Man Crush Monday celebrates men of calibre, wits and character. Shola Bamidele, who is a clear example, is a communications consultant with experience in diversity consulting. Distinguishing himself in diversity and inclusion advocacy, he has focused on mental and emotional well-being, gender equality, and sexual and human rights issues.
Shola recently served as the project manager for the #WithChude show, a series of conversations on strengthening the mind, heart, and spirit. He was also the project manager for The Nigeria Prize for Difference and Diversity and The Diversity Summit.
He managed RED|For Africa’s corporate brands and coordinated the maiden edition of the Eko Youth Event, which promotes leadership, service and awareness of global issues among Nigerian youths. Prior to working at RED, Shola was the communications manager for Maxivive, an androgynous fashion brand, and the communications manager for a technology company, Nurture Technology. He was also an on-air presenter and producer at the Ogun State Broadcasting Commission (OGBC 2 90.5 FM) and FUNAAB Radio (89.5FM).
Shola starred in the short film, I Am Somebody, an anthology that follows the lives of four men as they navigate their mental health challenges. The film won the Award of Merit for Best Short Film and Best Direction from the Accolade Global Film Competition. It was also selected for the Cannes World Film Festival, Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, CFK International Film Festival, Calgary Independent Film Festival, and Los Angeles International Film Festival.
Staying true to his passion, Shola publicly speaks on topics concerning mental and emotional health, youth and human rights advocacy, and gender equality in order to have open conversations and spur necessary societal changes. He was a notable speaker at the inaugural edition of the Man2Man Convention where he shared his knowledge and expertise on the challenges facing men today, as well as opportunities for growth and achieving well-being.
As Shola works to create safe spaces, further equity and rights, and place human well-being at the forefront, we celebrate him as our Man Crush Monday like no other.
Watch Shola Bamidele and other speakers explore the theme of masculinity in the 21st century on the Man2Man Convention YouTube channel.