Powerful Media’s Future Leaders 2022/23 list recognises 150 of Britain’s most outstanding Black university students, including Law graduate Precious Odunaiya (LLB Law, 2022). She shares what leadership means to her, and how following your passion is everything.

How do you feel about being named as a Future Leader?
For me, it’s really put things into perspective and set this new chapter of my life into motion. Being recognised as a Future Leader has helped me widen my dreams and horizons, as well as helped me understand that I can make an impact. It’s always nice to have your work acknowledged because it’s easy to doubt yourself and your achievements. It was like a voice told me: “We see you and the work you put in. Keep going”.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Tenacious, pioneering, and empowering.

Do you have a favourite memory of studying at Warwick?
Creating a first-class podcast for my Law & Disorder module about vigilantism and my favourite movie, The Dark Knight Rises. It was recently published on the module’s podcast platform.

How did your time at Warwick help shape your career?
During my time at Warwick, I found myself taking optional modules that were more abstract and gave me freedom to create research based on what I was passionate about. This helped me understand what I would enjoy more in my career: a job based on innovation and co-creation.

What or who inspires you?
I’ve never really had a single person who inspires me. There are many people in my life who inspire me for different reasons: how they love, their career path, their life mantra, their happiness and so on. I will say, controversially perhaps, that I’m inspired by the lack of role models from a low socio-economic background like myself, that I had growing up. I’m inspired be to that inspiration for others and, most importantly, for my inner child.

What was the most important thing that you learned from your time at Warwick?
It may not all fall into place or make sense the first time around, or even for the next two years. But once it all falls into place and you find your rhythm, you’ll become a force to be reckoned with.

Do you think studying during the pandemic changed your view on careers and next steps?
Yes. It made me realise there’s no planned or pre-determined structure for life or your desired career path. Everyone’s journey is contextual and their own. It also made me realise that one day you can have that dream job in mind, and the next day not know what you want to do. It’s okay to start again and go back to the drawing board in your own time.

What are your plans now?
I’ve just started a graduate role as a Digital Business Analyst on the Civil Service Fast Stream programme. I’d also like to work abroad in the future. I want to explore and advance in a career in the technology industry, but still have interactions with (commercial) law in whatever capacity possible - that’s a ‘first love’ I don’t want to abandon.