Bad cholesterol diagnosis turned me into a marathon runner, Guinness World Records holder, Akinbode

Dayo Akinbode, a Nigerian marathon runner and sports tourism promoter, reflects on a life shaped by ambition and unexpected turns, from her early academic drive to her later achievements as a Guinness World Records holder.

“

One big lesson that I learnt from corporate work was that brilliance and intelligence alone don’t get you to the top.

As the first child and only daughter in a family of four, Akinbode grew up with high expectations, where scores below 90 were considered insufficient. This environment fostered an intense ambition, leading her to focus solely on academics, viewing sports as a "waste of time." She excelled, entering university at 15 and graduating at 20 with a degree in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, becoming the only female in her class. Her early career saw her join the Nigerian Air Force and later Cadbury Nigeria Plc before retiring from Shell.

Reflecting on her corporate years, Akinbode shared a key lesson: "Brilliance and intelligence alone don’t get you to the top." She learned that attitude and diplomacy often play a more significant role in career advancement than sheer intellect. "People who are less intelligent but diplomatic get to the top faster and more easily," she observed, recalling advice to be visible beyond her desk to gain recognition for her work.

“

It’s your attitude that determines your altitude.

However, a pivotal moment arrived with a diagnosis of high cholesterol, which prompted a dramatic shift in her life. This health challenge spurred her to take up marathon running, an activity she had previously dismissed. Her dedication to this new path led her to not only improve her health but also to achieve recognition as a Guinness World Records holder, transforming her life's trajectory.

“

I found out in the corporate world that people who are less intelligent but diplomatic get to the top faster and more easily.