About
Jonathan Olufowobi
Success means different things to different people. For some, it is financial freedom. For others, it is influence, fulfilment, impact or personal growth. In the latest episode of the PublishU podcast, international speaker, entrepreneur and author Jonathan Olufowobi shares a powerful perspective on what true success really looks like — and why purpose matters just as much as achievement.
Jonathan Olufowobi, founder and CEO of MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent), joins the podcast to discuss his newly released book, Tips From The Top: Lessons From The World’s Most Influential Figures. Drawing from exclusive interviews with presidents, prime ministers, CEOs, elite athletes and global leaders, Jonathan explores the habits, mindsets and principles that help people achieve excellence in both their personal and professional lives.
Born and raised in London with Nigerian heritage, Jonathan has spent years building relationships with influential figures from around the world. Through MIPAD, he has created opportunities for young people to gain access to leaders and mentors they might otherwise never meet. This passion for creating access and sharing wisdom became the foundation for his book.
One of the key themes discussed throughout the podcast is the relationship between success and purpose. Jonathan explains that many people achieve external success but still feel unfulfilled because they lack a deeper sense of meaning in their work and lives. According to him, success without purpose can leave people feeling empty, regardless of wealth or status.
Instead, Jonathan believes success should be connected to purpose. He encourages people to discover what they are uniquely called to do and then pursue excellence within that space. This perspective is central to Tips From The Top, which combines practical advice with personal stories and reflections from some of the world’s most influential individuals.
The book itself is built around interviews and conversations with around 30 influential figures from six different continents. Jonathan intentionally wanted the lessons in the book to feel globally relevant and accessible to people from different cultures, backgrounds and industries. The result is a collection of practical insights that readers can apply to leadership, business, career growth, personal development and life in general.
During the conversation, Jonathan shares one particularly inspiring story featured in the book — that of NFL player Efe Obada. Unlike many professional athletes, Efe did not begin playing American football until the age of 21, yet within a year he had made it into the NFL. Jonathan explains that stories like this reveal the importance of resilience, discipline, hard work and self-belief. These are qualities that consistently emerge across interviews with successful people, regardless of their field.
Another major focus of the podcast is access and mentorship. Jonathan speaks passionately about how exposure to influential leaders changed his own confidence and outlook. Because of this, he now works to create similar opportunities for others through MIPAD events and leadership programmes.
One example he shares involves taking young people from London to New York, where they had the opportunity to meet global leaders, attend leadership training sessions and connect directly with high-level decision-makers. For many of these young people, it was their first exposure to environments and conversations they previously believed were out of reach.
This idea of breaking barriers and opening doors is deeply connected to the message of Tips From The Top. Jonathan wants readers to realise that success is not reserved for a select few. Instead, with the right mindset, guidance and determination, people can develop the confidence and tools needed to pursue their own goals.
The podcast also explores Jonathan’s journey as a first-time author. Before joining the PublishU programme, he believed writing a book would be difficult because he lacked knowledge about the publishing process. He explains that one of the biggest challenges aspiring authors face is not necessarily writing itself, but understanding how to structure, complete and professionally publish a book.
Through the PublishU writing programme, Jonathan found both guidance and accountability. He highlights the value of working alongside other aspiring authors from different countries and industries, explaining that hearing their stories and ideas became an important source of inspiration throughout the writing journey.
Now that Tips From The Top has officially been published, Jonathan reflects on how surreal it feels to finally call himself an author. What began as a distant idea several years ago has now become a published work designed to positively impact readers around the world.
One unique feature of the book is its multimedia element. At the end of various chapters, readers can scan QR codes to access video conversations with the influential figures featured in the book. This allows readers to engage more deeply with the stories, personalities and advice shared throughout the text.
Ultimately, Jonathan hopes the book helps readers discover their purpose, develop self-belief and pursue excellence with intention. He wants people to move beyond simply chasing success for external validation and instead focus on creating meaningful lives that positively impact others.
For anyone interested in personal growth, leadership, entrepreneurship or learning from successful individuals around the world, Tips From The Top offers a practical and inspiring resource filled with real-life lessons and actionable wisdom.
The PublishU podcast continues to highlight the journeys of authors who are using their stories, experiences and expertise to inspire others globally. Jonathan Olufowobi’s story is a reminder that success is not only about reaching the top, but also about understanding why the climb matters in the first place.
Buy your copy...