Glory Olutayo: Start where you are
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| Glory Olutayo |
Honestly, Omote Ro Dhe was excited to jump on this feature with Glory. Her patience( after weeks and weeks of postponing the feature due to certain factors, but thankfully, here we are), creativity and expertise speak volumes. This could not capture everything that she is into and why she does it, but the little time spent with her was worth it.
This amazing lady found her calling, and she refused to be sidelined. Let's dive right into the chat with Glory as she shared many wisdom nuggets, told her story uniquely and appealingly, and she did what she knew what only does best, which is inspiring and helping people find clarity, growth and create lasting impacts.
Read excerpts below:
Who was Glory before She_Phenomenal Ladies' Guild and how has she evolved?
I wouldn't say that I was a different person before starting She_Phenomenal Ladies' Guild. I’ve always been an advocate for love, inspiration, and giving voice to those with dreams but no access.
The foundation is an extension of what I’ve always believed: that "both pain and privilege" can birth purpose. As a writer, I've felt every season of my life differently. But I chose to believe that the bad sides were meant to create empathy in me so that when greatness comes, it'll be easy for me to relate with people and lift the underprivileged up to greatness.
And, as for evolving, everything I'm involved in helps me see myself better everyday. Now I embrace my journey and shower myself with as much love as I have offered others.
"Purpose, Clarity, and Personal Development" are at the core of your work — what do those words mean to you in real life?
Honestly, those words felt external at first. Even before I fully understood them, people already came to me for guidance. I was living purpose before I could define it.
Purpose is the reason your life speaks; the why behind your gifts, your pain, your passion. Clarity is when the veil falls off and you finally see what matters, even if it's just the next step. Then, self-development is you choosing to grow into who you were always meant to be.
For me, they're linked. My desire to grow helped me see the situations around me in a different light, and from this gentle realisation of what I was drawn to do came my understanding of purpose.
Many young women struggle with self-doubt. What’s one mindset shift that changed your life and could help them too?
Okay, one thing is your mind is like a sponge, it absorbs long before it gives out. So, doubt doesn't just show up; it comes gradually through the thoughts and words you entertain.
If you want to overcome self-doubt, feed your mind daily with affirmations and stay committed to personal growth.
One thing my career has taught me is that no two people are the same, not even those raised under the same roof. So when I help people, I focus on their unique strengths. The goal isn’t to make anyone like me; it’s to help them become the best versions of themselves.
Like one of my mentees beautifully puts it: Our potentials are limitless and we are masterpieces, always evolving, forever unfolding.
As a spoken word artist and author, how do you use storytelling to challenge perspectives?
Okay, this is a beautiful one. Our minds absorb words fast, especially when they come with clarity and the right amount of emotion. So, I learn the things my generation needs and I tell them with clarity and human feelings, and their minds do the rest of the job.
If you could play the role of any historical or fictional character, who would it be and why?
Princess Shuri from Black Panther. She redefines power. She's futuristic, innovative, confident, and uses her privilege and knowledge to empower her people. That aligns with my mission: to lift others while rising.
In your opinion, what does it truly mean to “rise, lead, and give back”?
Leading and giving back are similar. You lead by helping others see a better version of themselves and giving them the courage to grow. It means you are giving them access to the light you’ve received, whether they’re coworkers, mentees, or a child who would’ve dropped out without help.
Rising means exploring your full potential. But while you climb, leave the door open for those coming after you.
Success is relative. What does it mean to you? Who are some women who are your yardstick of being successful?
Everybody defines their success, but to me, true success includes peace with God and yourself, a loving home, fulfillment in your path, and stable finances. Now, all of these can be measured by our individual mindsets.
Ibukun Awosika and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala are some of the successful people I look up to.
What’s one thing people often misunderstand about you?
I don't know, honestly. I don't pay so much attention to that.
What advice would you give to young African women who want to make an impact?
Build your legacy one piece at a time. Start where you are, darling. You don't need to wait till you have the whole world in your hands; start first with that little child begging for alms in your streets.
This was delightful. Thank you for having me.
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