I am daily inspired by purpose and what I have been called to do – Kemi Olawoye

Kemi is an award-winning and innovative entrepreneur passionate about improving health outcomes in Nigeria. She is a co-host and producer of Health Vibes, a 45minutes health show on Silverbird’s radio, Rhythm 93.7fm Lagos. She is also the Founder and CEO of Genuine Health Africa, a health communications company that provides public relations services to health and wellness organisations and more recently the WINNER of the 2018 WIMBIZ IMPACT INVESTMENT COMPETITION 2018.

Her work was borne out of her desire to address the problem of poor health literacy and health seeking behaviours among Nigerians.

Her company, GHA provides services in form of strategic communication solutions which includes project communication strategy design and implementation, health campaign execution, media scheduling and appearances, social media management & engagement and content management for websites and other platforms.

In just a few months of operation, GHA has worked with numerous clients including award-winning organizations. Kemi has also been recognised by Her Network (Nominee,Woman of the Future 2017), Benola Cerebral Palsy, 2018 Wimbiz impact investment awardee, Young Physiotherapists group among others for her contribution and impact in healthcare.

She shares her journey with me in this interview.

Childhood Influence
As a child, I loved activities like school debate and news casting with the press club. And my parents did well by encouraging and supporting me to do more of those activities I was leaning towards.

I also grew up as an only child with loving parents who are teachers. Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of discipline in achieving any goal, the power of staying committed to a vision and the zero laziness mentality.

Genuine Health Africa
GHA was borne out of the need to solve the problem of poor health literacy and health seeking behaviours among Nigerians. We currently work with health, wellness, non-governmental and other organisations to execute health campaigns and communicate health information in an easy to understand and interesting way using diverse communication channels for maximum outcome.

Challenges
Hiring employees. This was a major challenge for me in the first year of running my business and I have found its a major challenge for most entrepreneurs as well. Hiring employees is also one thing, Managing them to produce desired results is another. But I am glad things have gotten way better over time.

My current team understands the vision and they are running with it. I am also operating a unique business in a niche market. While this has its benefits, it also means there are very few businesses locally to model after but I am certainly up for the challenge.

Other project and activities
Beyond working with our clients, GHA embarks on bi-monthly community outreaches to disadvantaged communities to provide free medical checkup, assessment and education. These outreaches allow for early detection and prevention of disease as well as prompt intervention in form of referrals to healthcare institutions when needed.

Through these outreaches, we have been able to reach over 1000people in the Mushin, Surulere and Oniru communities. We have one coming up this Easter and would be going to three different communities in Agege, Victoria Island and Ibadan.

Reward
Client Satisfaction and the ‘Thank You’ we get from our clients that our biggest reward.

My brand in five years
In the next five years, we would have expanded operations to at least one other country in West Africa. This will take us one step further towards our vision of becoming the leading health communications company in West Africa.

Being the 2018 Wimbiz impact investment awardee
It was amazing! Wimbiz is known for excellence and that reflected deeply during the competition. From the initial application to the final pitch, it was a detailed and rigorous process. However, it was a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Who and what inspires you me to be better
This might sound somewhat cliche but I must say my relationship with God. I am daily inspired by purpose and what I have been called to.

Being a woman of Rubies
I am purposeful and confident in my calling.

Dear Woman…
Be unapologetically you. Every other person is taken.