I am launching a new content series called Guardrails. This series explores the intersection of behavioural science, biblical principles, business, and organisational strategy and their practical applications in everyday life. Through this series, I will share personal experiences, stories, and insights—both mine and those of others—offering lessons on how to or how not to navigate life’s complexities.
But don’t worry, this won’t feel like your first day in a philosophy class, where you’re left wondering if the lecturer’s true goal is to impart knowledge or to inflict intellectual torment while secretly enjoying it. We all think, but reasoning and applying critical thinking make a difference.
Life as a Canvas and a Journey
Life is a vast canvas upon which we paint our impressions and make our impact. Some paint deliberately, one stroke at a time. Others splash colours freely, guided by intuition, skill, or an inner muse. In the end, what will our finished masterpiece be? Will it stand the test of time, like the works of Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo? Will it resonate deeply, like the compositions of Beethoven or Mozart? Time will tell—revealing whether we are skilled artists of our existence or mere pretenders.
Life is also a journey. Some race through it at breakneck speed, others travel at a measured, leisurely pace. Along the way, we encounter smooth highways that tempt us to accelerate and rough patches, potholes, and detours that force us to slow down. Signposts—or better yet, a GPS—guide us with milestones, turns, and warnings. But guardrails are what keep us from veering off course or plunging into disaster.
Why Guardrails?
Guardrails is a metaphor for safety, balance, and staying on course. Even in a world of autonomous vehicles, we remain responsible for ensuring we arrive at our predetermined destination—intact. Guardrails represents a life of wisdom, where faith and reason, knowledge and learning, are held in balance, avoiding the extremes that lead to regret.
This concept was inspired, in part, by a near-death experience involving our son. As a teenager, he was crossing a railway track near our home in Lagos, Nigeria, unaware of an oncoming train. Whether the train’s horn blasted a warning like the playful choo-choo of Darasimi—our second grandson—I cannot say. My son was lost in thought, oblivious to the danger just a step away.
Then, in an instant, a stranger’s strong hand yanked him back, just as the train thundered past.
Railway accidents are rarely survivable. Yet, when my son looked around to thank his rescuer, the person had vanished. In our family, we believe it was the hand of God—an angelic intervention. Someone once said, “We can experience angels as men and men as angels.”
The Driving Force Behind Guardrails
For much of my life, my worldview has been shaped by the intersection of Judeo-Christian principles, brand and business strategy consulting, entrepreneurship, leadership training, family life, and pastoral work. I admit—I am a learning enthusiast, sometimes even bookish, yet deeply passionate about the practical application of knowledge to human flourishing. As a professional, I believe theory must embrace real-life practice, just as practice should refine theoretical insights.
Guardrails is a journey—one that encourages attentiveness to road markings, signposts, milestones, detours, and hidden dangers. It is a GPS for your personal, professional, and business life, helping you navigate with wisdom and intentionality.
Through this series, I will curate and create multidisciplinary insights with this focus in mind. I invite you to join the conversation—your thoughts, experiences, and perspectives will enrich this journey.
So, let’s begin with the end in mind:
What’s your destination? What’s your endgame?
I welcome you to this shared journey.
Great Concept.
I also believe in Practical Workable Solutions. Which is the basis of the monthly management/leadership class we teach every 3rd Saturday of the month.
Thanks, Abimbola. Keep up the good work on your management/leadership class.
Great and fantastic concept.
It shall deeply contribute to the body of knowledge and good morality in the society in general.
Thanks, Tunde. In your usual understated manner, you have touched a massively important issue: who am I? What values do my thoughts and actions promote? Am I committed to living by the principles of compassion, integrity and excellence? What are my guardrails? And more posers…
This
I am glad to have your thoughts on this critical issue, sir. Thank you for providing leadership through your humble and exemplary lifestyle.
“theory must embrace real-life practice, just as practice should refine theoretical insights.”
It all boils down to knowledge which is the basis to personal philosophy. Not just all we know but what we consider useful of all we know. I am persuaded that your contribution through this avenue, enriched by your robust knowledge and experience, will elevate your readers perspective and help sharpen both their insights and practices. I will be one of them, as always, enjoying the richness of your indisputable wisdom and professional sagacity. On journey with you Sir!
I am grateful for your kind words. I look forward to working with you to help readers translate theories into practice.
Congrats on taking this from the conceptual stage to actualization! Praying along for greater success.
Is most grateful for your highly encouraging comment. Thank you.
WoW!
Congratulations, Sir.
It is my prayer that you will finish well, finish strong and your wisdom will not be corrupted in Jesus name.
More insight and hindsight.
Wow. This is coming at the most appropriate time, as our society is being shaped by events that are challenging the norms of our culture, religion, politics and business.
Experience is the best teacher. But it is always better learning from the experience of others.
Thank you very much for your insight. I cherish yo comment.
I say a big Amen to your heartfelt prayers. Thank you.
Most valuable and impactful trend of the moment is in entrepreneurship. Your post came as a reassurance of the certainty of my consistent believe in creativity and productivity. I am currently floating yet another creative outfit in this part of the state. It is therefore a welcome idea to be a beneficiary of this conversation.
Thanks.
‘Femi Oladunjoye
Thanks for sharing the importance of resourcefulness and your plans for a new venture. Welcome to this crucial conversation.
Greate work!.The audience is kept in mind. It is aimed at the spiritually minded as well as the naturally minded. One should overshadow the other, yet maintain a balance. The bible world view should predominate. Live should be purpose-driven, Jesus being an example. The Bible is the handbook. .
We shall drive on the delicate balance of faith and reason powered by Judeo-Christian principles. Thanks for your thoughts, sir.
Great, this is very welcome!
Looking forward to it!
Amazing! Glad we finally have a platform where we can get to tap from your wealth of wisdom and intellectual sagacity. ❤️
I am grateful to you for your comment, Remi. The search for wisdom is what has brought all of us here.
Well done Tunde. This sounds exciting and I look forward to reading as you publish. I wish you all the best.
Thanks a great deal for your encouragement, my dear brother and friend.
I love this part: “Practice should refine theoretical insights.”
Guardrails is more than just a concept; it’s a journey—one that fosters attentiveness to road markings, signposts, milestones, detours, and hidden dangers. It serves as a GPS for navigating your personal, professional, and business life with wisdom and intentionality.
I need this series because I believe it will help me uncover valuable insights and elevate my personal and professional growth as I continue climbing the road to success.
Thanks, Barniwebs, for being our partner on this journey of mutual growth and professionalism.
Thanks very much for blazing the trail as usual.
I look forward to following your publications which will no doubt add immense value to Christians in the Marketplace.
Thank you very large, sir.