Tope Ajala's Secret: The BAG Method -- A Strategy for Thriving

Tope Ajala (she/her) is a globally influential DE&I advocate and business leader with over a decade of expertise spanning marketing, operations, and strategic change management.

Currently serving as the Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Ogilvy, Tope brings a unique, internationally informed perspective to her work, having lived and worked in multiple countries around the world – including the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Japan, India, and the United States – and fluently speaking several languages. Her advocacy for inclusivity is not just a professional mission but a personal journey shaped by her own diverse experiences.

Balancing ambition with well-being is a challenge that many of us face. Tope Ajala’s BAG Method provides a transformative framework to navigate these pressures and ensure long-term success. This approach centers on three pillars: Boundaries, Advocacy, and Growth. Here’s how to apply it in your life and career.

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"Businesses won’t just give you something; you have to ask. Negotiate beyond salary, for other well-being benefits such as additional leave or professional development opportunities."

1. Boundaries: Protect Your Energy and Well-Being

Establishing clear boundaries is the cornerstone of maintaining mental and emotional health in demanding roles. Boundaries allow you to protect your time, energy, and focus, ensuring you don’t overextend yourself.

Emotional Boundaries: Disconnect your self-worth from professional titles or income. As Ajala emphasizes, “You are worthy just because.” Practice saying “no” unapologetically, as “no is a full sentence.”
Financial Boundaries: Avoid unpaid roles or commitments that drain your resources and do not align with your goals. Ensure your budget reflects your needs as well as others.
Energy Management: Audit how you allocate your time and energy. Protect sacred times, such as mornings with family, by communicating your boundaries clearly.

Practical Tip: Perform a “boundary audit” by identifying commitments that exhaust you. Ask yourself: What can I adjust or decline to preserve my peace?

2. Advocacy: Speak Up for Yourself and Others

Self-advocacy is essential for professional and personal advancement. It ensures that your contributions are recognized and valued while setting the stage for others to follow your lead.

In the Workplace: Proactively request raises, promotions, and benefits. Ajala shared, “Businesses won’t just give you something; you have to ask.” Negotiate beyond salary, such as additional leave or professional development opportunities.
In the Community: Build relationships with women who openly discuss strategies and experiences. Ajala recommends finding or creating groups where financial and career growth conversations are normalized.
Advocacy for Others: Encourage your organization to support mental health and financial wellness initiatives. Ajala notes, “Silence often holds women back from securing the bag.”

Practical Tip: Join an accountability group where you can share achievements, set goals, and strategize collectively.

3. Growth: Invest in Your Future

Growth requires consistent investment in yourself—both professionally and personally. This pillar encourages you to prioritize learning, self-care, and moments of joy.

Micro Investments: Small actions can yield significant rewards. Ajala suggests dedicating resources to self-improvement, such as hiring a coach, attending a conference, or taking time for hobbies. Celebrate “micro moments of joy,” like enjoying a cup of coffee or a walk in nature.
Skill Building: Focus on financial literacy to manage and grow your wealth. Ajala emphasized, “Once you have money, learn to make that money work for you.”
Long-Term Growth: Set aside funds for personal and professional development. Use these for therapy, wellness retreats, or courses that enrich your life and career.

Practical Tip: Reflect on your achievements quarterly. Ajala highlights the importance of recognizing how far you’ve come to stay motivated.

Why It Matters

For women in executive roles, thriving means more than just achieving financial or professional milestones. It’s about sustaining your mental health, fostering personal growth, and creating a fulfilling life. Ajala’s BAG Method equips you with the tools to prioritize yourself unapologetically while navigating the complexities of leadership and ambition.

Start today by setting a boundary, advocating for your needs, or taking a small step toward personal growth. As Ajala reminds us, “Choose yourself every time. Thriving is your right, not just surviving.”