Search
Home Blog Page 4

Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: The Story of Jessica Anuna, Klasha Founder

VIctor Akinwale
-
0
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: The Story of Jessica Anuna, Klasha Founder

Every great change begins with a single refusal: the refusal to accept limits. That refusal shaped Jessica Anuna’s journey and led to Klasha, a company opening global commerce to African consumers.

Jessica Anuna is the founder and CEO of Klasha, a cross-border payments and logistics platform making it easy for Africans to shop from international brands in their own local currencies. Born in Nigeria and raised between Lagos and London, she holds a degree in Journalism from City University, London, and also studied at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). 

During her academic journey, Jessica entered the global e-commerce space: she worked at Amazon, Net-A-Porter, and Shopify, gaining front-row exposure to the speed and convenience of mature markets, and seeing how many parts of the world, especially Africa, were still left behind.

In 2015, she founded RestockChina, a product-sourcing business exporting fast-moving consumer goods to the UK and US. She lived and worked in China for about three years, gaining first-hand insight into supply chains, trade, and logistics.

By 2017, Jessica decided to launch her next venture: Klasha, a cross-border payments and logistics platform designed to break down the barriers keeping Africans from fully participating in global commerce. The platform officially went live in 2021, offering fast delivery, easy payment options in local African currencies, and seamless access to international merchants. The move was audacious for a young female founder in a male-dominated fintech space. The challenges were real: securing venture funding, building a cross-continental team, and navigating complex regulations, but Jessica pressed forward, convinced that African consumers deserved better.

In 2019, her determination earned her a place on Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30, where she was specifically celebrated as one of the continent’s “New Wealth Creators” – young leaders building businesses that generate jobs, facilitate trade, and unlock opportunities for others.

What began as one woman’s conviction is fast becoming a blueprint for a continent’s future.

Today, Klasha is more than a payments company. It is a symbol of a new Africa: young, innovative, and unapologetically global. Under Jessica’s leadership, it is connecting thousands of merchants and millions of consumers, proving that African businesses can build world-class solutions from the continent outward.

Jessica’s story carries a message for all of us. You do not have to wait for perfect conditions to start. You do not have to accept barriers as permanent. Like Jessica, you can turn the problems you see into opportunities to serve, and in doing so, shape a new future for others. 

Her journey is a reminder that courage can be contagious, vision can be world-changing, and when one person dares to build, entire communities can rise with them, unlocking possibilities far beyond what seemed imaginable.

The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.

Behind Every Strong Marriage: What We Can Learn from These Successful Couples

VIctor Akinwale
-
0
Behind Every Strong Marriage: What We Can Learn from These Successful Couples

Behind every strong marriage lies a story of perseverance. Not picture-perfect moments, but daily acts of love, respect, and grace that build a life together.

From public figures to faith leaders to creatives, some couples have quietly built marriages that endure across decades. In the lives of Barack and Michelle Obama, Pastor E.A. and Pastor Folu Adeboye, and Ron and Cheryl Howard we see the same heartbeat – commitment, partnership, and a willingness to grow together through changing seasons.

Barack and Michelle Obama 

Barack and Michelle met in 1989 at a Chicago law firm and married in 1992. Over more than three decades they have built a life of public service, family and mutual support. What anchors them is a shared sense of purpose and a commitment to be true partners in work, parenting and life. Michelle has been open about the hard parts too, saying there are seasons when they “can’t stand each other” but they don’t walk away. 

Their story shows that lasting love isn’t about ease but about choosing each other and staying a team even when life is demanding.

Pastor E.A. and Pastor Folu Adeboye 

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who leads the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has been married to Pastor Folu Adeboye since 1967. Across nearly six decades they have weathered many seasons of life together. He often urges couples to keep their marriages alive with small acts of care: make time for each other, revive the closeness you had before children, notice the good in your spouse, surprise one another and keep romance alive. 

“Your spouse is still the same fellow you were very fond of, don’t let the cares of life distract you from the gems in your spouse.” – Pastor E.A Adeboye 

Their marriage shows how shared faith, humility and steady, everyday effort can sustain love for a lifetime.

Ron and Cheryl Howard 

Ron Howard met his wife, Cheryl in high school, they married in 1975. More than five decades later they’re still together, having grown through career shifts, public recognition and the changes that come with family life. Ron often says there’s no secret formula to their marriage except honest communication and teamwork. 

“You have to learn to communicate and have difficult conversations in constructive ways” – Ron Howard 

Their story shows that longevity in love isn’t about perfect timing but about steady growth, mutual respect, effective communication, and caring support. 

Lessons You Can Apply to Your Own Relationship

1. Commitment is an action, not just a feeling. Love shows its depth in hard seasons when you choose to stay, listen and rebuild.

2. Shared purpose anchors love. Goals, values or mission – whether service, faith, creativity or parenting – tie partners together through change.

3. Communication keeps love alive. Talking honestly, even when it is difficult, repairs distance and prevents small hurts from growing.

4. Faith, humility and remembering your beginnings matter. Looking back on what first drew you together renews respect and affection.

5. Growth and flexibility beat perfection. People change, and so do circumstances; couples who adapt and support each other’s growth keep their love resilient.

No marriage is perfect. Every couple faces storms. What matters is what you do in them, showing commitment, working at love, and choosing each other again and again. When respect and care meet intention, lasting love moves from dream to reality.

The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.

Haben Girma: The Deafblind Lawyer and Advocate Redefining Possibility

VIctor Akinwale
-
0
Haben Girma: The Deafblind Lawyer and Advocate Redefining Possibility

What does it take to carve out a career, a voice and a legacy when every obstacle seems designed to hold you back?

Meet Haben Girma, the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School and one of the most respected disability rights advocates of our time. Her story is not framed by limitation but by leadership and innovation.

Born in Oakland, California, to African parents, she began losing her hearing and sight as a child through a progressive condition. By the time she reached adulthood she had only a tiny fraction of her vision left and could no longer rely on sound. Yet rather than retreat, she began charting her own path, mastering Braille and digital technology, learning to advocate for herself and for others, and excelling academically. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from Lewis and Clark College, graduating magna cum laude, before breaking new ground at Harvard Law School.

At Harvard she pioneered ways of participating in lectures and seminars using a refreshable Braille display connected to a wireless keyboard. Others typed, and she read each word with her fingertips before responding aloud. This simple but powerful tool became a bridge between her and the world, and a living example of the kind of innovation she would later urge organisations to adopt.

Her determination did not go unnoticed. In 2013 the White House named her a Champion of Change. In 2015, at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act, she stood at the White House to introduce President Barack Obama and his Vice President, Joe Biden. During that event President Obama personally typed a greeting to her, which appeared instantly on her Braille display, symbolising what is possible when inclusion meets technology.

Today Haben is an author, speaker and consultant whose work influences technology companies, educational institutions and policy makers around the world. Her memoir, Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law, has become a touchstone for people seeking not only to understand disability but to rethink innovation itself. She has been recognised on Forbes “30 Under 30” list for Law and Policy, and continues to advise leaders on how to design systems that welcome rather than exclude.

She often reminds audiences, “Disability is not something an individual overcomes. I’m still Deafblind. I’ve built a culture of inclusion.” She also insists that “disability drives innovation,” a truth visible in her own life. Her journey shows that accessibility is not charity but justice, and that when barriers come down, creativity and opportunity rise for everyone.

Haben Girma’s life shows that challenges are not meant to crush us but to shape us. She transformed the loss of sight and hearing, inaccessible systems and doubt into resilience, creativity and leadership.

Her journey calls us to face our limits differently. What if the very thing you see as your greatest disadvantage is the seed of your strongest contribution? What if the barriers in your path are actually invitations to build something new?

Persistence and curiosity can open doors not just for you but for many others. Challenges can mold you into a leader. Resilience can turn hardship into innovation. Your story too can be the spark that changes the world.

The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.

Building Stronger Bonds: Insights from Respected Voices on Love and Marriage

VIctor Akinwale
-
0
Building Stronger Bonds: Insights from Respected Voices on Love and Marriage

Love and marriage are not just private experiences; they are universal lessons in growth and connection. Across generations, some of the world’s most respected voices have shared insights that can guide us in building healthier, and more meaningful relationships. Below are the lessons we can live by.

bell hooks — Love Is a Practice

bell hooks taught that real love is never passive but something you do every day. In “All About Love” she wrote that “love is an action, never simply a feeling,” and she went on to explain that to truly love we must combine care, affection, recognition, respect, commitment and trust with honest and open communication. Her words turn love from a romantic idea into a daily practice.

Maya Angelou — Respect Yourself and Others

Maya Angelou often reminds us that love is tied closely to dignity. She said “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” Her work calls us to love boldly, to honour the other, and to refuse anything less than respect both given and received.

Oprah Winfrey — Love Begins with Self-Worth

Oprah Winfrey teaches that you cannot deeply love someone else if you do not believe you are worthy of love yourself. She often speaks about boundaries and courage, saying you only get in life what you have the courage to ask for. She insists that knowing your value changes who you attract and how you show up in love.

Michelle Obama — Building a Relationship Takes Real Effort

Michelle Obama speaks honestly about marriage being a journey of effort not perfection. She says “The building of relationships, the building part is important … It is work.” There are times when partners can’t stand each other but that doesn’t mean quitting. She believes it has to be a true partnership where there is liking and respecting one another, where both stay committed even when it feels uneven.

Tony Robbins — Growth Is the Glue

Tony Robbins often reminds us that if we stop growing we stagnate. In relationships he holds that couples who grow individually and together, setting personal goals and shared ones, evolve better. The quality of life he says depends on the quality of relationships. When love includes growth, it becomes resilient.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie — Equality Strengthens Love

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie argues that genuine love in marriage comes not from one person dominating but from partnerships built on equality, mutual respect and shared responsibility. She shows in her essays that outdated gender roles can burden relationships. Her message is that fair love, where both people are valued equally, is both more just and more lasting.

Bishop T.D. Jakes — Marriages Are Built, Not Found

Bishop T. D. Jakes teaches that marriage does not arrive fully formed; it is built over time through forgiveness, service, perseverance and shared purpose. He says “One cannot have an enriched marriage when it is funded by an emotionally and spiritually bankrupt man.” That reminds us love must be supported by emotional health and spiritual strength.

What These Teach Us

When we listen to these voices we see clear patterns. Love is never passive. It must be chosen daily. It thrives when we understand each other’s needs, when we respect ourselves and the other, and also when we stay even in hard seasons.

When we apply these lessons in our lives we don’t just dream of love we build it. We grow together and individually. We honour ourselves and our partners. We keep showing up in hard seasons. In doing so we turn love from a fleeting feeling into a lifelong practice that transforms us and those we care about.

The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.

Flying Against the Odds: Siza Mzimela, the First Black Woman to Own an Airline

VIctor Akinwale
-
0
Flying Against the Odds: Siza Mzimela, the First Black Woman to Own an Airline

Meet Sizakele Mzimela, a visionary leader in aviation and the first Black woman to own an airline.

Born and raised in South Africa, Siza studied Economics and Statistics at the University of Swaziland before starting her career as a research analyst at Standard Bank. In 1996 she joined South African Airways (SAA) as a route analyst, quietly learning the inner workings of an industry that fascinated her.

Over the next fourteen years she rose steadily until, in April 2010, she became the first woman to serve as Chief Executive Officer of SAA. During her time in charge she introduced new international routes, including direct flights to New York and Beijing. That same year she became the first woman ever appointed to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Board of Governors.

After achieving so much inside established organisations Siza wanted to build something of her own. In September 2015 she launched Fly Blue Crane (FBC) with two 50 seat Embraer regional jets. With this launch, she became the first Black woman to own and operate her own commercial airline, a milestone in an industry dominated by men and large corporations.

Aviation is one of the most difficult industries in which to succeed. Costs are high, competition is intense and regulation is complex. Less than two years after its launch FBC entered business rescue and in February 2017 its operations were suspended. For Siza this was not the end but a lesson in courage, planning and perseverance. She continued to use her expertise to advise other carriers through her company, Blue Crane Aviation, and later took senior leadership positions in South Africa’s freight and transport sectors, including as Chief Executive of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR).

Her story is a powerful reminder that preparation, purpose and resilience matter as much as success itself. Years of experience at SAA equipped her with the knowledge to start her own airline. Her focus on underserved routes kept her mission clear even when conditions were tough. By stepping into ownership she expanded the picture of who belongs in aviation. And when FBC struggled she did not disappear; she kept leading, learning and contributing in new ways.

Her journey challenges us to examine our own ambitions. Where have we been waiting for perfect conditions. Which dreams in our lives remain grounded because no one has dared to act. Siza Mzimela built more than an airline; she built a story of possibility and impact.

Let it lift your vision. You may not be launching planes but you can chart your own route, take your own bold step and trust that even in turbulence your wings can carry you.

The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.


What We Can Learn from Richard Branson: Embracing Risk and the Power of Brand Personality

VIctor Akinwale
-
0
What We Can Learn from Richard Branson: Embracing Risk and the Power of Brand Personality

When we think of entrepreneurs who embody adventure, boldness, and creativity, Richard Branson’s name always rises to the surface. The British entrepreneur, and the co-founder of the Virgin Group, built an empire that spans airlines, music, telecommunications, space travel, and more. Yet what makes his story compelling isn’t just the scale of his businesses, it’s the daring risks he took and the distinctive personality he infused into his brand.

Here are profound lessons we can learn from him:

Lessons on Risk-Taking

1. Risk Opens Doors to Possibilities

Opportunities often hide behind uncertainty. Many of Branson’s ventures began in industries dominated by giants, from music to airlines. Instead of being intimidated, he saw gaps and moved in. Virgin Records took on artists others rejected. Virgin Atlantic challenged established carriers with fresh ideas. For Branson, risk was the bridge between seeing an opening and seizing it. As he once said, 

“Business opportunities are like buses; there’s always another one coming.” 

The difference lies in having the courage to get on.

2. Failure Is Not Final

Every risk carries the possibility of failure. Not every risk Branson took succeeded, Virgin Cola and Virgin Cars were costly failures. But rather than being defined by them, he treated setbacks as stepping stones. He openly admitted that some ventures were bound to flop, but the key was learning and moving forward. In his own words: 

“Business has to give people enriching, rewarding lives… or it’s simply not worth doing.” 

Even when risks didn’t yield profits, they left lessons worth more than money. The real failure is in refusing to try at all.

3. Courage Matters More than Certainty

No one has everything figured out before they begin. Waiting for the perfect moment often leads to missed chances. Progress comes when we choose action, even if the path is unclear. Branson put it simply: 

“You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.” 

Courage to act outweighs the need for perfect knowledge.

Lessons on Brand Personality

1. A Brand Should Feel Human

Virgin has always been more than a company name, it carries a human feel. People connect more deeply with businesses that feel approachable and personal. A brand that carries warmth, energy, and humanity will resonate beyond transactions. As Branson put it, 

“Business is all about people, people, people.” 

The human touch makes brands unforgettable.

2. Storytelling Creates Identity

Facts alone rarely inspire; stories do. A brand with a compelling narrative captures imagination and builds loyalty. Storytelling shapes how people see a business and gives them something to belong to. Branson reminded us, 

“Branding demands commitment… to living up to your promises, and following through.”

 The story must not only be told but lived.

3. Authenticity Builds Lasting Trust

In an age of polished images, authenticity stands out. A brand that reflects genuine values is more likely to earn loyalty and respect. Customers believe in what feels real. Branson captured this truth when he said, 

“A business is simply an idea to make other people’s lives better.”

 The closer a brand stays to its authentic mission, the stronger it becomes.

What This Means for Us

For aspiring entrepreneurs and even those building personal brands, Richard Branson’s story reminds us that:

  • Playing it safe rarely builds greatness. Thoughtful risk-taking can open doors.
  • Branding isn’t just about logos or slogans; it’s about personality, voice, and authenticity. 
  • Entrepreneurs themselves are part of the brand. Who you are and how you show up shapes how people engage with your work.

His life is a call to be bold, to embrace risk, and to let our values shine through the brands we build.

The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.

Nick Vujicic: Born Without Limbs, Living a Life Without Limits

VIctor Akinwale
-
0
Nick Vujicic: Born Without Limbs, Living a Life Without Limits

There are stories that make us stop and rethink what really matters in life. Nick Vujicic’s journey is one of those. Born in Melbourne, Australia in 1982 without arms and legs, a rare condition known as tetra-amelia syndrome. His arrival came as a shock to his parents and raised quiet doubts in the minds of doctors. From the very beginning, it seemed his life would be defined by impossibilities.

Growing up, those impossibilities felt heavy. While other children ran and played without effort, Nick faced barriers at every turn. School was often a place of pain rather than comfort. He endured bullying, mocking, and loneliness. The physical struggles were visible, but it was the hidden emotional battles that nearly broke him. By the age of ten, depression had set in so deeply that he questioned whether life was worth living.

Finding Purpose

In that darkness, seeds of hope began to grow. With the love of his family and the steady foundation of his Christian faith, Nick slowly started to see life from a different angle. He realized that though he could not change his circumstances, he could choose how to respond to them. That decision to choose joy in the face of hardship, became the cornerstone of his journey.

At 17, he gathered his courage to give his first public talk at a local church. Nervous but determined, he shared his story. What followed was transformative. That day Nick discovered his voice and, more importantly, his purpose.

A Global Voice

Opportunities soon followed. Nick traveled to schools, communities, and eventually across the world, carrying a message not of despair but of purpose. He became a motivational speaker whose words have touched millions, reminding people everywhere that hope is stronger than hardship. In 2005, he founded Life Without Limbs, an organization devoted to spreading hope and faith. His message carried a powerful truth: Life is not defined by what we lack, but by how we live, love, and serve.

Through his books, Life Without Limits, and Love Without Limits, he extended that message to millions of readers. Each story and lesson reflected his own journey of faith, courage, and resilience, reminding others that limitations can become possibilities.

Family And Legacy

Nick’s personal life added another chapter to his testimony. In 2012, he married Kanae Miyahara, a love story that silenced doubts and inspired countless hearts. Together they are raising four children, proving that joy, love, and family are not bound by physical ability. For a man once told he would never live a “normal” life, Nick has built something extraordinary.

Lessons for Us

Today, Nick’s voice is heard around the world. He speaks not as someone without struggles, but as someone who chose courage over despair. His story teaches us that pain does not have to be the end of our journey, it can be the soil where hope grows. Faith can carry us through valleys too deep to cross alone. Joy is not about perfect circumstances but about choosing to live fully, love deeply, and serve generously.

Nick often says, “If you can’t get a miracle, become one.” His life is proof that this is possible. What began as a story of impossibility has become a global testimony of resilience, hope, and love.

And for anyone who has ever felt less than enough, Nick’s life offers a gentle reminder: you are capable, valuable, and deeply loved. Like him, you too can choose joy, no matter what.

The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.

Emem Nwogwugwu: Building Balance from the Inside Out

Seun Tayo-Balogun
-
0
Emem Nwogwugwu: Building Balance from the Inside Out

What does it mean to live a life of purpose, peace, and productivity? For Emem Nwogwugwu, it started with something as simple and as personal as the chaos of motherhood.

“It began with my own journey as a mother and professional. I realized that without systems, life quickly becomes overwhelming. I started by creating tools to help myself stay balanced, and when they worked, I began sharing them with others. Seeing people find clarity and peace through structure became both my passion and my calling.”

Now the founder of La Pax Life Project in British Columbia, Canada, Emem is known for helping professionals and organizations create purposeful systems that support real transformation.

And for her, transformation goes beyond a buzzword. it’s a lifestyle.

“Transformation shows up in the small, consistent choices we make. It’s about being intentional with your time, prioritizing what matters, setting healthy boundaries, and living with purpose rather than reacting to chaos. True transformation is lived out day by day.”

Her work brings together productivity, strategy, leadership, and faith: four powerful pillars that many struggle to balance. But Emem doesn’t see them as separate.

“I see them as connected rather than competing. Leadership shapes how I live and make decisions. Strategy gives direction to that leadership. Productivity turns those strategies into results. Faith is the foundation that keeps me grounded through it all. Together, they help me guide individuals and organizations toward their goals while preserving peace, balance, and purpose.”

Having worn many hats: consultant, coach, founder and mentor; we asked which role has taught her the most.

“Mentorship has taught me the most. Walking alongside others and helping them grow reveals your own strengths and blind spots. It pushes you to lead with authenticity, empathy, and accountability.”

But even someone known for clarity and calm needs grounding.

“I pause and intentionally reconnect with what matters. Sometimes it’s journaling, taking a quiet walk, or simply reflecting in silence. Clarity comes when the noise is removed and I can see the bigger picture again.”

When it comes to realigning with purpose, Emem offers a simple but powerful approach:

“Start small. Purpose doesn’t always return in a dramatic way, it comes back through small, intentional choices. Ask yourself, ‘What is one thing I can do today that aligns with the life I want to live?’ That single decision often opens the door for others.”

To those feeling scattered or stuck, her encouragement is gentle but grounded:

“Being stuck isn’t failure, it’s often a sign that you are ready for the next level of growth. Focus on one thing you can control today. Small steps create momentum, and momentum leads to change.”

When asked to fill in the blank: “The real secret to a balanced life is…” Emem’s response is clear:

“Presence — being fully engaged where you are, rather than trying to be everywhere at once.”

And while her calm presence and structured systems may suggest she has it all together, Emem is quick to dispel that notion.

“Many assume I have it all figured out every day. The truth is, I have to reset, reflect, and adjust just like anyone else. Balance is a practice, not a permanent state.”

At the core of her work, her writing, and her ministry is a single truth she lives by:

“A positive mindset can transform every area of your life. That’s why I always encourage people to invest in their mindset first — everything else will follow.”

Want to connect with Emem?

Visit: www.lapaxlifeproject.com
Community work: www.theplantingtransformation.com

About Emem Nwogwugwu

Emem is a productivity coach and strategic consultant helping people build systems that serve both purpose and peace. She is the founder of La Pax Life Project and author of The Parent Organizer. Through her nonprofit, The Planting Transformation Ministry, she supports families and youth with tools for intentional living and leadership development. She lives in British Columbia with her family and continues to inspire change through clarity, calm, and courageous leadership.

The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.

Joyce Meyer on Love and Forgiveness: Keys to Strong and Lasting Relationships

VIctor Akinwale
-
0
Joyce Meyer on Love and Forgiveness: Keys to Strong and Lasting Relationships

At some point in life, we all realize that relationships are both beautiful and fragile. They hold the potential to give us some of our greatest joys, yet they can also wound us in ways nothing else can. The glue that holds them together, however, is surprisingly simple: love and forgiveness. Without them, even the strongest bonds will eventually weaken.

Joyce Meyer, a renowned speaker, author, and Bible teacher, has spent decades sharing messages that bring healing and hope to millions around the world. Through her teachings, she emphasizes that love and forgiveness are not abstract ideals but guiding principles for everyday life. She reminds us that relationships don’t survive on feelings alone; they survive on choices.

Love as a Daily Practice

Love is not just about saying “I love you.” It is shown in the way we treat people, especially when it’s inconvenient. Love is patience in the middle of irritation, kindness when we’d rather be harsh, and humility when our pride wants to win. In her words, “Love is the highest form of maturity.“

Think about it: in marriages, friendships, or family life, it is rarely the big moments that make or break relationships. It is the small, everyday actions, listening when someone needs to talk, apologizing when we’re wrong, or simply showing up. Joyce reminds us that this kind of intentional love is what gives relationships depth and longevity.

Forgiveness as the Path to Healing

If love builds bridges, forgiveness keeps them from collapsing. Joyce speaks boldly about the danger of unforgiveness, describing it as drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Resentment eats away at joy, leaving people stuck in the past.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, sets us free. Joyce admits it’s not always easy, especially when the hurt runs deep, but she insists it’s necessary. “Forgiveness is not a feeling,” she says. “It’s a decision.” To forgive is to release the grip of anger, to stop replaying the offense, and to give ourselves permission to move forward.

It’s not about excusing wrong behavior. It’s about choosing peace over bitterness. And when forgiveness becomes a habit, it doesn’t just heal relationships, it heals our hearts.

More Than Marriage

Love and forgiveness aren’t just for couples. They are for friends who have drifted apart, for siblings weighed down by old quarrels, for colleagues who struggle to work together, and even for communities torn by division.

When we practice love and forgiveness beyond our closest circles, we create spaces where people feel safe, valued, and seen. This is how friendships deepen, families stay united, and communities grow stronger.

A Hopeful Reminder

Love and forgiveness are not easy. They require courage, maturity, and a willingness to let go of pride. But as Joyce Meyer has shown through her life and teachings, they are worth it. Strong and lasting relationships are not built on perfection but on people who are willing to love despite flaws and forgive despite pain.

In the end, these two virtues remind us that we don’t have to give up on one another. With love and forgiveness, there is always hope for healing, always room for growth, and always a chance for relationships to flourish.

Takeaway: Love is what builds relationships, and forgiveness is what keeps them alive. When we choose both, we give our marriages, friendships, and families the chance to last.

Tosin Oshinowo: An Architectural Visionary Redefining Design and Shaping the Future of African Architecture

VIctor Akinwale
-
0
Tosin Oshinowo: An Architectural Visionary Redefining Design and Shaping the Future of African Architecture

Architecture is never neutral, it shapes how people live, remember, and aspire. Across the evolving landscape of African cities and global conversations, Tosin Oshinowo has emerged as a defining voice, blending cultural heritage with modern innovation to chart a new course for the continent’s architectural future.

Born and raised in Lagos, Oshinowo’s journey was marked by curiosity and courage. She studied at Kingston University, the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), and the Architectural Association in London, honing her craft with global exposure while staying anchored in her Nigerian identity. Returning home, she founded cmDesign Atelier (cmD+A), a practice that has become a platform for expressing contemporary narratives through design. In 2025, she was named a Harvard Loeb Fellow, further affirming her place as a global leader in shaping built environments with vision and purpose.

Her career is marked by projects that blend purpose with beauty. The Maryland Mall, often called the “Big Black Box,” challenged conventional design by creating an accessible and efficient retail hub. Beyond her architectural practice, Oshinowo is also a creative entrepreneur, expanding her influence into product and cultural design. Through Ilé-Ilà (House of Lines), her celebrated furniture line, she reimagines traditional Yoruba aesthetics with modern flair, creating functional art pieces that embody identity, memory, and elegance. 

More than aesthetics, Oshinowo is committed to sustainability and innovation. At a time when cities face rapid growth and climate challenges, she insists that architecture must be both responsible and visionary. By embracing contextually sourced materials, energy-conscious techniques, and adaptive design, she creates spaces that honor memory while preparing for the future.

Her influence extends far beyond Nigeria. In 2025, Oshinowo Studio presented a compelling installation titled “Alternative Urbanism: The Self-Organized Markets of Lagos” as part of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, which earned a Special Mention award from the Biennale jury. The installation reframed Lagos’s informal markets as powerful models of circular, community-led urban systems, further cementing her place in global conversations on urbanism and design.

For aspiring architects, creatives, and dreamers, Tosin Oshinowo’s story is a reminder that success is not about imitation but authenticity. It is about daring to innovate while staying rooted in who you are. Her journey teaches us that architecture, like life, is at its best when it empowers communities, redefines narratives, and inspires futures.

In many ways, Oshinowo is not just designing buildings, she is designing possibilities and proving that bold ideas can become lasting legacies. Her vision shows that the future of architecture will be bold, sustainable, creative, and unapologetically original.

Ultimately, true vision is born when we embrace our roots, dare to innovate, and commit our gifts to building a future bigger than ourselves.

1...345...26Page 4 of 26

Get Featured

Contact TBN

Home

About TBN

At TBN, we're here to inspire and equip you to live meaningfully, grow holistically, and thrive in every aspect of life.

TBN Pulse

Tap to join our 20,000+ Community and stay ahead of Inspiration, stories, and insights for a life of purpose and impact, delivered monthly.

Socials

©The Brief Network 2025 | A DIgiCommLab Project.