Adeshola Akanji: A Voice Driving Inclusive Leadership
Adeshola Akanji is steadily becoming one of the most influential voices in inclusive leadership and empowerment. Based in London, she has built a reputation as a multi-award-winning leader, speaker, model, and disability advocate who is committed to creating meaningful change across industries.
With over 17 years of experience in the NHS, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience into her work. This unique combination allows her to connect with people on a deeper level while influencing real progress in healthcare, corporate environments, and community spaces.
Founder of Ultimate Royal UK
At the heart of her work is Ultimate Royal UK, a purpose-driven platform founded by Adeshola Akanji. The initiative focuses on coaching, mentoring, and supporting individuals to step into leadership with confidence and clarity.
Her work particularly supports women and individuals living with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Through her platform, she helps people recognise their strengths, embrace their identity, and lead authentically in both personal and professional spaces.
A Career Built on Recognition and Impact
Adeshola’s contributions have been recognised through several prestigious awards and nominations. She received the Disability Inclusion Leadership Award at the LOSD Excellence Awards and the Inspirational Leader Award at the Divas of Colour International Women’s Festival 2026.
Her achievements also include the title of the inaugural Ms London City, where she was recognised for Best in Interview, Ms Charity Winner, and Ms London City’s Got Talent. In addition, she has been a finalist for the UK Top Influencer Awards and the Small Business Awards in the Social Impact category.
Her growing influence has also led to nominations for respected platforms such as the National Diversity Awards, Multicultural Excellence Awards, and She Inspires Awards.
Global Recognition and Speaking Engagements
Adeshola Akanji’s work has gained international attention, with features in leading publications such as London Daily News, CEO Times, NY Weekly Magazine, Women on Topp, Women Thrive Media, and The Hollywood People Magazine.
Beyond media recognition, she is an active speaker and contributor at major events and institutions. She has participated in discussions at Black Inclusion Week, the NHS Employers Disability Summit, and leading universities including the London School of Economics and Queen Mary University of London.
Her voice continues to influence conversations around diversity, leadership, and inclusion on a global scale.
Creative Expression and Expanding Influence
In addition to her leadership work, Adeshola has explored creative platforms to share her message. Her work has been featured in exhibitions such as “Fragments of Her” at Espacio Gallery, highlighting her ability to connect storytelling with advocacy.
She is also part of the Global Tech Advocates Black Women Speaker Bureau, further strengthening her presence as a respected voice in leadership and inclusion.
A Clear Mission Rooted in Purpose
At the core of Adeshola Akanji’s work is a powerful belief that lived experience is not a limitation but a form of leadership. She consistently challenges outdated perceptions and encourages organisations to rethink how they approach diversity and inclusion.
Through Ultimate Royal UK, she promotes leadership that is rooted in authenticity, purpose, and real-world experience. Her approach goes beyond inspiration, focusing on practical strategies that help individuals and organisations create lasting change.
Key Values That Define Her Work
Adeshola’s leadership is guided by strong values that shape everything she does. She advocates for inclusive leadership by encouraging organisations to prioritise diversity, accessibility, and representation.
She is deeply committed to empowerment and visibility, helping individuals find their voice and step into leadership roles with confidence. Her work also emphasises authenticity and purpose, encouraging people to lead with integrity and intention.
Resilience is another key pillar of her philosophy. She believes challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth, innovation, and leadership development.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Adeshola Akanji is not just inspiring change, she is actively building it. Her work continues to redefine what leadership looks like in today’s world, placing inclusivity and lived experience at the centre of the conversation.
As she expands her reach, her mission remains clear: to create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and be heard.
Her journey reflects a growing legacy, one that is shaping a more inclusive, empowered, and forward-thinking future.
