Recently, I joined the crowd at the first episode of the Sterling Leadership Series of 2025, featuring the remarkable Zuriel Oduwole. If you missed it, here are seven game-changing insights from a young woman who started filmmaking at age 9 and has become the youngest Nobel Peace Prise Nominee at just 22.
- Time Is Your Most Precious Currency
“Time is the only currency we spend without knowing the balance,” Zuriel reminded us. While most of us were Playing “Tinko Tinko” at age 9, she was launching her filmmaking career. Her parents raised her differently. Whenever they watched news about global problems, they’d ask: “If you were the president of that country, what would you do?” This approach cultivated solution-focused thinking from an early age.
- One Conversation Can Change Millions of Lives
Perhaps her most tangible impact came from a conversation with the president of Mozambique, which led to outlawing child marriage. Potentially saving millions of girls from forced marriages and keeping them in education. When asked about her greatest achievement, her answer was refreshingly simple: impact is key. Not followers, not fame; just meaningful change.
- Question Cultural Norms That Limit Potential
Zuriel spoke candidly about challenging the Nigerian tradition of children being quiet around adults. “If we don’t stop this culture now, it will continue,” she pointed out. Her solution? Question norms that limit growth and expression. This applies not just to children but to anyone facing cultural barriers to their development.
- Redefine Womanhood Through Excellence
Her take on empowering women was brilliantly straightforward: “Women have to redefine themselves from being objects to being subjects of excellence.” When asked how to motivate young girls to take leadership seriously instead of focusing solely on appearance, her answer was clear: We need more examples for them to emulate. Be that example.
- Support Can Come from Unexpected Places
For those without cheerleaders in their corner, Zuriel offered practical advice: “Support can come from anywhere. Believe in your dream. Don’t listen to negative talk. Create your own circle of believers.” And if absolutely everyone doubts your vision? “Just keep going.” She quoted Nelson Mandela: “I don’t lose. I either win or learn.” Every setback is simply a learning opportunity.
- Stop Waiting for Your Turn
On Nigeria’s “wait your turn” mentality, she acknowledged that while young people have much to learn from elders, the youth need to understand they’ll inherit the world. So, there should be urgency in ensuring they inherit a livable one. Her advice to her younger self? “Start earlier.” The time for action is now, not when someone gives you permission.
- One Person Influenced Is Success Enough
The story that resonated most was about her visit to an orphanage in Malawi. After speaking to children who seemed unresponsive, she later learned that one girl was inspired to interview a performer at a concert because of Zuriel’s talk. “If I can influence just one person at any of my speaking events, I’ve made a difference,” she said.
Her parting wisdom? “If your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s not big enough!” Abubakar Suleiman, The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling closed the event with a powerful reminder that having audacity isn’t enough; we must do something with it. “We can have all the audacity, but if we don’t do something, then we haven’t done anything.” As I left the venue, one question kept circling in my mind: What am I waiting for? If a 9-year-old can approach a world leader with confidence, what’s my excuse?
Did you miss SLS? No worries! You can watch it here!
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