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Linda Ochugbua, Digital Sales Manager, BusinessDay Media, was recently honoured as one of the Top 10 Exceptional Professionals in Branding and Communications at the Iconic Brand Africa (TIBA) Conference 2025. The conference, held under the theme “Thriving in Business & Career Through Innovation & Resilience”, brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals for a day of insightful discussions and networking.
With over 17 years of experience, including 12 years in the media industry, Ochugba has built an impressive career. She is currently the Digital Sales Manager at BusinessDay Media, where she leads a team responsible for driving digital sales strategies. Her work focuses on increasing digital revenue, creating digital products, and developing advertising solutions that meet the evolving needs of the market. Ochugba is also deeply involved in client relationships and business development initiatives.
“Receiving this award affirms the bold risks, strategic choices, and countless late nights. It reminds me why I show up fully every day, to create meaningful results, build real value, and keep stretching what’s possible in my field.” Ochugba said.
Read also: TIBA names BusinessDay’s Chisom Michael among top 10 emerging tech professionals
Omababinrin Adeola Osideko, the founder of TIBA, discussed the organisation’s history and the shifts that influenced its development throughout the conference.
She stated in her introductory remarks that her personal experience of “persistence, learning, and growth” inspired her vision for The Iconic Brand Africa. She emphasised that the board urged her to broaden the purpose into a more comprehensive learning and development movement after years of operating an award platform. In order to support professionals and entrepreneurs, this resulted in the creation of an academy, new programmes, and a larger organisational structure.
During a moderated discussion, Osideko shared personal lessons learnt from her experience, such as handling criticism, managing expectations from both her team and others, and navigating leadership responsibilities. She said that the idea that everyone had to like her was one of her early struggles. “Do not seek to be liked; seek to be respected,” she said, adding that she later learnt to put respect before acceptance.
She also mentioned cyberbullying and related a well-known event that resulted in a lawsuit. She underlined that her job continued despite the trauma. Rather, it caused her to go from Facebook to LinkedIn, which she called a “safe space”.
Osideko also offered advice on developing an online presence and professional relevance. She urged people to be themselves, stay away from pressure, and make an investment in their own growth. She encouraged attendees to pursue talents, mentorship, and ongoing education, saying that people follow values rather than popularity.
Chizor Malize, Managing Director/CEO of FITC; Ayodele Solomon, Head of Innovation at Wema Bank; Chiamaka Ige, Lead Consultant and Strategist at Advance Consulting; and Precious Oshideko, Vice President, Operations at Arete-Zale Consulting, were among the speakers who participated in keynote addresses and panel discussions.
