March 5, 2015

We Celebrate Her, Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award

Today we celebrate Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award which was set up as a lasting legacy to Princess Diana’s belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better. Prime Minister David Cameron is Patron and The Duke of Cambridge has met with award holders and says “You are the only charity that carries my mother’s name.  That is really special.”  Tessy spent many years working in the private sector and tells us how she made the change to working in the charitable sector making things happen for young people across the world! We salute you Tessy!

How did you ‘Make it Happen’?

I became CEO of the Diana Award at a challenging time – the organisation had little secured funding for the future. Creating opportunities for young people drives me and I injected this passion into my leadership through the development of new programmes, along with a clear communication plan. I’m proud that the Diana Award doubled in size within my first year and expanded to other countries. Today, I have the drive and commitment, alongside a brilliant team, to continue to scale-up the scope of the Diana Award’s work to reach even more young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Each day I think about how I can empower thousands more young people; supporting them in changing their world, whatever their definition of world might be. In short, I believe in following your passion- that is exactly what I did. Add to that dedication, commitment and diligence and you can do anything!

What kind of woman are you?
I love excellence. I don’t do things in half measures; I love people who are dedicated and committed in whatever they do; that’s attractive to me and that’s what I look for when I meet people because that’s the kind of person I am. I treat everything I do like a mission, a calling for that season, therefore give it my 120%. I don’t do mediocrity.

What drives you to run your charity?
Meeting incredible young people and seeing first-hand the impact they’ve had on other people’s lives drives me each and every day. We often hear the negative stories – I want to shout from the rooftops about these amazing young people who really are trailblazers for a generation. I’m especially passionate about engaging young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping to remove barriers that might prevent them from reaching their full potential. I know what we do at the Diana Award works and, in my view, I have the best job!

Why do you do what you do for a living?
Growing up as a daughter of a Headteacher; giving our time and skills for the benefit of others was just part of our everyday life. My mother ran various after school clubs and my siblings and I were always drafted in to help. The ethos of social action became the norm for me.
Today, everything I do is result focused: making sure young people reach their full potential, whatever that might be for each young person we work with. Our aim ultimately is to prepare young people for life in the modern world; helping them build the right skills, character and values that allows them to succeed in life as well as change the world around them.

Who has been the biggest help to your career to date?

I know this sounds incredibly cheesy, but my husband has been the biggest help to my career. He’s my cheerleader and encourager but not just that, he makes room for me to be! When I first moved into the charity sector, I took a pay cut transitioning from the corporate sector to the third sector; at a time when we just had our second child! That was a very brave decision but I recall him saying, ‘If that’s what you want to do, then do it! You’ll find fulfilment in it’! He’s the ultimate giver, in my books! I really couldn’t possibly do the job I do, without his support.

What Kind of teenager were you?
I had a very happy childhood, however, by the age of 13 I was already 6ft tall and experienced bullying and isolation as a result. Mostly done ignorantly, but I recall at one point asking my parents to help amputate my legs to reduce my height, making me less conspicuous to my bullies, as you can see they didn’t oblige! (Thankfully). That experience was a blessing in disguise as I turned my attention and time to studying and volunteering! I got involved in helping out at various kids clubs, particularly at my mother’s school as she was a headteacher. I helped run weekly clubs ranging from dance, music, street choirs, reading clubs etc. I loved using the skills that I had to create opportunities for children. The buzz I got every day from helping run these clubs, was truly phenomenal. And that gave me a lot of validation as well.

 What has been your biggest challenge in your career? 

The biggest challenge in my career was deciding to leave the corporate sector and the job security and income that provided, to move to the charity sector.
After ten years in the corporate sector, I began to get restless and wanted to do something more worthwhile, beyond making profits for big city firms! This coincided when I had my youngest child in 2000. I had an unquenching desire to work for something that would make a positive influence on this generation and generations to come. I finally narrowed down my next career option to; work for a not-for-profit organisation involving young people. Seven months into my maternity leave, I spotted a job advert for the Princess Diana Award for Young People; I knew that job was for me and the rest is history!

What is your biggest regret?
I really don’t believe in regrets. I believe there’s a purpose in everything that happens and it’s about connecting the dots and looking for the purpose in the storm, rather than complaining about the storm.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Hearing The Royal Princes’ say their mother, Princess Diana, would have been proud of the work we are doing! That is just so wonderful to know, especially as our aim is to continue her legacy.

What I know is…..we all have a currency to give. For some that currency is money, but for others it’s skills, time, talent etc. The key is that whatever currency you have, it will be beneficial for someone else. So give! The truth is that when you give there are two beneficiaries; the receiver of your currency and you! The other thing I know is…. Find your passion, when you do, get excited about it and make something happen! Allow your passion to drive you. Let your passion help you go that extra mile. Be the person that says, what else can I do, not what can I get? Have a ‘What can I do to make this happen’ mentality

To find out more about The Diana Award visit: http://diana-award.org.uk/

Follow Tessy on Twitter here: @Ttall

Do you know a woman who is just awesome and killing it in her career or business? Or someone who you just admire for their strength and attitude? We would love for you to share why you think they are awesome using the official hashtag #wecelebrateher

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Happy International Women’s Day