We recently connected with Teniola Akinwuntan and have shared our conversation below.

Teniola, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was your school or training experience like? Share an anecdote or two that you feel illustrate important aspects or the overall nature of your schooling/training experience.

During my time in high school I had some really good moments, but my best moment was in a particular class during my senior year. So I was basically a new student with expectations. I remember my first presentation in this class. We were all requested to write an essay about the processes of flying on an airplane. My Dad was currently working as a telecommunications manager back then at a Nigerian Airways, so I had learnt and connected my imaginary friends in anticipation of becoming an aircrew director someday. The news of penning down my childhood inspiration tickled my fantasy. I was both anxious and equally excited. It is still one of my best moment. When I went to present I felt afraid, and then when I finally presented, it happened to be the essay that was presented to the Education board of that year for Literature Investments in the senior class of my school.
It felt so good for the effort I applied on.
It helped to also build my confidence, knowing that I can do whatever I desire as a growing young lady.
The learnings I acquired made it so good till this moment, It helped me to trust my intuitive abilities and to lean on an higher knowledge to edify my skills.

Teniola, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Teniola Akinwauntan – Teniola (Teni) Akinwuntan, is a Mind-Transition Specialist, a Transformation Coach, and a Wellness Counselor. Teniola is the President and Founder of Women of Valor, an empowerment center, that enhances the wellness of women of color, in Baltimore, Maryland.
She is a Capacity Builder, and an Author.

She is Christ – Centered and a worthy visionary. In her role equipping a daring army of forerunners, who will trigger the tipping point on the systems of influence, she directs a propelling vision at PT Consult, and Theeseeds, LLC, setting a pace for excellence, and accelerating the tools needed to emerge and to foster humanitarian services as a global premier training center for transformational life coaching that blends spiritual principles with practical real- world application.

Teniola founded Theeseeds, llC, An Eligible Apprenticeship and Workforce Training Provider, that is deeply committed to Providing employable and Job readiness skills training and other valuable resources to women and individuals who may be experiencing financial hardships as a result of joblessness, or workforce barriers.

Professionally, Teniola earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and advanced, for her EMBA in International Relations and Developmental Experience across board, among other certifications.

She is a community leader in Baltimore, a Public Policy Consultant, and a humanitarian with several awards. She received her most recent Achievement Award, in 2021, for her outstanding contributions to the growth and expansion of minority women in the Greater Baltimore region.

Teniola was honorably requested to join the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of Baltimore, in service from 2022-2024.

Teniola is a leading Voice, and a change maker. Teniola is committed as a social savior for the emergence of Global Grace-filled Game-Changers, that will inclusively rebuild trust as the most valuable currency the world needs through Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Through this platforms and innovative programs, we have been able to empower hundreds of women and also created support and stability for them.
Our Goal is to be able to break down the existing barriers, and help women to create better version of themselves, and in every Phase of life as they will. I believe when a woman feels satisfied with primary factors, i:e, the family unit, and her societal, political factors, she has an enlightening view of how best to engage sufficiency and stabilize her emotions and competency towards preserving her generation. An average woman is made to preserve all that is in her care. If she is given and opportunity to wield her power, she can plant the right seeds relevant to her dreams, and cultivate intently to harvest the best of fruits. A woman needs to take back her power to mother her nation.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Life always has something to throw at you and there isn’t really any way around it. Sometimes we get hit with small hiccups in the road and sometimes we’re hit with things that knock us hard off our feet.
Our world is changing so rapidly that we have to constantly adapt to it. Entire industries are disappearing as technology advances, and even industries that don’t disappear change so much that if we’re not continuously growing and evolving, we won’t be able to keep pace.

In my journey, and as a believer of Jesus respectfully, I had to stand for what feeds my heart desires. Professionally, I have had a good stroll at a few industries, from hospitality, to logistics, and starting out as an entrepreneur in the market place for thirteen years. I realized that none of this was sealing the vacuum on my inside.
It felt like there was more for me to do, to impact and to fulfill Purpose.

So I redrafted my goals, reconnected with my intentions, and adopted a growth mindset.
I realized my mind was moldable, and that my brain is constantly changing and growing and that I play a powerful role in shaping its functionality.

Then I decided to trust in my ability to constantly learn and grow through life’s setbacks.
This took a lot of discipline, intentionality, and courage. And here I am still at the wheel, called purpose.

I would say it get better with Grace. I also pray daily, which helps me to engage the law of sight clearly.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

That People’s expectation of me is my responsibility.

Smiles. Unlearning societal expectations saved my life.

The units of measurements used to determine life’s worth matters a great deal, So often, we determine worth using quantitative or qualitative means. When I befriended a few leaders who were daily embarking on several distinct missions, it felt comparative unambitious at first. Until I realized their maps were inclined from my personal journey after discussing with about three of them during a training.

So life’s interesting tale makes you subconsciously compare people’s achievement without you knowing their struggles. I had to unlearn that pain, and cared more about my interests, my sole journey, I became responsible for my vision statement, and how best to measure the success metrics.

I felt then, I owe myself to unlearn the ideologies and capitalistic mindset burdening a lot of entrepreneurs like myself.

If this post pandemic school year has proved anything, it’s that life isn’t found in the world, it’s found within you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thewov.org
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