Episode 27 -“Being an Agent of Change” with Abiola Ajetomobi

Welcome to Moments of Clarity. Today, I am speaking to Abiola Ajetomobi.    Abiola Ajetomobi is a director at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) and is currently leading a holistic and strength based model of innovation that is driven by working in partnership with people seeking asylum to meet their needs. She is a social innovator who is passionate about forming creative and sustainable solutions to increase the economic and social participation of people that would otherwise be left behind in society. Abiola works to ensure that those seeking asylum have the level of agency required to reach self-actualisation and independence. Her professional background spans across humanitarian organisations, businesses, accounting and financial services, social entrepreneurship, not-for-profit and the public service.    Abiola really inspired me and reaffirmed just how grateful I am to have this platform as a way to have amazing conversations and share them with my community. If you - like me - find yourself captivated by Abiola and her work with the ASRC and would like to contribute to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in any way, please visit www.asrc.org.au.    Time Stamps Introduction 0.00 - 2.39 (2:39)   Part 1 2.40 - 36.22 (33:42) Abiola's background and personal and professional overview. Growing up in Nigeria, coming to Australia as an Asylum Seeker, Mental health challenges and  the importance of community. Abiolas's leadership, work and purpose. Part 2 36.23 - 57.03 (20:40) Local vs global change, black lives matter, framing our contribution, Rebellion pushing action, choosing your attitude, being a curiosity, the danger of a single story, identity politics, cultural intelligence. Part 3 57.04 - 77.16 (20:12) Working at the ASRC, The ASRC Dandenong Innovation Hub, The vital role of the organisation and the important input of members. Part 4 77.17 - 103.31 (26:14) CEO Kon Karapanagiotidis, The lack of Government support for Asylum Seekers, the plight of asylum seekers, Covid-19 and having perspective, questioning our values, how you can help out at the ASRC and A Moment of Clarity. Outro 103.32 - 104.12 (00:40)   Recommendations https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=en - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - The danger of a single story Please visit  www.asrc.org.au and contribute in any way you can :) You can also follow Abiola on LinkedIn, Instagram (@abiola.ajetomobi) and Twitter (@abiolaajetomobi).   As always, please share Moments of Clarity with family, friends and social networks. I would also love it if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts, subscribe to the podcast and get in touch with me.   Instagram: @momentsofclaritypodcast Facebook: @momentsofclaritypodcast Twitter: @BarneyMOC Email: [email protected]   Podcast by Matthew Sortino Music by Christian Prochilo Artwork by Michael Chrisanthopoulos