In the often overlooked intersection between agribusiness and lifestyle branding, one woman is quietly crafting a playbook for visionary leadership rooted in empathy, structure, and global ambition.
As Executive Director of Funtuna Ventures, Tolulola Olumide is not just managing one of Nigeria’s most respected poultry and lifestyle brands—she’s redefining what it means to lead with purpose in a sector often seen as conventional and male-dominated.
Tolulola’s rise within Funtuna Ventures marks a compelling shift from traditional management styles to a more emotionally intelligent, yet performance-driven, approach to leadership.
Her tenure has been defined by the infusion of global best practices with local relevance—a feat made possible by Funtuna’s international affiliations, including its active membership in the International Egg Commission.
Under her direction, the company has embraced modern production methods, streamlined operations, and repositioned its brand to reflect not just agricultural excellence, but an aspirational lifestyle.
She brings to the boardroom not just strategy, but soul. Her leadership philosophy? Delegate effectively, communicate expectations clearly, and cultivate a culture of compassion without compromise. It’s a style that encourages excellence without ego, productivity without pressure.
“I believe in clarity, kindness, and consistency,” she once noted at an industry event. “People perform better when they’re seen, heard, and empowered.”
In an industry where talent can often be undervalued, Tolulola is setting a new standard. Her approach to talent acquisition marries the time-tested with the tactical. By combining traditional hiring with targeted headhunting, she has built a team that is both competent and deeply aligned with the company’s mission. Accountability, she insists, begins with alignment—and that starts with putting the right people in the right seats.
Her method reflects a deeper truth: that no system, however technologically advanced, can thrive without the right people driving it. This philosophy underpins Funtuna’s internal culture—where performance metrics sit alongside mentorship, and where every employee, from factory floor to executive suite, is encouraged to embody the company’s values of discipline, innovation, and service.
Navigating the complexities of Nigeria’s volatile business environment requires more than strategy—it demands stamina. Tolulola has steered Funtuna through market fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer expectations with calm precision. Her secret? A deep sense of faith, family, and focus.
Rather than buckle under pressure, she has leaned into resilience as a mindset. She advocates for businesses to remain agile, embrace innovation, and resist the seductive lull of mediocrity. “Complacency,” she has warned peers, “is the slow death of potential.”
Through it all, she remains grounded—not only by her faith and personal values but by the belief that businesses should serve more than the bottom line. They should uplift, inspire, and build communities.
Beyond the confines of the boardroom, Tolulola Olumide is emerging as a role model for a new generation of African leaders—especially women—seeking to build businesses that blend impact with integrity. She challenges young professionals to lead not just with ambition, but with intention.
Her legacy, still unfolding, is already clear: to prove that African businesses can be globally competitive, locally impactful, and deeply human in their approach.
Whether refining operations at Funtuna or mentoring emerging leaders, Tolulola’s story is a testament to the fact that discipline and empathy are not opposing forces but powerful allies in the making of transformative leadership.
Image Credit: Funtuna Eggs
