Grow Yourself: Personal Development School of Growth

Charisma Is Overrated: Why Leading Last Builds Real Influence


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In this episode, Kevin sits down with Marine officer, author, and founder of Parent Child Connect, Olaolu Ogunyemi, to explore a powerful leadership tension.

In a world that celebrates charisma, authority, and strong personalities, Olaolu argues that real influence begins somewhere else. It begins with connection.

From becoming a father at 19 to leading Marines at 22, Olaolu’s journey reshaped his understanding of leadership, insecurity, vulnerability, faith, and trust. He shares why “lead last” is more than a slogan. It is a discipline. A posture. A way of building environments where people feel seen, safe, and understood.

This conversation is about parenting, leadership, mentorship, and the kind of inner growth that changes the way you show up everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Connection builds trust faster than charisma
  • Leadership starts with self awareness
  • Insecurity can be fuel or sabotage
  • Mentorship changes life trajectories
  • Parenting and leadership sharpen each other
  • Budgeting your time is budgeting your influence
  • Faith grounds decision making under pressure

Guest Bio

Olaolu Ogunyemi is a U.S. Marine Officer, award winning children’s book author, mentor, and founder of Parent Child Connect.

He is the author of Crow From the Shadow, Billy Dipper’s Time to Shine, and Horace the Horsefly, and is currently writing a leadership book titled Lead Last.

His work centers on building trust driven relationships rooted in discipline, faith, and intentional connection.

Connect with Olaolu Ogunyemi

Website: https://parent-child-connect.com

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/author/olaolu_ogunyemi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaolu-ogunyemi-465ba453

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olaolu.ogunyemi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcR7d3yzZXfzcBfxveyP-g

Connect with KevinX @kevinspeaks2u

LinkedIn @kevinmcnultyspeaks

Facebook @kevinrichardmcnulty

Instagram @kevinmcnultyspeaks

LinkTree https://linktr.ee/kevinmcnulty

#Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Parenting #Veterans #FaithAndWork #GrowYourself

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Grow Yourself: Personal Development School of GrowthBy Kevin McNulty

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