We are delighted to share with you our professional spotlight interview with Bola Lafe (RGS parent).

After 22 years in the investment banking sector, Bola founded his own firm Opus Innovations Ltd where he is creating extraordinary products and trailblazing environmentally sustainable products.

Whilst in Japan launching a product, Bola and Chigusa Lafe discovered an antibacterial water that was safe enough to ingest, safe to use on a new born baby, safe to use on food, safe to sterilise feeding bottles, but it contained no alcohol, harmful chemicals, fragrances or preservatives. Naturally (excuse the pun!), it seemed too good to be true, but it was very true, and approximately 12 months later, a factory was set up in the UK to manufacture an equivalent product, and Aquaint was born. Here Bola answered some of our questions:

Briefly describe your role and business
I am the founder and Managing Director of Opus Innovations Ltd. I set up Opus to develop innovative healthcare products that provide practical solutions to everyday issues. The last few years have seen the company evolve into an environmental sustainability company, and we now only involve ourselves with products that are of benefit to people, animals and the planet.

What is the best thing about your job?
Knowing that I am making a difference out there and genuinely living by our ethos of doing things that are good for people, animals and the planet. I had 22 years in the investment banking sector, and this is a completely different ballgame!

The impact your business will have – What does it mean to you?
It means everything to me, especially as we are laying foundations for current and future generations to build upon.

What has been your proudest moment in your career?
When our 100% biodegradable plastic-free eco wipes won Best New Mother & Baby Product at the 2019 Natural & Organic Europe awards. The wipes market is a flooded market, but we are being positively disruptive due to the strong environmental focus.

What do you like to do when you are not at the office?
Spend time with my family, spend time in the gym and dream up new innovations!!!

What inspires you?
The ability to make a difference by helping others.

Fill in the blank: I once met… a King Cobra in a ditch in Hong Kong, and the phrase ‘my legs turned to jelly’ became a true reality, so I was very thankful when it slithered off away from me.

If you could pick a superpower, what would it be?
Make things disappear – would be great for plastic pollution 😊

In five words (or less) what would your advice be to others in your field?
People and planet before profit.