We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bankole Kumolu-johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with BANKOLE below.
BANKOLE, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by continuously seeking new experiences and maintaining a sense of curiosity. Whether through reading, attending workshops, or exploring different industries, I find inspiration that allows me to cross-pollinate ideas. I also prioritize time for reflection and brainstorming, often stepping away from tasks to create space for fresh thoughts. Collaborating with others, especially those outside my typical sphere, introduces new perspectives that push my thinking. Embracing a growth mindset helps me view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for innovation and improvement. At Maverick Financial Literacy Inc., I developed a unique learning model called the Maverick Financial Literacy Model (MFLI) by integrating personal finance, mental wellness, and sports in teaching personal finance. This innovative method is designed to offer a multifaceted educational experience and promote stakeholder participation. Recently, I took a design thinking course, which emphasizes the importance of building platforms for expression and combining traditional and innovative ideas. Keeping creativity alive means focusing on both value and possibility.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a Program Manager at Maverick Financial Literacy Inc., I have developed and managed multiple projects aimed at fostering financial literacy, mental wellness, and personal growth through our unique M.F.L.I. approach. This role has given me the opportunity to oversee all phases of program management, from initial planning and resource allocation to execution and evaluation. Each project is designed with a clear set of objectives, timelines, and milestones, ensuring that we not only reach our target audiences but also achieve measurable outcomes.
One of the key components of our program management process is stakeholder engagement. I’ve worked closely with our partners, educators, and mental health professionals to design curricula that resonate with attendees. We’ve implemented continuous feedback loops, where participants provide input on the content and delivery of our programs, allowing us to adapt and improve with each iteration. This has resulted in a consistent increase in participation rates and a high level of satisfaction among our attendees.
What I’m most proud of is the behavioral change we’ve witnessed in our participants. By blending financial education with wellness and sports, we’ve helped individuals not only acquire new knowledge but also adopt healthier financial habits and decision-making processes. Our data shows improvements in both financial literacy scores and personal financial management behaviors, such as increased savings and better debt management. Through effective program management, we’ve turned education into action, empowering participants to take control of their financial futures and overall well-being.
Having successfully integrated soccer and finance, as well as table tennis and finance, into our programs, we aim to attract even more participants by expanding our personal finance classes to include a wider range of sports. Our upcoming initiatives will incorporate basketball, lawn tennis, pickleball, and even board games into the curriculum.
By blending these activities with financial education, we create an engaging environment that draws people in through their love of sports, while teaching them essential personal finance skills. This unique approach not only attracts participants but also makes learning more interactive and impactful.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are adaptability, strategic thinking, and effective communication. Adaptability has enabled me to thrive in diverse environments, from corporate to nonprofit to educational settings. By tailoring my approach to meet the specific challenges of each situation, I have been able to navigate change and seize opportunities. Strategic thinking has helped me focus on long-term goals, ensuring that every decision I make aligns with the broader vision. Effective communication has been key in building strong relationships, whether with colleagues, clients, or participants, and ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to remain flexible and open to change; embracing adaptability will help you navigate unexpected challenges. Develop strategic thinking by learning how to zoom out and view the bigger picture, understanding how your actions today impact your long-term goals. Finally, honing your communication skills is crucial. Whether you’re leading a team or sharing ideas, clear and effective communication will help you build trust and inspire others.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, my first step is to pause and take a step back to gain perspective. I find that breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps helps me regain control and focus on one thing at a time. I also have a to-do list where I cross off completed task, it always feels good to know that I am making progress even it looks otherwise. Prioritization is key, I use the Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent – Important) to assess what is urgent and what can wait, then tackle the most pressing issues first. Another strategy I use is to take short breaks to clear my mind, which allows me to return to my work with a fresh outlook.
My advice for managing oneself when overwhelmed is to remember that it is okay to slow down and reassess. Do not hesitate to ask for help or delegate tasks when necessary. Practicing mindfulness or engaging in a brief physical activity, like a walk, can also be incredibly helpful in resetting your mindset. Most importantly, give yourself grace or time to recover and rebound. Feeling overwhelm is a signal to recalibrate, its not a failure.
Image Credits
All picture were taken by me and I have a right to use them.
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