Throughout February, Arctic Wolf is celebrating Black History Month with a series of events that support our ability to thrive as individuals and collectively in our careers, mental health, and personal lives.
We’re intentionally amplifying Black voices, enriching our knowledge of Black history, highlighting the heritage and history of our Black Employee Alliance, and taking learning and connection opportunities with our colleagues throughout the Pack.
Today, we’re spotlighting Babatunde Adekunle, a Customer Success Manager and member of our Black Employee Alliance.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and heritage?
My name Is Babatunde Adekunle. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria. My heritage line is of the Yoruba Tribe, which is one of the largest African Ethnic Groups that occupies the Southwestern area of Nigeria in Africa with a rich history of cultural philosophy, religion, and folktales. I moved to the United States when I was 15 and am currently a dual citizen!
How has your race or ethnicity affected your workplace experiences?
Overall, I have not had to deal with any type of workplace racial harassment, but I have felt, in previous roles before joining Arctic Wolf, some cases where my race and ethnicity has played a significant role in some career opportunities. I feel fortunate enough to be with an organization now that truly believes in diversity, equity, and Inclusion, which levels the playing field.
What advice do you have for people starting their career or looking to become a leader in their workplace?
I believe in four key elements that anyone starting a career should focus on:
- Earn the respect of your manager
- Build a strong connection with your coworkers
- Lead by example to establish yourself as a hard worker
- Develop new skills that you can apply to your role
Photo of Babatunde Adekunle
What is your mantra or motto?
“I no longer allow fear to rule me, and I will move forward with courage.” This is my own self-motivating mantra to help inspire me to succeed.
How do you think your unique perspective and experiences have contributed to the company/team?
I want to believe that my unique experiences have allowed me to bring a sense of maturity to my role and act as a mentor for some in the company. Sharing my experiences has helped some navigate difficult situations or avoid potential pitfalls.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means so much to me because we get to celebrate and highlight all the positive impact Black people have had in this world. Through Black History Month we continue to show appreciation for our historic heroes and our modern-day heroes who are trying to make positive changes today.
What are the benefits of having a diverse company/workforce?
I think the number one benefit of a diverse workplace is that it strengthens that company’s culture while also enhancing the talent pool. I believe that hiring diverse people and allowing them to have a voice will yield better opportunities for creativity and problem-solving as well.
