According to Abim Kolawole, vice president and chief audit executive at Northwestern Mutual, vision, strategy and innovation are the most critical strategies for reigniting your passion as a leader. “You need a bold vision and a viable strategy to bring your vision to life and an innovative mindset to constantly anticipate the future,” said Kolawole.
His bold vision has served him well as the vice president and chief audit executive. In his role, he is accountable for the vision, design and implementation of the internal audit strategy at the company.
Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, the firm combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what’s most important.
Kolawole’s role requires objective and independent reviews and evaluations of the company’s operations, information systems, controls, major business processes, records and reporting functions. Before taking on this role, he held a variety of executive roles at the company, including an appointment as the executive sponsor of the CEO led Sustained Action for Racial Equity initiative that led to the establishment of a $100 million Impact Fund, the Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator and a $20 million venture fund set aside for black/African American founders.
“As head of claims, Abim was at the epicenter of the company’s purpose – fulfilling its promise to policyholders at their greatest moments of need by honoring their claims,” said his colleagues. “Further, the enterprise efforts, directed at doing our part to close the racial wealth gap, has been a hallmark of Abim’s career at the company.”
He considers the primary characteristics of a titan as someone who is continually developing, growing and unleashing talent to deliver value. “This is a critical part of growing any business,” said Kolawole. “Leadership is the true differentiator. It includes courage, vision, decisiveness and grit.”
With Kolawole’s vision and grit, the company is well positioned for growth by maintaining its core fundamentals while embracing technology. “Technology will continue to create new opportunities while also disrupting existing jobs,” he said. “It is imperative to upskill every employee and drive a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.”
As a leader, Kolawole said it is imperative to be bold and courageous. “Elevate others, grow talent and think outside of the box,” he said. “Most importantly, enjoy the join and build enduring and sincere relationships.”
For leading by example and with passion, Kolawole has been named a titan.
