Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tim Salau. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tim, thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was resilience. In 1999, when we emigrated from Nigeria to the U.S., they had no money, no jobs, and no certainty about what the future held. But what they did have was an unwavering belief that, through hard work and perseverance, they could create a better life for my sibling and me. Growing up in Southwest Alief, Texas—known for its challenges with gang violence and economic hardship—my parents shielded us from fear and doubt, teaching us to adapt, thrive, and never lose hope, no matter the odds.

My father worked tirelessly, sometimes taking on multiple jobs to provide for our family, while my mother kept our household running smoothly with equal dedication. They showed me the power of sacrifice and the importance of family, values that still guide me today in my career and life. One story that stands out is watching my parents during the 2008 recession. While many around us crumbled under the pressure, my parents never wavered. Their adaptability and resilience were unshakable, and they taught me that these qualities are essential not just for survival but for thriving in uncertainty.

Those lessons became the foundation of my journey. Today, as the CEO and Chief Partner of Guide, I emphasize adaptability, resilience, and community—values my parents instilled in me. I’ve built my career not just around personal success but around empowering others, much like my parents empowered me. Their ability to navigate hardship with grace has shaped how I lead teams and build innovative solutions for the future of work. Their greatest lesson? Life is full of change, but with the right mindset and relentless drive, we can always overcome.

Tim, 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?

I’m Tim Salau, also known as “Mr. Future of Work.” I’m the Chief Partner and CEO of Guide, a global B2B HR talent services and technology company. My journey into this space began in 1999 when I immigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria with my family. Growing up in a challenging environment in Southwest Alief, Texas, and witnessing my parents’ resilience, I developed a passion for creating opportunities and building something that makes a tangible difference.

My career started in the tech industry, where I had the privilege of working for companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and WeWork. These experiences opened my eyes to the critical intersection of people, technology, and innovation, which ultimately led me to found Guide in 2019. At Guide, we help organizations design the workplace of the future through innovative talent management solutions, leadership development, and strategic planning.

What sets Guide apart is our unique approach to talent experience and workforce development. We don’t just focus on short-term solutions; we’re deeply committed to fostering environments where people and organizations can thrive in the long term. From helping leaders cultivate inclusive cultures to equipping them with the tools they need to attract, retain, and develop top talent, our work is about future-proofing businesses while also empowering individuals to reach their highest potential.

One of my proudest achievements is building a community of over 300,000+ business leaders and professionals focused on the future of work. Guide isn’t just a company; it’s a movement. We’re helping organizations prepare for the next wave of technological and cultural shifts, and we’re giving professionals the skills and mindset they need to navigate these changes.

For potential clients, I want you to know that we’re about more than just talent management—we’re about creating lasting, transformative impact. Our goal is to help your organization and your people thrive, no matter what the future holds.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the hardest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that I needed to have complete control over everything to succeed. Early in my career, I believed that if I didn’t have a hand in every detail, something would go wrong. This mindset came from growing up in a tough environment where I felt like I needed to have control to survive. But in reality, this approach became exhausting and limiting.

The turning point came when I was leading a project at a major tech company. I micromanaged every step, from product development to team collaboration, believing that only I could ensure everything went smoothly. But the opposite happened—my team became disengaged, and progress slowed down. I realized I was holding them back by not trusting their expertise.

This forced me to unlearn the myth of control. Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about empowering others and trusting them to rise to the occasion. It changed the way I lead today at Guide. I now focus on building a strong, capable team and giving them the autonomy to innovate, which has made all the difference in our success.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2019, I made one of the biggest pivots of my life. After working at Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, I realized something was missing. While I was proud of the work I’d done, I felt a deeper calling to create something of my own. I wanted to build a platform that would help people thrive in the workforce of the future.

That’s when I decided to leave the corporate world and start Guide. It wasn’t an easy decision—I was stepping away from stability to build something from the ground up. But it was a pivotal moment that aligned with my passion for empowering people through innovation. This pivot has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made, as Guide is now a thriving company helping organizations build adaptive, resilient workplaces for the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.timsalau.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrfow777/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfow/
• Twitter: https://x.com/mrfow777
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MrFoW777

Image Credits

Guidehouse Productions