Mother’s Day Special Edition

It’s Mother’s Day weekend, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to reflect on my mom’s impact on my life.

When I step back and look at how my siblings and I have found success across different industries, it’s clear: our upbringing—especially the wisdom wrapped in witty one-liners from our mother—shaped us more than we ever realized.

So today, I want to share some of the most memorable, hilarious, and impactful things my mother said—quotes that molded me into the Marine, husband, writer, and parent I am today. Because leadership starts at home, I believe these lessons are just as useful for boardrooms, classrooms, and war rooms.

Let’s jump in.

Quote #1: “If you let people know what buttons to push to make you mad, they will push them every time.”

Translation: Emotional intelligence matters.
Backstory: “Mommy, Clement, and Joshua are messing with me again!” I probably screamed that 14 times a week. And usually, my mom played the hero…until one day, she hit me with this quote and walked off like she dropped the mic.

Lesson: This was the first lesson in emotional regulation I didn’t know I needed. My mom wasn’t just telling me to “suck it up”—she was teaching me two key principles:

1. Never give someone the playbook to control your emotions.
2. Other people’s opinions shouldn’t derail your purpose.

It’s a message I carry as a Marine and leader: You can’t let every criticism or jab shake your resolve. Stay focused. Stay grounded.

Quote #2: “Don’t just step over that trash like you didn’t see it. Pick it up!”

Translation: Character is shown in how you treat the little things.
Backstory: This was her favorite remix, and she played it daily. Fast-forward to high school—my basketball coach once pulled me aside to tell me that teachers have recognized how much I care about the school because I instinctively picked up candy wrappers, paper, and other miscellaneous trash around the campus. And guess what? That same DNA is showing up in my children, who have received “positive referrals” for doing the same.

Lesson: This simple directive taught me that leadership begins with ownership. Want to change the world? Start by cleaning up your corner of it.

It also taught me the power of attention to detail and organization—two traits that quietly separate good leaders from great ones. It’s not about perfection; it’s about pride in your space and standards.

Quote #3: “You’re bored? There’s always something to be done!”

Translation: Contribution cures complacency.
Backstory: I committed the “cardinal sin” in our house: I told my mom I was bored. She looked at me like I had a horn growing out of my head. One minute later, I had a detailed list of chores I “must’ve forgotten.”

Lesson: My mom wasn’t just giving me busy work. She was teaching me that boredom is often a result of disengagement, not lack of entertainment. There’s always a need you can meet, a problem you can solve, a way to grow.

That mindset has fueled me as a Marine and entrepreneur—there’s no time for passivity when there’s always a mission to move forward.

Final Thoughts:

My mom’s voice still echoes in my mind, whether it was tough love, straight talk, or a cleverly disguised life lesson. And not just because she often repeated herself (which she had to do since I wasn’t the best listener). It’s because what she said had weight, which still shapes how I lead my family, team, and myself.

So, this Mother’s Day, I challenge you to do two things:

1. Say thank you to the woman (or women) whose wisdom shaped you.
2. Be intentional with your words. Because, as you just read, even the “random” things you say might shape someone’s future.

Final Thought: My mom never asked for recognition, but her words have echoed through every significant milestone in my life. This Mother’s Day, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the words of wisdom that shaped you. And if you’re leading others—whether it’s your kids, coworkers, or community—remember: sometimes, the simplest quotes leave the most profound impact.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the real MVPs out there!

Lead well,

Olaolu