Taiwo Tai Jaiyeoba

Taiwo Tai Jaiyeoba is a visionary urban planner and public transit consultant with over three decades of impactful work spanning the United States and internationally. Born and educated in Nigeria, where he earned his BSc in Geography and MSc in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University), Taiwo’s journey into urban development began with significant contributions in Botswana before moving to the United States in 1996. His extensive experience includes leading transformative urban planning and transit projects in cities like Sacramento, Grand Rapids, and Charlotte, where his efforts as Director of Planning and Assistant City Manager notably shaped the city’s landscape for future generations. An advocate for equitable and sustainable city development, Taiwo’s leadership has earned him recognition, including being named Charlottean of the Year in 2020 and American Institute of Architects Charlotte Chapter, Laurel Award. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is a motivational speaker, author of “Living Huge: Discovering the Path to a Better Lifestyle,” and actively involved in philanthropy, emphasizing his commitment to fostering communities that thrive both structurally and spiritually.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

I review my goals, both long-term and for the day ahead, ensuring they align with my purpose and the impact I aim to create. Productivity for me comes from prioritizing tasks that advance these goals and delegating effectively. Consistent morning routines, strategic planning, and time management are key. I take the time to document my reflections in my phone journals. During stressful times, I go back to these reflections to re-energize and re-engage.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I start by visualizing the end goal, then breaking down the path to achieving it into actionable steps. Collaborating with a team that shares the vision and possesses diverse skills is crucial. Regular reviews and adjustments keep the project aligned with its objectives.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The trend towards more sustainable and inclusive urban development excites me. The urban space is a system: mobility, housing, public plazas, educational and financial institutions, public safety, etc. and we ought to approach it as one. The movement towards creating integrated urban spaces that not only respect the environment but also provide equitable opportunities for all community members is both necessary and inspiring. It aligns with my belief in developing cities that serve everyone.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Daily planning and reflection are habits that significantly boost my productivity. By setting clear, achievable goals each day and reflecting on the progress made, I maintain focus and direction. This practice helps in prioritizing tasks and staying aligned with my broader objectives.

What advice would you give your younger self?

What matters most is resilience, the willingness to learn from every experience, and the determination to keep moving forward towards your vision.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that the solutions to our most complex urban problems lie in simpler, community-focused interventions rather than high-tech, expensive projects. This perspective sometimes clashes with the current emphasis on smart cities and technology-driven solutions.
I also believe in the “dream small” concept, most times because it is often out of little, simpler things and ideas, that greatness emerges.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Whether through reading, attending seminars, or engaging in meaningful conversations, investing in your growth is something I do regularly and recommend to everyone. This habit is fundamental to staying relevant and impactful in your field and personal life.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

Physical activity combined with a mental break allows me to approach challenges with renewed energy and perspective.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Being genuine and offering value in every interaction has been a cornerstone of my career advancement and business growth.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

I have had many fail-moments in my career such as failure to communicate in time and consistently, trusting the wrong people or even making a poor hiring decision. One early failure in my career that stands out to me was underestimating the importance of community engagement in urban planning projects. After facing significant opposition on a project, I learned to prioritize stakeholder involvement from the outset. This experience taught me the value of empathy, listening, and collaborative problem-solving.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A community engagement platform that uses virtual reality to allow residents to visualize and provide feedback on urban development projects before they are implemented. This could democratize planning processes and build stronger, more engaged communities.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Google Docs has significantly enhanced my productivity, especially when it comes to collaborative work. It allows me to draft documents, proposals, and reports while enabling real-time feedback and edits from my team. The ability to access and edit documents from anywhere, at any time, and on any device, has streamlined my workflow, reducing the need for back-and-forth emails and meetings. I leverage its commenting and suggestion features for iterative refinement of ideas and projects, ensuring that all team members are aligned and can contribute efficiently to our collective goals.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

The book “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman has profoundly impacted my understanding of decision-making and cognitive biases. It has sharpened my critical thinking and improved my approach to problem-solving, especially in complex urban planning projects. In a previous executive role, I started a monthly podcast series where I engaged employees to share with their colleagues and the public “A Day In The Life of…” I often go back and listen to those podcasts to give me insights into how to support our employees.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I recently found “Abstract: The Art of Design” on Netflix to be incredibly inspiring. It delves into the minds of innovative designers in various fields, showcasing how their unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches can lead to breathtakingly creative outcomes.

Key learnings:

• Embrace Continuous Learning
• Community Engagement
• Resilience