James Popoola unveils new book “Leadership Sense: A Practical Guide to Transformational Impact”

By Emmanuel Ijiola
…Book launch scheduled for December 13

James Popoola, CEO of Inkspark Global Publishing Limited and United Nations Summit of the Future National Champion, has announced the upcoming release of his fourth book, “Leadership Sense: A Practical Guide to Transformational Impact.”

In a press release made available for PM News, Popoola explained that the book is designed to equip emerging leaders across Nigeria and beyond with actionable strategies for driving positive change.

“My objective as an active global citizen is to empower other leaders. The belief that you need a position before you can lead is a myth every young person must let go off”, Popoola said.

The idea for the book grew from his personal leadership journey, which began in secondary school under the mentorship of his teachers at Morocco Junior High School and later through organizations like Wikimedia Fan Club UNILORIN while studying History and International Studies at the University of Ilorin.

He said that Leadership Sense tackles common challenges leaders face, debunking seven myths about leadership, mastering time management, effective people and resource management while offering practical steps for success.

The public presentation of the book will take place in Lagos on December 13,  2025. Copies will be available on Amazon, Rovingheights Bookshop, and all major digital platforms.

He said, “The title of my 4th published book is ‘‘Leadership Sense: A Practical Guide to Transformational Impact’’. My desire to encourage Nigerians to take personal responsibility even without a title motivated me to write it.

“It is also an encouragement for anyone who hasn’t started. The practical steps outlined in the book can help anyone to succeed because it addresses various topics that every individual needs.”

“I did not only share my story as a beacon of hope but also addressed challenges every leader faces and how to overcome them, uncovered seven myths about leadership, how to maximize time, manage people and resources effectively amongs others. Each chapter is written with the reader in mind. The public presentation of the book will hold in Lagos on 13th December, 2025. ”

Previous books already launched by James include: Crossing Limits, Undercover Extra Income Hacks and The Varsity Compass.

Popoola also recounted how he became a United Nations National Champion after responding to a call for youth champions from the UN in Nigeria, eventually being selected to represent Nigeria at the UN Headquarters.

A graduate of History and International Studies from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), he also completed the Venture in Management Program (ViMP) at Lagos Business School, an Associate MBA from Tekedia Institute (USA), and is a Certified Sam Adeyemi Leader through Daystar Leadership Academy.

He shared that his diplomatic career began by seeking out summits and conferences worldwide, representing Nigeria in countries such as Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, North Macedonia, and the United States.

Currently, Popoola serves as Program Manager at Hayes Initiative for Educational Advancement, a youth‑driven nonprofit tackling Africa’s digital skills gap.

Born in Lagos and raised in Abule‑Ijesha, Yaba, he credits his mentors, most notably Oyinkansola Oni of Microsoft, and a host of other leaders for shaping his path.

“I was born in Lagos and grew up in Abule-Ijesha, Yaba, Lagos with a strong interest in reading magazines, books and newspapers in my daddy’s customers private library within our community. I also participated in numerous teenager programs like the CEO Apprentice for Africa Program by the BusinessDay Nigeria.

“I attended Morocco and Angus High School in Shomolu for my Junior and Senior Secondary School respectively. I studied History and International Studies at the university.”

Looking ahead, Popoola envisions changing Africa’s economic narrative through his companies and becoming a global voice for the continent.

He urged Nigerian youths to “keep dreaming, work hard, take responsibility, and never give up,” while calling on the government to create a more conducive environment for young innovators.

The young leader has received numerous accolades, including the Global SDGs Edit‑A‑Thon award, SDG Ambassador at TeachSDGs, 2019 UNAI/Millennium Campus Network Fellow, 25 Under 25 Awardee (2023), ForbesBLK Community member, and United Nations Summit of the Future Champion (2024), among others.

“I am an awardee of several national and international awards which include: Top 9 Winners, Global SDGs Edit-A-Thon by Proect Everyone UK, SDG Ambassador at TeachSDGs and Theirworld UK, 2019 United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)/Millenium Campus Network Fellow, 25Under25 Awardee 2023, member of the ForbesBLK Community, The United National Summit of the Future Champion August 2024, Jerry Bentley World History Awardee by the American Historical Association, November 2024 among others”, Popoola stated.