Dr. Bolu Oladini is a keynote speaker and the author of Diamond at Your Rock Bottom, a book that explores going from adversity to triumph through post-traumatic growth.
Until he was four years old, Dr. Oladini lived in Nigeria, at which point his family immigrated to the United States, spending a few years in southwest Michigan before ultimately settling down in Chicago.
A studious individual, Dr. Oladini thrived when it came to academics, but socially he struggled with assimilating into American culture.
“You know how middle school kids can be sometimes,” Dr. Oladini recalls with a laugh, before detailing how not being readily accepted by his peers actually benefited him.
“Not fitting in initially, that was a good thing because it made me more resilient, and instead of always looking to outside sources for support, I looked internally.”
After high school, Dr. Oladini studied at several universities before ultimately graduating from the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.
“I always wanted to do something in healthcare,” he says, and while he currently works for Pfizer as the Director of Generative AI Medical Content, Dr. Oladini is also a serial entrepreneur with several endeavors that extend beyond Corporate America.
“I’ve always been motivated to do more than just my 9-5,” Dr. Oladini adds.
Whereas some people find comfort and satisfaction in their day job, Dr. Oladini has continued to challenge himself to grow in other pursuits as well.
“When people get a nice title or a well-paying job, sometimes they start to get complacent,” Dr. Oladini points out.
“There is nothing inherently wrong with that, but I always knew that there were things I wanted to do beyond the normal workday.”
These additional pursuits that Dr. Oladini has undertaken include becoming an author, professional speaker, and owner of a short-term rental company.
Of course, having a business or two on the side is a nice way to earn additional income, but these endeavors have also taught Dr. Oladini new skills that will hopefully allow him to forever be able to secure gainful employment.
As far as his motivation for becoming an author, it didn’t come about in the way you might expect.
When he looked back on his journey and the adversity he overcame, he felt compelled to share how challenges like wavering mental health, relationship issues, and professional uncertainty made him stronger and more resilient.
“Some people blame their circumstances for why they can’t succeed,” Dr. Oladini notes.
“Others look at that adversity and see it as part of their origin story. They embrace it. As the quote says, ‘The best way out is always through’”.
Written during the pandemic, Dr. Oladini’s debut book, Diamond at Your Rock Bottom, was released in October 2024.
“The aim was to showcase that whatever problems you have, they can be catalysts for your personal growth and transformation,” Dr. Oladini explains.
Just like a diamond is formed by coal undergoing thousands of pounds of pressure, the book is a guide to show the reader how to discover their own diamond within them.
According to Dr. Oladini, “The pressure that will form your diamond is the journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual awakening after reaching rock bottom.”
He continues, “I wanted the book to give people hope that they can overcome their challenges and they don’t need to be defined by them. The darkest moments in your life aren’t just obstacles to be overcome; they are actually opportunities for growth and self-discovery.”
While Dr. Oladini has garnered praise from readers for his relatability and keen insights, the reality is that the Chicago resident is not a finished product.
Which is to say, yes, Dr. Oladini has overcome personal hardship, but his work is not complete.
More precisely, he still has a long way to go.
“I titled the book Diamond at Your Rock Bottom, but becoming the best version of myself, that will be an ongoing process, and it honestly will never end because I believe you should constantly be working on yourself and finding out who you are and what you stand for,” he explains.
“So while indeed there is a diamond to be found even in the most dire of circumstances, I also believe that the journey is the destination, and you should appreciate every step.”
Perspectives like these, in combination with his engaging personality, is why Dr. Oladini has been asked to speak at several high-profile events.
When he takes center stage, often his audience is in the healthcare industry, but the core tenets of his message also revolve around resiliency, overcoming adversity, navigating uncertainty, and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into work and day-to-day life.
“Information is valuable, but the way it’s presented is equally important,” shares Dr. Oladini, who is considered by some to be one of the more raw and authentic storytellers in his industry.
“Again, I try to blend the knowledge I’ve accrued with my lived experiences in order to give my audiences actionable steps that they can take to improve.”
Dr. Oladini adds:
“I’m grateful to be in the position I’m in now, to have gone through turmoil and come out the other side armed with strategies to overcome tough times. With my book and speaking engagements, I’m excited to continue spreading this message, ultimately helping people navigate uncertainty and write their own stories of success.” QS
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