add meaning to the brandmark once it was done. 

The best way to bring a logo or brand identity to life, is to know the core values of the said brand. The value system will help dictate the look, feel and even nomenclature. When the right values are in place, a brand will be sustainable. Values help to keep brand owners focused, regardless of changes that might come in in the future. A brand's value system (things they wouldn't compromise on) is heavily linked to a brand's 'why'.

The end result you see now was well thought out and carefully implemented. It might appear simple but has a lot of depth and meaning to it. Because I have approached this in the right way, I might never have to change my personal brand again. Barring minor adjusmtnets, this is capable of outliving me.

Leadership Thoughts 102

Anyone that has worked with me, knows this to be true! 
Some people haven't understood this in the past and it's caused rifts, because they felt, "If you already know what you want, why are you asking me/us?" But Colin Powell phrases it perfectly... I expect team members to challenge my notion; to try and come up with something better and even to try suggest (should that actually be the case) why we are going in the wrong direction/not considering the important things etc. But know that, for me to propose an idea, I also have a reason and will push to make you see why I think it can work. Any leader that doesn't have an opinion is not serving in humility, but, rather, is akin to the doormat that didn't speak up to be cleaned. After a while, it became unbearable and was replaced.

Side note: I actually try to listen to ideas and always ensure that the 'best' idea wins. Regardless of whether it was my idea or not.

No good leader likes a "Yes, Yes" person. With so few people to trust, you find that you become valued member of any team when you (wisely) present the different opinion the team are failing to see—no matter how painful it is. Any good leader, will ensure that his team is full of diverse people... Once that team of diverse can agree on a singular direction, you're half way there. Infact, I go so far as to say: the success of any particular vision is dependent on the diversity in opinion/view point of any leadership team.

Memorisable Writing

Once upon a time, I was able to receive, retain and recall information by ear and off by heart. Now, seasoned with thyme, marinated, and more mature, I have come to appreciate the wisdom associated with writing down.

You get to a stage when the intricacies of your dealings, greater influence the success of the bigger picture, so, "I forgot", can no longer be used as an excuse. 

No matter how good your brain is, I encourage you to write down for two major reasons:

 1.) Just incase you actually forget something. It acts as your insurance. It also allows you to free your mind to be able to focus on other things...In trying to remember certain pieces of information, our short term memory can become ineffective to taking anything else on at that particular moment.

2.) For the eventuality that someone else needs to follow the same instructions. It's then available, to be followed at their convenience. Infact, it's one of the reasons people write books. It enables the writer (information source) to serve many at the same time. 

So, even if you have a good memory (tending towards photographic), you write down because of the people you've been called to serve; the people that weren't present but will require the information nonetheless, and the people that will ask the same questions over time... You can refer them to the piece of writing that answers the question and saves time. 

Once upon a time is NOW. Now, you must cultivate the habit of writing because, there is good sense in it. 

A Short Story by Elsie Marcus

Intent on observing the tadpoles that swam with agility and speed, she stubbornly pushed back the onyx coils that sprung from her head.

The water rippled in tendrils as Chidi stared closely. Once again her onyx kinks sprung precariously from her head before dropping right before her eyes. Without hesitation, she flung them back, intent on maintaining her laser-like focus on the fish tank. The tadpoles swam with an agility and speed that pushed Chidi closer to the edge. In child-like wonder she rose onto the tip of her toes and pressed her nose firmly against the cold glass, wishing with all her might that she too could be like the tadpoles. She wanted to swim through the sea with elegance, feel the water spray against her skin when she dived into open air, and eat all the food she wanted, but alas, she looked down at her feet before gazing sadly at the tadpole. With her nose still firmly pressed against the glass, she let out a downbeat sigh. She would never be able to.

“Chidima Agu, move away from the glass this instance!”

Wobbling from the sudden outburst, Chidi struggled to regain balance, but found herself being abruptly pulled from the large fish tank. Before she could open her mouth, she found herself firmly planted next to her mother who held onto Chidi’s small wrist in hopes of keeping her rooted.  Chidi tried to wiggle away, back to her fish friend in the water, but her mother wouldn’t allow it, not again.

“Chidinma we have to go, now is not the time for your games, please” Stress marred Stella's features as a frown, and the wrinkles under her eyes seemed to add years to her once youthful face. Chidi was considered too young to understand, but she did, and so she gripped her mother’s hand in hope she would realise Chidi understood her frustration. In silence, Chidi’s eyes wandered to the fish tank, her mind consumed with thoughts of the sea and the little tadpole.

Heavy footsteps preceded a soft face and an even softer voice; “And I assume you’ll be back for your next round of chemotherapy next week? Doctor Onyeka looked expectantly at Stella, a sympathetic smile on his face as he awaited her reply.

“Oh, yes... yes, I’ll be back next week”. Her words were laced with fatigue, and Chidi noticed but her young mind couldn’t comprehend the reason behind it, or the meaning of chemotherapy; It sounded more like a cool alien word to her. Wrapping her scarf tightly around her, Chidi, cast one last longing glance towards the fish tank before following her mother out into the fresh snow.

“Wait... Just one moment” Doctor Onyeka briskly followed Stella out the door and gently held the crook of her elbow.

“Stella, are you sure you want to do this alone? Is there no one you can bring, for moral support?” His eyes scanned over her with a fatherly concern.

“No, no it’s fine, I can do this, I have to” She attempted to smile but doctor Onyeka's words struck a chord in her. She had cancer. She was alone. Thanking the doctor for his concern, she grabbed Chidi's hand and continued towards the car with stiff movements. Chidi looked up at the woman she saw as everything and wanted nothing more than to put a smile on her face.

“Mummy?”

“Yes sunshine?”

“Mr Onyeka was wrong.”

Stella chuckled in disbelief and looked at Chidi.

“What do you mean?”

“He was wrong mummy. You have me, I’ll always be here for you, forever and ever and ever!”

Time seemed to stand still as Stella looked down at her daughter. Affection bubbled through her as she scooped Chidi into a bear hug, burying her tear-stained face into her Onyx kinks. Stella knew in that moment that her mini-me was the reason she had to survive this breast cancer. There was no other option. Chidi squealed in delight, oblivious to the woes of her mother, but all the happier to help.