When I stepped onto the TEDx stage at the University of the West of England, Bristol, to deliver my talk;
“Bags and Baggages”
I wasn’t there as an HR professional; I was there as a human being who had learned that we all carry something unseen.
Those “bags” of our fears, experiences, and expectations shape how we show up in every space, including the workplace. Speaking about that truth in front of a diverse audience helped me realise how closely personal wellbeing connects to professional performance.
From Personal Reflection to Professional Insight
Before TEDx, my journey had already been deeply rooted in human development.
From my early years in Nigeria, working as an HR Executive and Manager, to organising workforce training programs, I was focused on helping people discover their potential.
When I moved to the UK for my Master’s in International Management at the University of the West of England, my understanding of leadership expanded beyond policies and systems; it became about PEOPLE.
That TEDx experience helped me see that the principles I practised in HR were really about helping people unpack the emotional baggage that limits their growth.
Whether you’re coaching employees, mentoring students, or leading a team, the work begins with empathy and self-awareness.
The Message Behind “Bags and Baggage”
In organisations, we often see productivity issues or disengagement, but behind many of those challenges are unspoken personal struggles.
My talk explored how unaddressed emotional experiences can silently influence our decisions, collaboration, and motivation.
Understanding this connection helps leaders create environments where people can bring their whole selves to work, and that’s the foundation of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Connecting the Dots: HR, Leadership, and Humanity
While “Bags and Baggage” wasn’t a technical HR talk, its essence lies at the heart of what makes HR truly human.
Great leadership isn’t only about strategies; it’s about seeing people, their stories, emotions, and aspirations and guiding them with understanding. That belief continues to shape my work in workforce development and career empowerment, both in the UK and Nigeria, where I’ve supported communities through training, mentorship, and leadership programs.
A Final Reflection
Sometimes the most impactful leadership lessons don’t come from the boardroom, but they come from the stories we carry. When we take the time to unpack our baggage, we make room for growth, connection, and purpose, not just for ourselves, but for everyone we lead.
