We were lucky to catch up with Adetokunbo Osinaike recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Adetokunbo, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
For a long time, I lived within the confines of who I thought I had to be. Coming from a successful career in corporate America as an engineer and later transitioning into engineering sales, I had mastered the art of presenting a polished, professional image—clean-cut, fitted into the mold of what the corporate world expected. But deep down, I was sacrificing my authenticity. I wore a mask, and that mask was heavy.
When I made the shift into men’s work and coaching, imposter syndrome hit me hard. I was stepping away from a path where I had clear external validation and measurable success into something that felt far more vulnerable. This work wasn’t about numbers or deals, but about guiding men through their own emotional journeys—helping them heal, connect, and reclaim their power. Who was I to lead other men on that path when I was still healing my own wounds?
What helped me overcome imposter syndrome was realizing that the very thing I thought disqualified me—my imperfect journey—was actually my greatest asset. My own struggles with authenticity, burnout, and self-worth became the keys to unlocking deeper connections with the men I coached. I wasn’t pretending to be a guru with all the answers. I was a man who had walked through the fire and could hold space for others to do the same.
I was initiated into this work by diving deep into my own healing. Breathwork, plant medicine, and somatic experiences cracked me open. I learned that the more vulnerable I allowed myself to be, the more men trusted me. And trust was what this work was all about. Instead of hiding behind a façade of perfection, I leaned into my raw, authentic self. I let my hair grow, I embraced my Afro—symbols of shedding the corporate armor I had worn for so long.
The turning point came when I realized that being “good enough” in this field wasn’t about having all the answers but about embodying my truth and showing up authentically. It was about holding space for others to explore their own paths, not leading from a place of superiority but walking alongside them. My experiences, both in corporate life and my healing journey, gave me the depth and empathy to connect with men in a way I never thought possible.
So, overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t about becoming more qualified. It was about accepting that my humanity—my flaws, my challenges—were precisely what qualified me to do this work. I shifted from seeking external validation to trusting that I was enough as I was. And that’s when the real transformation, both for myself and the men I coach, began.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
A Journey of Authenticity and Healing: My Work in Men’s Coaching and Breathwork
My professional journey has been one of transformation, from the high-paced, corporate world of engineering and sales to the deeply fulfilling path of men’s work, breathwork facilitation, and coaching. After over a decade in corporate America, I experienced burnout, disconnection, and a longing for something deeper. I wasn’t just looking for success as defined by society—I was searching for purpose, authenticity, and a way to create meaningful impact. That search led me to men’s work and breathwork, two areas that have not only transformed my own life but have become the foundation of the work I now do with others.
I help men break free from societal pressures and connect with their true power, guiding them through transformative experiences that allow them to reclaim their authenticity and inner strength. My work is a unique blend of cutting-edge psychology, ancient wisdom, and somatic healing practices. I integrate breathwork, emotional intelligence, and plant medicine facilitation to help men lead lives of deep purpose, emotional freedom, and lasting fulfillment.
What’s most exciting about my work is seeing men who have been disconnected from themselves—often overwhelmed by the roles of provider, father, or leader—reclaim their sense of self and step into their power with confidence. There’s something truly special about watching someone heal from the inside out, and then go on to become a better father, partner, or community leader because of that healing.
I also feel deeply committed to creating spaces where men can explore their vulnerability and build emotional resilience. Too often, men are taught to suppress their emotions, to “man up” and carry on in silence. I work to change that narrative by guiding men to embrace vulnerability as a source of strength. Through breathwork journeys, somatic practices, and intimate coaching spaces, I help men reconnect with their bodies and emotions, build healthier relationships, and show up authentically in their lives.
New Offerings: Expanding My Reach
Right now, I’m especially excited about the expansion of my breathwork offerings across multiple studios in the Chicago area. I’m currently leading both weekly and monthly breathwork sessions at several locations, including Studio Yogi in the South Shore, Tranquil High Studio in the West Loop, and through a collaboration with BAAM YOGA. Each of these spaces offers unique energy and community, and I’m honored to be able to bring my somatic breathwork practices to these diverse groups. These sessions are all about helping participants reconnect with their bodies, release stress, and tap into their deeper emotional states in a safe and supportive environment.
In addition to these breathwork offerings, I’m actively involved with Modern Renaissance Man (MRM), leading our Training Grounds program. This program focuses on helping men cultivate emotional intelligence, personal growth, and a strong sense of brotherhood. We work on essential life skills like conscious communication, setting boundaries, and navigating the complexities of relationships and fatherhood. It’s a space where men can come together, be vulnerable, and support one another in their growth.
On the coaching side, I continue to offer 1:1 coaching, working with men who are seeking deeper connection, emotional freedom, and greater alignment with their true selves. My approach blends breathwork, somatic healing, and emotional intelligence to help clients break through limiting beliefs and step into a more empowered version of themselves. Whether it’s supporting men through personal transitions, leadership roles, or fatherhood, my coaching is tailored to meet each person’s unique needs.
I’ve also recently begun consulting with The 1937 Foundation. In this role, I’m helping to develop wellness programs that integrate breathwork, emotional intelligence, financial literacy and life skills to support both the company’s employees and the communities they serve. It’s an exciting opportunity to merge my passion for healing work with a forward-thinking organization that’s committed to social impact and community wellness.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, or Areas of Knowledge on My Journey
Looking back on my transition from corporate America to the work I do now in men’s coaching and breathwork, there are three key qualities and skills that stand out as most impactful in my journey: authenticity, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
Authenticity:
For years, I operated within the mold of what was expected of me—especially in the corporate world. I had the clean-cut image and followed the rules of success laid out by society, but I wasn’t truly living as myself. Embracing my authenticity was a crucial turning point in both my personal healing and professional transformation. When I allowed myself to show up fully as I am—embracing my Afro, leaning into my vulnerability, and speaking my truth—it opened doors I never expected. Authenticity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up as your real self, flaws and all. For those early in their journey, I would say: trust that your unique voice and experiences are your greatest strengths. Don’t be afraid to be yourself—because that’s where real connection and impact come from.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ):
Learning to navigate my own emotions and understand the emotions of others has been essential in my work as a coach and facilitator. Developing emotional intelligence allowed me to hold space for others in ways I couldn’t have imagined before. It’s not just about managing your emotions; it’s about being present with them, learning from them, and responding to them consciously. EQ is the foundation of effective communication, deep relationships, and leadership. For those starting out, I recommend investing time in practices like meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork to help cultivate awareness of your emotional landscape. The more you understand your emotions, the better you’ll be able to support and guide others.
Resilience:
Transitioning from a stable corporate career to the unpredictable world of coaching and men’s work wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, imposter syndrome, and even failure. But resilience—the ability to keep going in the face of challenges—was key to pushing through. Building resilience requires a combination of inner strength and community support. Surround yourself with mentors, allies, and people who believe in your vision, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. For those early in their journey, know that setbacks are part of the process. It’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about how you recover and grow from it. Cultivate resilience through self-care, community, and consistent reflection on your goals.
Advice for Developing These Skills
To develop these qualities, my advice is simple: immerse yourself in your own healing and growth. Engage in practices that force you to confront your true self—whether that’s through breathwork, plant medicine, therapy, or somatic work. Find mentors and communities that support your evolution and challenge you to grow. And most importantly, commit to showing up for yourself every day, even when it’s uncomfortable. Growth isn’t a linear path, but it’s worth every step.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Open to Collaborations: Building Community and Expanding Impact
Yes, I’m absolutely open to partnering and collaborating with others who are passionate about wellness, healing, and building stronger communities—both here in the U.S. and internationally. I believe that through collaboration, we can create a greater impact and reach more people who are seeking growth, healing, and transformation.
I’m especially interested in connecting with:
Wellness practitioners: Including those involved in breathwork, yoga, plant medicine, somatic healing, or other holistic modalities.
Yoga studios: I’m looking to collaborate with studios that want to bring transformative breathwork and somatic practices into their spaces to enhance the well-being of their communities.
Therapists and psychologists: Mental health professionals who are exploring integrative approaches to healing, combining traditional therapies with somatic and breath-based practices to support their clients’ emotional and mental health.
Community leaders: Those spearheading initiatives that create spaces for men’s work, healing, empowerment, and community connection.
Corporate events and companies: Organizations interested in bringing breathwork, emotional intelligence training, and wellness practices into the workplace to reduce stress, improve productivity, and foster emotional resilience.
If you’re reading this and feel aligned with my work or mission, I’d love to connect. You can reach me on Instagram at @oba.tokunbo, on LinkedIn, or via email at osinaike.enterprises@gmail.com for inquiries and potential collaborations. Let’s build something meaningful together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/oba.tokunbo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oba.tokunbo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adetokunbo-o-615213a2/
Image Credits
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