In the Spotlight

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 This month we connected with Iwo to talk to him about his career in P2, being a CP3 and more. Below is some of what he had to share.

How did you find your way into the world of public engagement? Was it a planned career path or more of a happy accident?

Like most people I know in P2, it was an accidental career. My background is in electrical engineering. I studied it, but I’ve never actually practiced as an engineer. My first job was at a bank for about a year, and then I moved to an oil and gas company in Nigeria.

They gave me a public relations role, and I grew from there—working in government relations, community relations, media relations, and public relations. Over time, I realized I had a flair for engagement. Every time I worked on engagement-related tasks, I excelled. That naturally pulled me toward specializing in engagement within public relations.

When I moved to Canada, I attended the 2022 IAP2 conference in Banff. That was a turning point for me. I was amazed to see so many professionals doing engagement work. It made me realize there’s actually a science behind what we do. That inspired me to pursue certification and take the field more seriously.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?

One that stands out to me is a community health insurance project I worked on in Nigeria. Health insurance was not widely adopted there, so we had to engage the community to introduce the concept. Traditionally, people paid out-of-pocket at the point of accessing healthcare services and the unavailability of funds meant no access to needed treatment. We introduced a pooled resource system where everyone contributes, and funds are made available when needed. It took extensive engagement, consisting of meetings with community leaders, women, youth, and others to explain the concept and secure their trust and buy-in. It was challenging, but ultimately successful. The community embraced it, and it has had a lasting impact. It is a project I am very proud of.

What has been a defining moment in your career?

Being hired into public relations was the first step, but attending the 2022 IAP2 conference was the real turning point. I was amazed to see the number of people who were involved in the P2 world. It validated my work and showed me I was part of a larger professional community.

What advice would you give someone starting out in engagement?

I would recommend starting with foundational training and certification. It helps you understand that there’s a real science behind engagement, not just intuition. While you can always adapt to different situations, having that base knowledge makes it much easier to navigate challenges and clearly demonstrate the value of your work.

What’s one key skill for success in this field?

Respect. Everyone wants to feel respected. It shows in how you listen, communicate, and interact with people. Demonstrating genuine respect helps build trust, open conversations, and create more meaningful engagement. It is a simple but powerful foundation for success in this field.

What does it mean to you to have your CP3 designation?

Pursuing my CP3 was about validating the experience I had built over the years. Going through the application and assessment process helped me clearly articulate the work I’d been doing and recognize the value I bring. It was challenging, but ultimately a very rewarding experience.

I also completed my Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certification through the IABC, and earning both designations strengthened my confidence and credibility. For anyone considering it, I would highly recommend the process—it helps you better understand your impact and showcase your expertise. It may seem daunting, but with focus and commitment, it’s absolutely achievable.

Do you know someone in the field of public participation who you think should be our next member in the spotlight? Email your suggestions to info@iap2wildrose.ca