We recently had the chance to connect with Temitope Tosanwunmi Samuel and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Temitope Tosanwunmi, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Writing makes me lose track of time. Whether I’m jotting quick thoughts in my Notes app or drafting longer pieces for Substack, the process pulls me in completely. It’s not just about capturing ideas. It’s where I process what I’m learning, what I’m feeling and where I want to go.
Reading does the same thing. A good book, a sharp essay, even a well-written newsletter can make hours slip by. But in that space, somewhere between the margins and the meaning, I always find myself again. More grounded. More curious. More me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Temitope Samuel (Temi) for short. I’m a business finance student on the pre-law track with plans to go to law school, run successful businesses and eventually get into politics. My passion for leadership and building community has shaped the path I’m on today and continues to influence the work I do outside of the classroom.
I am also the founder of Global Women’s Voices, an organization I created to help young people, especially girls realize their power and feel confident about their future. Through workshops, writing and community events, I focus on helping others explore who they are and how they can make a difference. What started as a small idea has grown into something much bigger and it’s been amazing to see so many people get involved, from students to parents and even community leaders.
In addition to my work with Global Women’s Voices, I love to write. Sometimes I write quick thoughts in my phone’s Notes app and other times I post longer reflections on Substack about what I’m learning and experiencing. Writing helps me process things and stay connected to my bigger purpose.
What makes my journey unique is that I’m not just dreaming about the future. I’m actively building it. Whether it’s in finance, law, business, or public service, my goal is to create lasting impact. I believe real change happens when we take time to invest in people and ideas that matter. I hope to keep growing, learning and creating spaces that inspire others to do the same.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
The bonds between people are usually broken not by a single event, but by a gradual erosion of trust and a lack of communication. When people stop feeling understood and assumptions replace conversations, when people’s egos outweigh their accountability, relationships begin to fracture. In both personal and collective relationships, disconnection grows in spaces where vulnerability is dismissed and emotional needs are not met.
Social and psychological research often points to the importance of mutual recognition which is the sense of being truly seen and valued as foundational to human connection. When that is lost, people may withdraw, lash out, or build emotional walls to protect themselves. These defenses, while usually rooted in self-preservation, only deepen the distance between individuals or communities.
However bonds are and can be repaired through intentional effort like active listening and apologies, and a willingness to sit with discomfort. Healing begins when people choose empathy over judgment, when they prioritize understanding over being right. Restoring a relationship requires humility and patience.
Ultimately, what restores connection is the shared decision to engage with one another not just as we are, but as we are capable of becoming. More honest, more compassionate.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. This past March, during the planning of my Women’s History Month conference, I came closer than ever to walking away from something I had poured my heart into. I had envisioned a space that would celebrate women’s voices and bring people together, but as the date approached everything seemed to unravel. Two of the scheduled speakers dropped out last minute. Not only did it throw off the program, but the way they exited, treating me as if my work wasn’t serious or important left me feeling deeply disrespected and undermined. It was discouraging, especially because I was a young organizer doing this with heart and purpose.
At the same time, ticket sales were slower than expected. Despite all the outreach, late nights and planning, the numbers weren’t reflecting the effort. I also didn’t feel fully supported by some people I expected to stand by me. That combination made me genuinely consider canceling the entire event. I remember asking myself: What’s the point if no one believes in this but me?
But then I reminded myself why I started. I didn’t begin this work for attention or perfection, I started Global Women’s Voices to create something meaningful for young people, especially girls who rarely get the space to dream out loud and be taken seriously. So I pushed through. I reorganized, stayed grounded in the vision and leaned on those who did show up for me. In the end, the event still took place. It may not have gone exactly as planned, but the impact was real.
That experience taught me many things. No support is better than fake support. Sometimes, the most meaningful things come out of the moments we almost gave up. Growth doesn’t always look like perfection but it often looks like resilience and showing up even when it’s hard.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no.
The version of me that people see in public is absolutely real. I am intentional about how I present myself because I believe you teach people how to treat you. I carry myself with purpose and confidence not because I’m pretending, but because that’s a part of who I am.
At the same time, like anyone, there are layers to me that aren’t always visible. There are sides of my personality that I don’t always share publicly, not because they aren’t real, but because they’re personal. Privacy doesn’t make something less authentic. It just means I’m choosing what to protect and what to express.
So yes, the public version of me is real. But it’s a version. One that’s shaped by context, audience and intention. The full me exists beyond the surface, and like most people, I’m still growing into all the parts of myself, both seen and unseen.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
People will probably misunderstand my no-nonsense approach to boundaries. I have learned that in order to protect my peace and my vision, I have to be firm especially when I feel disrespected. Some may say I became distant or cut them off without warning, but the truth is, I don’t tolerate fake support, envy disguised as friendship, or inconsistent presence. I don’t believe anyone is entitled to be carried along in my journey, especially if they haven’t shown up with honesty and respect.
The version of me that sets strict boundaries isn’t cold, it’s self-respecting. If someone finds themselves no longer part of my circle, it wasn’t sudden. It was the result of repeated moments where I chose to observe, give grace and wait for change that never came. I take note of who shows up with genuine energy and who doesn’t. And while I don’t always make it public, I always move with intention.
I just recently had a workshop for my organization with wonderful young boys and girls and it was amazing seeing things working out and coming together for my organization.
My legacy won’t just be about what I built but who I built it with and if someone didn’t make it into that picture, it’s because I gave multiple opportunities for alignment and they chose otherwise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ttemisamuel?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwL2ZS9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp5p_Zv9OZpNGgR3teo7apWRKyOTOsrlss7Cas49YlK7m6yHjxjS_cXrWuM91_aem_hIRwU5EconSyiyrWgb6D2g
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalwomensvoices?igsh=MXRhbmliamhudnUwdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/temitope-samuel-57aa232b0?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@temissamuel?si=z3Mhr9D4bsi3-j83
