Meet Adebankemo Oduguwa

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adebankemo Oduguwa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adebankemo, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I see risk not as something to avoid, but as something to assess, prepare for, and grow through. In my professional life as a veterinarian, I’ve had to make quick but informed decisions. Sometimes in emergency cases where a pet’s life is on the line. Those situations taught me that risks are best approached with a balance of knowledge, faith, and courage. I don’t jump blindly, but I don’t shy away when the outcome could lead to progress, healing, or growth.
As a coach and leader, I’ve also realized that the biggest breakthroughs often come when you’re willing to step outside of the comfort zone. For instance, moving to the U.S. to pursue my veterinary licensure was a significant personal and professional risk, it meant leaving the familiar, navigating cultural and systemic differences, and embracing uncertainty. Yet, it has shaped me into a more resilient and adaptable leader.
My Christian faith gives me perspective as well: I believe taking risks aligned with my values isn’t just about personal gain, but about impact on people, animals, and communities. That means I weigh risks not only against possible losses, but also against the greater purpose they could serve.
Overall, risk taking has played a pivotal role in my journey. Each time I’ve taken a well-considered risk whether stepping into leadership, starting new initiatives, or pursuing advanced goals. It has stretched me, sharpened me, and brought me closer to the vision I hold for myself and those I serve.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a veterinarian by training and currently serve as a Practice Manager, while I work toward obtaining my U.S. veterinary license. What excites me most about my career is that it sits at the intersection of medicine, leadership, and purpose. Every day I get to manage a team, support clients, and contribute to animal health, but also shape culture and systems within the hospital.
Getting here hasn’t been easy. I started my journey in Nigeria, and moving to the U.S. meant starting over in many ways—adjusting to new cultural, professional, and regulatory landscapes. There were moments of doubt, especially balancing leadership responsibilities while still on the path to licensure. But those challenges shaped me. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of leading with both competence and compassion.
What sets me apart is that I don’t see myself only as a veterinarian or manager, I’m also a purpose coach and a Christian, and those roles inform how I lead. I believe in building people as much as I believe in healing animals. I’ve found that when staff feel seen and supported, the quality of care we provide to pets and their families is exponentially greater.
I’m proud that even while still in the process of licensing, I’ve been entrusted to lead a hospital team. That says to me that leadership isn’t just about titles, it’s about showing up with vision, integrity, and consistency.
The lesson I carry with me is this: growth rarely comes from the perfect conditions. You can lead while you’re still becoming. You can serve while you’re still learning. And you can make an impact even as you’re pursuing the next milestone. That’s my story so far, and I’m excited about how it continues to unfold.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d want to show them a mix of the simple, meaningful places that really reflect who I am. We’d definitely stop by the Waltham Public Library, it’s one of my favorite places to relax, learn, and get inspired. We’d spend some time outdoors too, maybe at one of the local parks where I usually go with my family, just to enjoy nature and good conversation.
In the evenings, I’d plan a movie night at the cinema and take them to some local restaurants to try different flavors. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it’s always fun to explore. On Sunday, they’d come with me to my church in Melrose, which is a big part of my week and a space that grounds me. And if they were interested, I might even bring them to my workplace for a quick visit since being a practice manager feels like a second home, it would give them a glimpse into the work that excites me every day.
So overall, it wouldn’t just be about sightseeing, it would be about sharing the rhythm of my life: learning, family time, faith, meaningful work, and a little fun along the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God
My Dad- Chief Kofoworola Adenuga Oduguwa
My Husband- Dr. Michael Okebiorun
I have several books that deserves credits, so, I will just say “I am grateful for the gift of books”

Website: www,adebankemo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adebankemo

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ adebankemo-oduguwa

Twitter: https://x.com/theadebankemo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adebanke.oduguwa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@youtube.com/@TheAdebankemo

Other: https://www.omnipurpose.com