About
Lola Owolabi

About Lola Owolabi

Lola Owolabi is a highly respected leadership and transformational coach, celebrated author, and university tutor, renowned for her unwavering dedication to personal development, empowerment, and entrepreneurship. With over 15 years of experience, she has built a legacy of inspiring individuals, particularly women and girls, to unlock their potential and overcome personal and professional challenges.

A graduate of Warwick University with a Master’s degree in Coaching, Lola is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (FInstLM). Her appointment as Coach in Residence at York St John University highlights her leadership in coaching and curriculum development, further solidifying her position as a thought leader in her field.

lola Owolabi

Leadership and Transformational Coach | Author | University Tutor | Empowerment Advocate

Career and Impact

Lola’s career is defined by her passion for empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to rise above challenges and achieve greatness. Through her numerous organizations— Proudtobeme, Ebony Business Network, Women of Destiny, and Make That Move Coaching Services—Lola has established platforms that uplift individuals battling low self-esteem and self-doubt, especially women and girls. Her initiatives focus on personal development, leadership, and creating economic opportunities for those she mentors.

As Founder and Director of Proudtobeme, Lola has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of young women, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to become leaders in their own right. Her expertise extends into female-led business ventures, where she has become a trusted advisor and mentor for various high-profile initiatives, including The Pink Shoe Club (now Savvitas) and the Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network (GlobalWIIN). Her commitment to these causes has earned her recognition as a leading voice in the advancement of women in business and leadership.

Her role as Founder and Creative Director of The Wearable Art Collective has further solidified her influence in the creative industry.

Under her leadership, the collective has showcased African creatives at international events such as London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. Lola’s work with the collective is a testament to her ability to merge creativity with empowerment, offering African designers a platform on the global stage.

Key Initiatives and Projects

Lola’s commitment to personal development goes beyond business coaching. She is the visionary behind the Empower Tours Project, a series of coaching and wellness retreats designed to help women “Relax, Retreat, and Refocus.” These transformative weekends blend personal rejuvenation with professional development, offering participants a unique space to recharge while gaining critical life and leadership skills. Over the years, Lola has led groups of up to 30 women on these spa coaching retreats, not only in the UK but in locations as far-flung as Morocco, the USA, Thailand, Greece, and Jamaica.

Her work as a published author complements her coaching philosophy. Lola’s book, If She Can So Can You, has inspired countless readers with its message of resilience and self-belief. She has also co-produced two music albums and authored three books, showcasing her diverse approach to empowerment.

As a motivational speaker, Lola captivates audiences with her vibrant energy and motivational philosophy, captured in her signature mottos: “If She Can, So Can You” and “Think it, See it, Live it.” She has inspired global audiences to embrace life’s challenges and opportunities, turning adversity into stepping stones for success.

Leadership & Community Involvement

Lola’s community engagement is integral to her leadership journey. She has served as a Local Parish Councillor in Burnham and continues to be a Community Governor/Trustee at Burnham Grammar School. Her judicial role as Chairman in the Criminal and Family Courts of the Thames Valley Area exemplifies her commitment to justice and social equality.

In addition to her local contributions, Lola held the position of Operational Director at the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GWIIN), where she played a key role in promoting innovation and creativity among women globally.

Lola Owolabi’s extensive experience in leadership, coaching, and community development underscores her role as a transformational figure dedicated to empowerment. Her ability to inspire, motivate, and guide others toward achieving their fullest potential and her proven track record of success make her a formidable leader in any sphere she engages with.