Teniola Akinwuntan is a visionary leader driven by the belief that “true leadership amplifies diverse voices, inspires change, and prioritizes collective progress over individual triumphs.” As the CEO and President of THEESEEDS Institute and Women of Valor, Inc., she leads pioneering efforts in college-accredited workforce training to empower Maryland residents facing financial and workforce challenges. A true changemaker, Teniola is committed to transparent communication with stakeholders, delivering exceptional value to her students and clients, and promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Her ultimate goal is to position THEESEEDS Institute and Women of Valor not only as market leaders but also as employers of choice, creating lasting, positive impacts on the community and industry. Her leadership exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity, vision, and a commitment to empowering others.
Teniola brings a comprehensive background in psychology, professional development, and transitional wellness to her leadership. She has a Doctorate in Psychology and a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Founding Two Organizations
Teniola has dedicated her organizations, Women of Valor, Inc., and THEESEEDS Institute, to fostering holistic community well-being. These initiatives integrate data-driven methods with an inclusive educational model for individuals from K-12 to age 65, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or background.
Teniola has built Women of Valor, Inc. as a dynamic, community-focused organization. It aims to eliminate socioeconomic barriers and empower women to transform their lives – thereby positively impacting their families and communities. Teniola informs that the commitment to this cause led to the launch of her second organization, THEESEEDS Institute. “It’s an expansion designed to address the gap in specialized education that bridges personal growth with professional readiness,” she says.
THEESEEDS Institute allows Teniola and her team to extend their mission to all individuals across Maryland, including Baltimore County and Baltimore City. According to her, their approach emphasizes holistic development, considering the whole person, their health, and their contribution to society. She and her team ensure that the institute’s programs facilitate both individual and community advancement.
Teniola’s dedication to advancing behavioral and professional education, alongside inclusive community workforce solutions, is further demonstrated through her service on the Leadership Council of the National Small Business Association (NSBA). In this role, she advocates for the interests of small businesses before policymakers in Washington, D.C., representing Maryland. Teniola is also an esteemed Forbes Council Coach, celebrated for her transformative leadership and innovation as a Visionary and Mind-Transition Specialist.
Foundational Years of a Professional Journey
Before stepping into her role as CEO & President at Women of Valor & THEESEEDS Institute, Teniola honed her skills in various capacities within organizations focused on empowerment and social impact. At these organizations, she delivered complex projects, developed innovative programs, and led high-performance teams. Her career has been characterized by a commitment to transformative leadership and strategic growth initiatives.
Teniola shares that her experiences taught her the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the power of visionary leadership. She recalls actively engaging in building networks and partnerships, which aligned with her passion for advancing women’s leadership and fostering inclusive opportunities. “These foundational years equipped me with the strategic foresight and operational expertise necessary to lead Women of Valor & THEESEEDS Institute towards achieving their mission with purpose and impact,” Teniola says.
Growth and Leadership Style Shaped by Roadblocks
Teniola’s professional journey has not been challenge-free. She has encountered several roadblocks throughout her career. However, instead of seeing them as setbacks, she credits them for significantly shaping her professional growth and leadership style.
One major challenge Teniola faced was during periods of rapid industry change. At the time, it was not easy for her to navigate organizational transformations. She points out that such times inevitably brought about resistance to change, uncertainties, and the need for agile decision-making. Initially, she approached such situations with a focus purely on strategic outcomes. However, she soon realized that genuine organizational transformation required a more nuanced approach that prioritized engagement, communication, and cultural alignment.
“This insight taught me the importance of listening to diverse perspectives and fostering a culture of inclusivity and transparency to align teams towards a common vision,” Teniola says. She believes that a leader achieves success not just by overcoming obstacles but also by harnessing their lessons to drive continuous improvement and inspire others. This evolution in her leadership has enabled her to transform setbacks into opportunities for personal and organizational advancement.
Teniola also highlights that as a CEO and President, navigating industry challenges is both inevitable and integral to driving growth and innovation. One significant challenge has been adapting to rapid technological advancements while ensuring cybersecurity and data privacy. To address this, she and her team have prioritized investments in cutting-edge technology and fostered a culture of continuous learning and resilience.
Success Is Striking a Harmonious Balance
Teniola understands that reaching tangible goals or surpassing financial metrics are integral components of success, but her definition of success is not focused on them. For her, it means striking a harmonious balance between delivering sustainable value, driving innovation, and cultivating an environment where individuals and teams can flourish. “True success is measured by the enduring impact we create across our organization, stakeholders, and communities at large,” Teniola says.
She explains that her rationale stems from over a decade of observing and leading through diverse challenges and opportunities. She has seen that while short-term achievements provide momentum, it is the lasting, positive transformation in people, processes, and relationships that truly defines exemplary leadership. According to her, “by committing to an inclusive vision that elevates each stakeholder, we foster resilient growth and alignment with our organizational purpose.”
“Success, therefore, is inherently dynamic, rooted in values, integrity, and the ability to adapt and innovate amidst change,” she adds.
Teniola also points out that agility to pivot, paired with unwavering dedication to core principles, is crucial for achieving sustainable triumphs in an ever-evolving global landscape. “These beliefs shape my strategic leadership approach, steering both immediate outcomes and long-term prosperity,” she says.
Creating Multidimensional Impact
Teniola believes in creating a multidimensional impact that reaches beyond the bottom line. She, therefore, champions initiatives that forge pathways for community advancement and advocates for policies that elevate small businesses, which, according to her, are the backbone of the country’s economy. Recognitions like the 2023 Mayor’s Business Recognition Award and the 2024 Baltimore Game Changers Award from Governor Wes Moore affirm her commitment to driving meaningful change that empowers others and fosters inclusivity.
Teniola points out that in both leadership roles and community service, she integrates professional achievement with purposeful societal contributions, which, for her, is a true measure of success. She has embraced the adage, “Leadership is not about being in charge, but about taking care of those in your charge.”
Greatest Achievement as CEO and President
As CEO and President, one of Teniola’s most significant achievements was leading a comprehensive digital transformation initiative that strengthened their competitive position and enhanced value delivery across the organization. This transformation integrated advanced technologies, such as AI and data analytics, into their core operations, which significantly improved efficiency, decision-making, and customer experiences. It also prompted a cultural shift, fostering a mindset of innovation and adaptability within the organization.
Teniola explains that this initiative required not only a strategic overhaul but also a commitment to developing new skill sets and mindsets within the team. By investing in extensive training and development programs and empowering their talent to embrace new approaches, they cultivated an agile workforce that could thrive in the digital economy.
“The impact was profound,” Teniola says. Financially, the company experienced a marked increase in revenue and market share, surpassing key performance targets, while operationally, their processes became leaner and more responsive, resulting in faster time-to-market and heightened customer satisfaction. And, culturally, this transformation instilled a sense of ownership and enthusiasm among employees, which significantly boosted morale and engagement levels, according to Teniola.
“This achievement not only reinforced our position as a leader in our industry but also laid a sustainable path for future growth and innovation,” she adds. “It demonstrated that true success is holistic, encompassing financial success, operational excellence, and positive social impact.”
Responsibilities, Typical Day, and Work-Life Balance
As CEO and President, Teniola’s primary responsibilities center on setting the strategic vision and ensuring its alignment with the mission and values of the organizations. In addition to that, she is responsible for forging strategic partnerships and cultivating stakeholder relationships, enhancing their organizations’ reach and impact. “I also focus on financial stewardship, ensuring we are maximally leveraging our resources for sustainable growth,” she says.
Teniola leads by creating a culture of innovation and accountability, driving operational excellence, and fostering an inclusive environment where the team can thrive. “By empowering our team and promoting a clear, inspiring vision, I aim to drive the company’s success and create lasting value for our communities and stakeholders,” she says. She enables her team to achieve their full potential and guide the company toward exceeding strategic objectives.
Teniola’s day typically begins with a strategic review and setting of priorities for the day. This is followed by key meetings with her executive team to address operational challenges, explore opportunities for innovation, and align on strategic goals. She also engages with both internal and external stakeholders, fostering relationships that propel their mission forward. “Throughout the day, I strive to be visible and approachable, reinforcing our culture and values at every level of the organization,” Teniola shares.
She also strives to balance her professional and personal life. To maintain this work-life balance and stay motivated, she prioritizes effective time management and delegates responsibilities, empowering her team and fostering trust. She also taps into digital tools to set clear boundaries. This allows her to streamline communication and ensure focused productivity.
Personally, Teniola draws her motivation from continuous learning and seeking new challenges, which she balances with quality time with family, exercise, and purposeful reflection. She says, “This approach not only recharges me but also enables me to deliver exceptional services with a fresh perspective.”
Vision and Personal Goals
Teniola envisions a future where they remain agile and adaptive to emerging trends. They intend to continually leverage advancements in technology to enhance their operations, services, and customer engagement. Teniola points out that navigating the competitive landscape requires a strategic focus on differentiation and value creation. To support this, they plan to continue investing in talent development, ensuring their teams are skilled and motivated to meet future demands.
Additionally, Teniola believes that forming strategic partnerships and embracing data-driven decision-making will empower them to anticipate market shifts and respond proactively, securing their position as an industry leader. “Ultimately, success is about creating value for all stakeholders while building a resilient organization committed to positive impact,” she says.
Some of her personal goals include setting clear strategic priorities that align with their core values and market opportunities, advancing digital transformation to enhance operational efficiencies, and building an empowered, agile workforce. “I aim for both our organizations to be market leaders and employers of choice, creating lasting positive impacts on our community and industry,” Teniola says.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Teniola’s story is an inspiration for the next generation. She inspires them by leading by example, and not only that, she has also created an environment where curiosity, collaboration, and diversity of thought thrive.
“I’m committed to mentorship and developing future leaders through leadership programs and providing opportunities for young talent to work on transformative projects,” Teniola says. “By doing so, we ensure they not only contribute to success today but are also prepared to lead tomorrow’s challenges with empathy, creativity, and strategic insight.”
Message to Aspiring Women Leaders
Teniola advises aspiring women leaders to embrace their unique perspectives and use them as strengths. In her message, she highlights that success lies in relentless curiosity, resilience, and cultivating a robust support network. Teniola tells them not to be afraid to challenge the status quo and seize opportunities with confidence.
She encourages aspiring leaders to prioritize continuous learning and mentorship – both as a mentee and a mentor – while staying authentic and valuing diversity, which she believes is a powerful driver for innovation and growth. “Remember, leadership is about empowerment; lift others as you rise and strive to create environments where diverse voices are heard and valued,” she adds. “Your leadership can pave the way for future generations, redefining what is possible.”
