Olawale Solarin

University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith Business School

“Dynamic leader with global procurement expertise, sustainability focus, and a passion for the supply chain.”

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria

Fun fact about yourself: I’m almost an Irish twin—I just missed the mark by a little over a year!

Undergraduate School and Degree: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife Nigeria – B.Sc., Agricultural Engineering

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Lafarge Africa Plc as Head of Strategic Procurement –Direct Services

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Pendulum Analytics, College Park, Maryland and Mediterranean Shipping company, Baltimore, Maryland

Where will you be working after graduation? Holcim Building Envelope, Category Manager –Indirect Procurement

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Co-President, Supply Chain and Operations Club
• Masters Student Peer Advisor, Office of Career Services
• Global Consulting Associate, Center for Global Business
• Member, Net Impact Club

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of my proudest achievements in business school has been serving as an MS Peer Advisor for the Office of Career Services, where I help fellow students navigate career challenges, refine their resumes, and prepare for interviews. Guiding students—especially international students—through the job search process has been incredibly fulfilling. Seeing their confidence grow and witnessing them land internships and full-time roles validates the impact of my work. This role has not only reinforced my passion for mentorship but has also deepened my understanding of career strategy and professional development.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of my proudest professional achievements was leading the in-house production of cement bags at Lafarge Africa, a $26 million project that significantly optimized cost-and supply chain efficiency. By spearheading this initiative, I reduced dependency on external suppliers, achieving millions of dollars in EBITDA savings with a 4.7-year static payback. This project not only strengthened operational resilience, but also reinforced my ability to drive large-scale strategic initiatives. The experience taught me the power of cross-functional collaboration, cost modeling and strategic negotiation—skills I now leverage in my MBA journey.

Why did you choose this business school? While applying to business school, I attended class visits at multiple universities to find the right fit. At Smith, I sat in on a marketing management class where the discussion centered on ‘Total Economic Value in Pricing’ strategy. Intrigued, I applied the concept to my side business, and the results were immediate. That experience made me realize something: if attending just one Smith class for free could create such an impact, then subscribing to the ‘full package’—a Smith MBA—was the best investment I could make. Beyond academics, Smith stood out in other ways. It offered one of the few MBA programs offering a dual degree with an MS in Supply Chain Management, which aligned perfectly with my passion for supply chain management. Additionally, the school’s world-class faculty and tight-knit community convinced me that this was the place where I could grow as a leader, expand my network and drive meaningful change in global supply chains.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor is Professor Kislaya Prasad, who taught Data Mining and Predictive Analytics. During my undergraduate studies, computer science—especially programming languages—was one of my most challenging courses; I just didn’t get it. So, when I discovered that his class had a significant programming component, I was anxious. However, Professor Prasad’s teaching approach completely changed my perspective. He had a remarkable ability to relate complex concepts to real-world events, making the class not only engaging but also deeply practical. His insights transformed what I once saw as an abstract subject into something tangible and impactful. Thanks to his teaching, I gained a newfound appreciation for data analytics and its role in business decision-making.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course as an MBA was Leadership and Teamwork. It challenged me to grow beyond technical expertise and truly understand what it means to lead. The course emphasized self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and effective communication—skills that are crucial in any professional setting. One of the most impactful aspects was learning to navigate diverse team dynamics, resolve conflicts and inspire others toward a common goal. Whether through case studies, role-playing exercises, or team simulations, the course provided invaluable insights that I now apply in my leadership roles, from mentoring peers as an MS Peer Advisor to leading initiatives as Co-President of the Supply Chain & Operations Club. It reinforced that leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about influence, adaptability and bringing out the best in others

What is the biggest myth about your school? One of the biggest myths about Smith is that most MBA students come from traditional business backgrounds like finance or consulting. Before joining, I wondered if my non-traditional background in procurement and supply chain would make me stand out in the wrong way. What I found instead was an incredibly diverse student body—not just in professional experiences but also in cultural backgrounds. My classmates come from all over the world, representing a wide range of industries, perspectives and lived experiences. This diversity made classroom discussions richer and team projects more dynamic, as we all approached problems through different cultural and professional lenses. Smith truly embraces this global perspective, whether through student-led cultural events, international consulting projects, or simply the daily interactions in the classroom. As someone passionate about supply chain and global business, this environment was invaluable. It reinforced that in today’s interconnected world, success isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about understanding different cultures, working across borders, and leading diverse teams effectively. Smith fosters an inclusive, globally minded community where unique paths are embraced, not sidelined.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? One of the things I appreciated about College Park the most was the convenience of the Metro system. As someone who doesn’t like driving, having the College Park Metro station nearby makes commuting effortless. Whether heading to D.C. for networking events, company visits, or just exploring the city’s museums and monuments, the Metro provided a stress-free way to navigate both professional and social experiences. College Park offers the best of both worlds—an engaging college town with seamless access to a significant global business hub.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? Moneyball best reflects the realities of business. It showcases how data-driven decision-making can challenge the status quo and create a competitive edge. The film’s focus on analytics over intuition resonates with me, especially after taking Data Mining & Predictive Analytics in my MBA. It reinforced that in today’s business world, those who leverage data effectively can drive smarter decisions and maximize impact, even with limited resources

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? The Robert H. Smith School of Business has integrated AI into its programming through its AI and Business Strategy specialization, which includes courses such as Marketing in the Age of AI, AI and Business Strategy, and Foundations of AI. These courses explore how artificial intelligence is transforming industries, from predictive analytics to strategic decision-making and customer engagement. Through this curriculum, I gained a deeper understanding of how AI can optimize business operations, enhance marketing strategies and drive innovation. The program also emphasized the importance of balancing AI-driven automation with ethical considerations and human oversight, ensuring that businesses leverage AI responsibly while maintaining a strategic advantage.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? The MBA classmate I most admire is Eric Waters. As Vice President of Student Affairs, Eric has been a vocal advocate for both international and domestic students, ensuring that every cohort member feels seen and supported. His ability to blend empathy, leadership, and storytelling has had a lasting impact on our class. Eric, as a military veteran, brings a level of discipline, strategic thinking and resilience that is truly inspiring. Having worked with him on two group projects—in Marketing Management and Innovation & Product Development—I saw firsthand how his structured approach, unwavering commitment and ability to bring out the best in his teammates set him apart.

During one of our Marketing Management-group assignments, I had a family emergency that required my attention. Eric was incredibly accommodating, ensuring that I had all the support I needed while balancing the workload within the team. As an international student, I also appreciated how he invested in my job search by frequently checking in on my recruitment prospects and offering encouragement. His leadership, discipline and genuine care for others make him a standout in our MBA community, and I am grateful to have worked alongside him.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. Having worked across four continents, I want to expand my global experience and work in all seven continents before I retire. Navigating diverse business environments has been one of the most enriching aspects of my career, and I aspire to gain firsthand insights into every major economic region—including the challenge of finding an opportunity in Antarctica!

2. Rising to the C-suite before I retire. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about strategic leadership, global supply chain management, and innovation, and I aspire to lead an organization at the highest level. My goal is to drive impactful business decisions, champion sustainable practices and mentor the next generation of leaders.

What made Olawale such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Olawale is a dynamic leader with global procurement expertise, a sustainability-focus and a passion for supply chain management. Coming to us from Lagos, Nigeria, he brought a truly global mindset, with work experience spanning four continents, in our dual degree program as a full-time MBA student while concurrently enrolled in the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. Not only did he excel, but he also accelerated his studies to graduate six months early while juggling a diverse set of sometimes-conflicting requirements that demanded well-developed skills in prioritization and time management.

Inside the classroom, he was quickly recognized for his sharp wit and frequent exercise of critical thinking to engage, reinforce or to challenge others in our lively discussions. Outside the classroom, he was well known for his extracurricular contributions and leadership as Co-President of the Supply Chain and Operations Club and member of the Net Impact Club, as a Global Consulting Associate within the Center for Global Business, and most importantly as a Peer Advisor within the Office of Career Services. In this last role he was positioned to guide other students through the job search process, to refine their resumes, prepare for interviews, land internships, and ultimately find full-time work. Olawale’s contributions and impact will resonate far beyond his own impressive achievements as he also celebrates the many others, he has helped to achieve their own dreams and aspirations. By this measure, Olawale Solarin was an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025.”

Jon Crocker
Clinical Professor, Logistics, Business and Public Policy
University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business

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