Digital marketing executive Linda Ochugbua has been recognised among the Top 10 Exceptional Professionals in Branding and Communications at the 2025 Iconic Brand Africa (TIBA) Conference, a recognition that highlights nearly two decades of work in the media and digital advertising industry.
The conference, themed “Thriving in Business & Career Through Innovation & Resilience,” brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals to discuss innovation, leadership and career growth.
Ochugbua, who has more than 17 years of professional experience, including 12 years in the media industry, currently serves as Digital Sales Manager at BusinessDay Media. She leads a team responsible for driving digital sales, developing digital products, expanding digital revenue and creating advertising solutions for clients.
“Receiving this award affirms the bold risks, strategic choices, and countless late nights,” Ochugbua said.
“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.”
During the conference, TIBA founder Omababinrin Adeola Osideko reflected on the organisation’s evolution from an awards platform into a broader learning and development institution supporting professionals and entrepreneurs.
She said her journey of persistence, continuous learning and personal growth inspired the vision behind The Iconic Brand Africa.
According to Osideko, the organisation later expanded its mission by establishing an academy, introducing new programmes and creating a wider platform focused on professional development.
Speaking during a moderated discussion, Osideko shared lessons from her leadership journey, including managing criticism, navigating expectations and overcoming personal challenges.
One of her biggest lessons, she said, was shifting her focus from seeking approval to earning respect.
“Do not seek to be liked; seek to be respected,” she told attendees.
Osideko also spoke about experiencing cyberbullying, describing how the experience prompted her to move from Facebook to LinkedIn, which she described as a safer professional environment.
She encouraged professionals to remain authentic, invest in continuous learning, seek mentorship and develop valuable skills, adding that lasting influence comes from value rather than popularity.
Other speakers at the conference included Chizor Malize, Managing Director and 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.
