Seyi
Omole

Seyi Omole reflects on his transformative journey from Lagos to Nottingham Business School, sharing how his studies shaped his career in marketing and brand strategy across global markets.

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

After running a creative agency in Lagos, Nigeria, for about 7 years, I realized the need to deepen my expertise in marketing and brand development. While my self-taught knowledge had served me well, I wanted to move beyond it, especially since my Bachelor’s degree was in a non-marketing field. I sought an academic environment that offered hands-on learning, blending theory with practical application. This decision was driven by a growing awareness that my existing knowledge wasn’t enough to keep pace with emerging trends, particularly in AI, and to remain relevant in this ever-evolving industry.

What stood out about Nottingham Business School?

Selecting the right business school was a priority for me, and, as funny as it may sound, one of my key criteria was finding an institution with strong branding appeal and marketing activities. This was essential because it mirrored the outcomes I hoped to achieve from the programme. My goal was to gain a deeper understanding of how successful brands are built, both locally and globally. Nottingham Business School (NBS) stood out with its offerings: a 1-year full master’s programme and a 2-year option that included a minimum 6-month internship. The programme was accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing CIM, and NBS itself holds triple-accredited by EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA, the highest international standards for business school education. The CIM accreditation meant I could learn from industry experts and take professional courses, which I believed would significantly benefit my growth and desired long-term goals.

What was your favourite thing about your course?

It was a fantastic learning environment with a great mix of diversity, including lecturers and students from various races and cultures. The atmosphere followed the principle that "no answer is wrong and no question is stupid". The lectures were engaging and interactive, encouraging self-learning and hands-on activities. This interactive approach allowed me to learn from others, broaden my experience, and deepen my understanding of marketing from both cultural and global perspectives. The programme also involved personal and professional growth through continuous professional development (CPD), team projects, presentations, and creative thinking exercises. These experiences have made me more grounded as a professional and confident as a consultant, equipping me with skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Did you have the option to personalise your course? How did it benefit your studies?

Yes, I tailored my course to fit my career aspirations and gain real-world experience. I chose to include an internship as part of my studies, which enabled me to bridge academic learning and professional growth with practical application. It was a decision I’m glad I made.

Can you tell us a bit about your placement? How did it benefit you?

My internship was at Swisslog, a global leader in warehouse automation, based in Redditch, United Kingdom. As a Marketing Intern, I directly supported the UK manager and the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) regional team with external marketing and communication initiatives. I collaborated with cross-functional teams across various time zones, including sales, account managers, HR, and health and safety, focusing on creative and digital content while ensuring compliance with brand guidelines. A standout experience was contributing to Swisslog’s participation in the Intralogistex 2024 exhibition, where I assisted with stand-building planning, event artwork designs, marketing material development, vendor communication, and content strategy for social media, emailers, and landing pages.

This internship deepened my understanding of marketing execution within a fast-paced professional setting and a complex business environment. One of the most valuable lessons I took away was the importance of choosing growth, no matter the circumstances, and always keep moving forward.

You now…

What does a typical day for you involve?

A typical day for me involves conducting in-depth brand audits and market research to gain insights into customer perspectives, market dynamics, and competitor activities. Using these insights, I develop and refine brand strategies that align with business objectives and target audience needs. I then implement these strategies across various touchpoints, including messaging, visuals, digital projects, and channel marketing. Moreover, I monitor and analyse campaign performance, making data-driven adjustments to optimize outcomes. Since collaboration is key to my kind of work, I work closely with stakeholders and leadership teams to ensure they maximize their marketing budgets, thrive in this complex AI-driven world, and seize opportunities for business growth.

What attracted you to your line of work?

I have genuine passion for understanding human behavior and patterns, from big-picture trends to micro trends, and figuring out why we do what we do and how to predict and influence outcomes. Also, I have shared the struggles of entrepreneurship, being one myself. This has deeply shaped my approach to marketing and brand development management, where I apply psychological insights to create authentic, relatable brand experiences that resonate with different segment audiences. I am naturally curious and believe in the power of radical simplicity, stripping away the clutter to deliver clear, impactful concepts and messages that resonate. By understanding consumer behavior, I can craft strategies that not only drive engagement but also build lasting connections between brands and their customers. My ability to analyse both data and emotions helps me to anticipate market trends, improve brand messaging, and create campaigns that truly speak to people's needs and desires.

What have been your biggest highlights of your career so far?

Transitioning from a brand graphic designer to a Marketing and Brand Strategist has been a defining highlight of my career. It allowed me to expand my skill set beyond visual branding into strategic thinking, focusing on brand positioning, audience engagement, and market impact. This shift has been incredibly fulfilling, enabling me to leverage my creative background to develop brand strategies that drive meaningful business results. Another significant highlight has been leading cross-functional teams on large-scale projects, including creatives, content creators, and software developers. This experience taught me the importance of collaboration and aligning diverse teams around a shared vision to execute strategies that drive measurable outcomes.

What are your plans for the future?

I’ve recently moved to Calgary, AB, Canada, and have joined the Canadian Marketing Association. My goal is to help emerging teams successfully enter and grow in new markets through strategic brand-building and marketing. I’m collaborating with a network of peers from business school to bring this vision to life. I aim to support 5,000 founders by providing modern frameworks, insights, and strategies to help them navigate their markets and become leaders in their categories. By combining data-driven decisions with creative, customer-focused thinking, I want to empower them to make informed choices that drive growth, increase brand visibility, and foster customer loyalty. Through flexible, scalable programs and customized solutions, I plan to help businesses tackle challenges such as brand positioning, differentiation in competitive markets, and operational scaling. My ultimate goal is to ensure they thrive in today’s fast-moving, tech-driven world.

If you had a time machine, what would you go back and tell yourself at NTU?

If I had a time machine, I’d go back and remind myself that success isn’t linear - every experience, whether good or bad, adds value. Above all, I’d encourage myself to trust the process more and enjoy the journey, focusing on the growth along the way rather than just the destination.

Do you have any tips for our current students to get the most out of their time at Nottingham Business School?

I would advise current students to take full advantage of the incredible opportunities NBS offers to level up their professional skills. Explore all available resources - both within the institution and externally - whether through networking, competitions, internships, workshops, or industry events. Embrace every learning opportunity to grow and build a strong foundation for your future career.