Olawale Adeniyi, Esade MBA Class of 2028
Age: 32
Hometown: Osun State, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Obafemi Awolowo University, B.A. Religious Studies; Nigerian University of Technology and Management, PgD in Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Design.
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 8 years of work experience across healthcare, on-demand delivery, and financial services, spanning product, growth, and commercial roles. I spent four years at Advantage Health Africa, working on scaling healthcare systems across Africa, followed by a one-year fellowship as an NSP Scholar at the Nigerian University of Technology and Management, focused on Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Design. I then led Product and Growth at SavetoBuy, before joining Glovo as Growth Lead for Nigeria. Immediately before my MBA, I was Head of Digital Business at Regent Bank.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
An MBA is one of those experiences where you come out more refined, with a broader global perspective and new capabilities that position you to operate at a global level. I chose an MBA to become a global talent and to gain the competencies, skills, and network that match the scale of my ambition.
Having led digital transformation for a bank in Nigeria, transitioning the bank from a non-digital operation to a digitally-led bank within 12 months was a defining experience for me. I quite enjoyed my role, the impact I had, and the opportunity to innovate in one of the world’s rapidly changing industries. Through this experience, I observed that many global organizations struggle with innovation and successfully completing digital transformation. I want to be in a position where I can help these organizations scale their innovation practices, and for me, an MBA is the perfect transition to deepen my expertise, grow my network, and build the capabilities to do this at a global level.
As for why now, in our history as a civilization, technological disruption has never been greater. Now is the right time to build the competencies to navigate this rapidly changing environment and lead organizations through it.
Why did you choose Esade? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Beyond my personal ambition to pursue a top 10 global MBA, Esade was a natural choice because of its impact on Glovo. Having worked at Glovo, I wanted to come to a school that had played an integral role in the company’s journey from its early days into a multinational operating in more than 20 countries. Glovo received support from the Esade BAN community in its early days and knowing that connection became a personal motivation for me to come to Esade.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
My cross-industry and cross-functional experience in fast-growing emerging markets will be one of my most valuable contributions to the Class of 2028. I bring the perspective of someone who has worked across multiple industries, including healthcare, on-demand delivery, and financial services, and across different functional roles, including product, growth, and commercial. I believe this experience can bring a valuable perspective to classroom discussions, particularly when we discuss how to create, launch, and scale businesses in emerging markets. Being able to share this perspective with my classmates, while also learning from their experiences, is a privilege I value greatly.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I learned how to swim at the age of 32. I had a cautious relationship with water growing up, but like an alternate self in the medieval period would say, “I chose bravery.” Out of my newfound love for water, I started swimming every day to catch up with lost times.
Post-MBA career interests:
My post-MBA career goal is to work in a role where I can drive innovation and digital transformation across organizations and markets, ideally in a consulting environment or within a legacy company with the ambition to innovate and scale through new technology.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Apply early! Esade is a talent-dense MBA with one of the most diverse and globally competitive cohorts. While timing matters, applying when your profile is ready and at its best is much more important than simply applying early.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
would have submitted my application much earlier. Submitting in late Q1 of 2026 created several competing priorities as I prepared for resumption: my visa application, raising tuition and living expenses, and most especially for me, succession planning. Applying much earlier would have given me enough time to execute these important pre-MBA objectives with a lot more breathing room.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Taking the GRE. Preparing for the GRE required consistent practice, fixed study hours, and sustained focus over a long period. Combining it with work made it even more challenging. I had to change my lifestyle, cutting back on social media and redirecting that time to studying. I also created a study community with friends who were preparing for the exam, which helped us stay accountable and motivated.
What is your initial impression of the Esade students/culture/community?
My first impression is that the Esade community is made up of high achievers who are forward-looking and highly collaborative. I was met with warmth from everyone, from Esade staff to students. People are genuinely open to working with you, helping you do better, and bringing a forward-looking perspective to whatever they are doing.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I plan to actively participate in the Finance Club, Consulting Club, and Black in Business and Allies Club. The Finance Club and Consulting Club align with my professional interests and will help me deepen my understanding of both industries. I also look forward to being part of Black in Business and Allies Club, where I can contribute to and learn from a community of people who are building for Africa.
What is one thing you have learned about Esade that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me is the scale of the diversity and resources available at Esade. When you read about them online or hear about them from friends, you cannot fully grasp the depth of the diversity or the breadth of resources available to you. You have to experience it to fully understand what you have access to as a student: a truly diverse community and a global platform with resources that extend far beyond the classroom.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about making new connections and gaining new knowledge. I expect my perspective to have evolved 12 months from now, and I am really excited to meet my evolved self.
