Chisom Michael has been named among the “Top 10 Emerging Professionals of the Year in Tech” at the TIBA Conference 2025, an event centred on the theme “Thriving in Business and Career Through Innovation and Resilience.”
The recognition came during the annual gathering of The Iconic Brand Africa, known as TIBA, a platform that began as a small award initiative in 2019 and has now grown into what the organisers describe as a space for growth, learning, and professional development.
Chisom serves as the Head of Audience Engagement at BusinessDay Media, where he combines data interpretation and storytelling to support content strategy and strengthen audience connection. He also leads communication and storytelling at the BusinessDay Foundation, contributing to development projects and social initiatives. As a contributor to BD Weekender, he works across news features, interviews, profiles, and reports that focus on business, technology, and society. His academic background spans an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning University of Technology in China and a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University.
Speaking on the recognition, Chisom said, “this means a lot to me because it reflects years of work that often stayed behind the scenes. I am grateful to everyone who trusted my journey and helped me grow.”
TIBA Founder, Omobabinrin Adeola Osideko, said the recognition reflects the purpose of the platform. In her words, “my vision came from a journey of persistence, learning, and growth.” She recalled the shift from a single award event to a broader structure after board members encouraged her to expand the work. She said the present board supported the transition into “The Iconic Brand Africa.”
Osideko spoke about the challenges that shaped her work, including public criticism and the pressure to be liked. She told the audience, “do not seek to be liked; seek to be respected.” She added that value is the driver of influence and said people respond to what they see, not to titles or attempts to be noticed.
Her remarks also touched on online safety and her decision to move her personal work to LinkedIn after repeated bullying on Facebook. She said the shift opened new paths for her and encouraged participants to remain focused on their journeys. According to her, “you are not a tree; if a place is not safe, move.”
Osideko closed her remarks by urging participants to pursue opportunities without fear. She said, “there is always a way,” noting that growth comes through learning, consistency, and the courage to take new steps.
Chisom’s recognition places him among this year’s group of professionals celebrated for work that reflects commitment, discipline, and long-term focus within the technology and media space.
