Follow Us on Google
Head of Audience Engagement, BusinessDay, Chisom Michael, has been named among the “Top 10 Emerging Professionals of the Year in Tech” at the 2025 TIBA Conference, an event organised by The Iconic Brand Africa under the theme “Thriving in Business and Career Through Innovation and Resilience.”
The recognition follows TIBA’s continued shift from a small award structure into what the organisers describe as a wider platform for growth, professional development, and community learning.
Chisom oversees audience insights, data interpretation, and storytelling at BusinessDay Media, guiding strategy and supporting content performance. He also leads communication and storytelling for the BusinessDay Foundation and contributes to BD Weekender through features, interviews, and business-focused reports. His academic history includes an MEng from Liaoning University of Technology in China and a BSc from Imo State University.
In his response to the honour, Chisom said, “I am grateful for this recognition. It strengthens my resolve to keep building work that serves people and supports growth.”He added that, “this means a lot to me because it reflects years of work that often stayed behind the scenes. I am grateful to everyone who trusted my journey and helped me grow.”
Other News
Founder of TIBA, Omobabinrin Adeola Osideko, said the platform’s expansion came from “a journey of persistence, learning, and growth.” She noted that the transition began when board members encouraged her to broaden the work beyond a one-off award ceremony. She said the present board strengthened what she now refers to as “The Iconic Brand Africa”
Osideko spoke about the hurdles that shaped her path, including conflict, online attacks, and the struggle to seek approval. She told attendees, “do not seek to be liked; seek to be respected.” She emphasised that people respond to value and noted that work driven by purpose eventually gains recognition.
She also recounted her decision to move from Facebook to LinkedIn after repeated bullying. She said the shift protected her wellbeing and created new room for growth. In her words, “you are not a tree; if a place is not safe, move.”
Osideko urged participants to invest in learning, remain focused on their journey, and stay open to possibilities. She closed her remarks with the statement, “there is always a way.”
Chisom’s recognition reflects the intention behind the awards, to highlight individuals whose work stands out through consistency, structure, and value.
His inclusion signals the platform’s commitment to elevating emerging professionals contributing to Africa’s technology and media space.
