Ezekiel Olatunji
Doctoral Researcher at the University of Wolverhampton
Nominated by the Environment Agency
Give us a brief description of your background
I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Production Engineering and a masters in Process Design and Systems Engineering, both from the University of Ibadan. My expertise includes work system design, value engineering, project management, and systems analysis, focusing on improving organisational efficiency.
Currently, I am a doctoral researcher working on the Flood Aware Informed and Resilient (FAIR) project under the Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Program (FCRIP). My research is focused on developing a community-scale framework to evaluate flood resilience in socially diverse communities. My goal is to contribute to climate change adaptation policies, particularly in mitigating flood risks and promoting equitable outcomes.
Professionally, I have worked as a Risk Consultant with Deloitte, gaining expertise in financial risk strategies, and with various SaaS and B2B companies globally as a Tech Content Specialist and Manager. In these roles, I developed SEO-driven content strategies to enhance digital visibility and engagement.
My interest in flood resilience began with the 2017 floods in Nigeria, which caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and heritage sites, highlighting the need for better flood management strategies. While the UK has made strides in flood risk management, further efforts are essential to achieve truly flood-resilient infrastructure and meet net-zero targets. My research aims to address these challenges and foster sustainable, resilient communities.
Who/what inspires you?
Being familiar with history, I find the man Jesus deeply inspiring, to the point where I cannot deny His profound impact on my life. How can a man without an offence become an offence, bearing the burden of others to the point of being crucified in their place? His story continues to resonate through time, and it inspires me to embody selflessness, compassion, love, and acceptance toward everyone around me. Yet, even as I strive to live out these virtues, his example reminds me never to lose sight of my vision and purpose for as long as I live.
What does the word leadership make you think of?
Clear vision is the first quality that comes to mind when I think of leadership. No one can lead others without a clear understanding of their destination. Leadership also brings to mind the importance of selfless service – being at the forefront in action and setting an example for others to follow. True leaders embody the principles they expect from their followers. This perspective is inspired by two passages from the Bible: Matthew 23:11-15, which highlights the value of humble service, and John 10:17-18, which illustrates the selfless commitment of a leader to those they serve.
How do you feel about taking part in the Future Leaders programme?
I am incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of this training. After reviewing the experiences of others and the valuable knowledge I will gain, I feel this is a crucial step toward building a net-zero future and achieving my goals.
What do you think are the keys to a sustainable future?
The term ‘sustainability’ often raises important questions to me: Is true sustainability achievable? Can we secure the future of our planet with the actions and agendas currently in place? While these questions can feel daunting, one key insight is that sustainability is inherently systemic. Achieving it requires a systems-thinking approach. To make meaningful progress, we must design and integrate sub-systems that align with existing systems rather than operate in isolation. This interconnectedness is essential for advancing sustainable agendas and creating a resilient, sustainable future.
