Jasmine Green, a consulting analyst from Accenture’s Manchester office, engages in a candid conversation with Abidemi O-Thomas, an inspiring leader and advocate for equality at Accenture in London. With Abidemi's permission, we are publishing this interview to provide our community with deeper insights into his journey and Accenture’s commitment to fostering inclusivity.
The video link can be found at the bottom of the page.
Jasmine Green: Abidemi, thank you for joining us today. To start, could you tell us about your role at Accenture and what a typical day looks like for you?
Abidemi O-Thomas: Thanks for having me, Jasmine. My day job involves working with a large telecom client, helping them enhance their omni-channel mobile experience. In practical terms, this means leading a team, collaborating closely with executives, and ensuring we deliver meaningful value to our clients.
Beyond that, I wear several hats at Accenture. I’m a sponsor for Mobolise, a partnership between Accenture and the MOBO Awards, aimed at increasing opportunities for creative talent from Black and diverse backgrounds. I’m also involved in Brilliant Futures, an initiative supporting colleagues in navigating and crafting meaningful career paths. Additionally, I’m deeply invested in the African-Caribbean Network within Accenture and look forward to taking on a sponsorship role there as well.
Jasmine: You clearly balance a lot of responsibilities. How do you prioritize and maintain work-life balance?
Abidemi: Honestly, it’s an ongoing learning process. My passion often leads me to say “yes” to too many things. Over time, I’ve realized the importance of leaning on a team—empowering equally passionate colleagues and providing opportunities for them to contribute.
Delegation is key, as is recognizing when it’s not the right time for me to pick something up. I also focus on a few key priorities to ensure impact rather than spreading myself too thin. That said, I’m still learning how to refine this balance every day.
Jasmine: Why do you believe it’s important to engage in activities outside of client work?
Abidemi: We’re all shaped by a combination of our experiences, traits, and character. Limiting ourselves to client work creates an echo chamber. Engaging in diverse activities outside of your primary role helps you develop new skills, build networks, and discover aspects of yourself you didn’t know existed.
For example, creating or joining new teams can reveal “superpowers” you didn’t realize you had. At Accenture, we’re encouraged to explore these passions, whether it’s innovation, community support, or cultural initiatives like AACN. It’s this diversity of experience that enriches both personal and professional growth.
Jasmine: Reflecting on your journey, if you could give one piece of advice to your younger self—or to graduates and new joiners—what would it be?
Abidemi: My advice is simple: You are enough. Too often, we compare ourselves to others and overlook the unique strengths we bring to the table. By embracing who you are and focusing on developing your own potential, you can achieve incredible things without being weighed down by unnecessary comparisons.
Jasmine: Thank you, Abidemi, for sharing such valuable insights. Your advice and experiences will undoubtedly resonate with many of our readers.
Abidemi: It’s been my pleasure, Jasmine. I’m always happy to support our graduate community. If anyone has further questions or needs guidance, I’m here to help.
Editor’s Note: Abidemi’s story is a testament to the power of passion, diversity, and self-belief in shaping meaningful careers. His commitment to creating opportunities for others and fostering inclusive environments at Accenture serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals worldwide.
