A Path to Empowerment: Sunday Faronbi's Journey from Engineering to Leadership Coaching
Bridging the gap between technical proficiency and effective leadership
CATEGORY: LEADERSHIP + CONSULTING + COACHING
Sunday Faronbi, a seasoned engineer with a career that has taken him across the globe, from Nigeria to the United States, Europe, Africa, and South America, has transitioned from technical expertise to leadership empowerment, carving an inspiring path.
Originating from Nigeria, Faronbi's career in the oil industry was abruptly halted by the political unrest in 1993. Undeterred, he transitioned to the Nigerian Breweries, where his role sparked a passion for automation. This passion accompanied him to the United States in 1998, a move facilitated by the diversity visa lottery. A stroke of luck landed him a position at Siemens Energy & Automation, setting the stage for a remarkable professional journey. 'I had a job waiting for me at Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. before I got here. I did not apply to them and I never saw any job that I applied to from them. They said someone forwarded my resume to them. They were impressed by my experience at the brewery, which aligned with Simon's projects,' Faronbi shared.
Initially an introverted engineer, Faronbi exhibited a disinclination for social interaction, similar to many colleagues. He preferred solitary work unless circumstances dictated otherwise. "It wasn't until assuming leadership roles that I recognized my deficiency in essential leadership skills. This prompted my pursuit of developing these necessary abilities," Faronbi explained.
Driven by a desire to bridge the gap between technical proficiency and effective leadership, Faronbi founded Rehoboth Consulting, Inc. His personal transformation from an introverted engineer to a confident leader became the cornerstone of his coaching and consulting business. Through mentorship and coaching, he empowers STEM professionals and project managers to unlock their full potential.
Faronbi's consultancy enterprise has since soared significantly. People who attend his sessions or conferences find so much value in them that they recommend him to others.
Faronbi has also leveraged word-of-mouth referrals and social media posts, especially LinkedIn. Regarding generating leads, Faronbi continues to work with local Project Management Institute (PMI) chapters. Many people who attend his sessions or complete his PMI courses reach out for coaching after hearing him speak at a conference or learning about him through their organization. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges. This necessitated a rapid shift to online platforms, prompting him to set up a home office equipped for virtual presentations and webinars.
Faronbi's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and personal growth. His journey from engineer to leadership coach is an inspiration for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in their careers and communities.
