When Adeola Amosun stepped into the world of marketing communications 11 years ago, he could hardly have predicted how far the path would take him—from the buzz of the newsroom to the high-stakes meetings of multinational brands.
On June 9, to mark his 11th anniversary in the industry, Amosun took to LinkedIn to share his reflections, highlighting 11 key lessons learned over the years. His story is one of humble beginnings, steep learning curves, resilience, and the power of relationships.
He recalled one of his first big decisions—choosing between a job at a financial institution and a role at a marketing agency.
Although the agency job came with uncertainty, it aligned more with his communications background, so he leaped. Despite being the best candidate during the recruitment process, the early days were tough. He was thrown into managing a Fortune 50 account and quickly felt overwhelmed.
“I didn’t even tell many of my friends about the job until the fourth month,”
Amosun wrote, explaining that he was unsure whether he would make it. His solution? Long hours, weekend work, and a level of commitment that made him the last to leave the office on most days.
Years later, during a regular catch-up session with junior team members, he encountered a young media executive who was in tears.
She was going through the same kind of pressure he had once felt. Sharing his own story with her became a powerful reminder that early-career struggles are far more common than people often admit.
ALSO READ: MARKETINGWORLD’S CMO OF THE WEEK: TEMITOPE OSUNRINDE, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER OF TIZETI
Amosun also touched on the importance of relationships in the business. He said competence can get you noticed, but it’s genuine, long-term connections that open real doors. Throughout his career, he has built relationships across major organisations such as Radio House, Dentsu, Procter & Gamble, Diageo, Beiersdorf, Coca-Cola, and PZ Wilmar. These relationships, he said, have led to opportunities that technical skills alone couldn’t provide.
Another key insight was the value of visibility. Early on, Amosun believed that excellent work would speak for itself. But he soon learned that quiet excellence doesn’t always get rewarded. “I played the humble card too much,” he admitted, adding that being visible and owning one’s narrative is just as important as doing the work.
Amosun’s reflections paint the picture of a career shaped not only by talent, but also by determination, humility, and constant learning. As he noted in closing, the lessons never stop coming.
By
