When Peter Adeleke announced his audacious plan to break the world record for the longest leadership lesson in Calgary, Canada, many wondered if it was possible. Could one man sustain nearly 29 hours of teaching while maintaining the energy and clarity needed to truly impact lives? The answer came in grand style as the Nigerian-born leadership coach, known globally as “Peter Trailblazer,” not only achieved his goal but earned official recognition from Guinness World Records.
What began as an ambitious attempt to surpass the existing 24-hour teaching record became a watershed moment that drew many participants, community leaders, and organizations to witness something unprecedented. The marathon session, held from August 29-31, 2025, lasted exactly 28 hours, 45 minutes, officially breaking the previous record and earning Peter a place in the Guinness World Records book.
According to Guinness World Records, Peter is recognized as “an author, speaker and qualified leadership expert” who set out to achieve a record in the field to change the narrative of leadership. The organization notes that “He hopes to raise the bar in leadership development and spark conversation around transformational leadership.“
In an exclusive interview with Techsoma following his record-breaking achievement, Adeleke opens up about the journey that led him from a young Nigerian with leadership dreams to a Canada-based coach whose influence now spans continents. His story is one of purpose-driven ambition, cultural bridge-building, and the unshakeable belief that great leaders aren’t born but they’re made through intentional development and unwavering commitment to service.
Background & Journey
Q: Could you please share a little about your upbringing, education, and profession/career?
Peter Trailblazer: I come from a disciplined African upbringing that instilled in me values of resilience and fortitude, principles that continue to shape my personal and professional journey. I earned my first degree in Nigeria and began my MBA at the University of Lagos before relocating to Canada. Since becoming a permanent resident, I’ve had the privilege of coaching and mentoring people, with a strong focus on transformational leadership. To deepen my expertise, I completed my Master’s in Leadership here in Canada. These experiences have uniquely equipped me to help individuals and teams unlock their potential, embrace change, and thrive in their professional and personal lives.
Q: What specific moment or experience made you realize that leadership development was your calling, and how did your Nigerian roots shape your understanding of what effective leadership looks like?
Peter Trailblazer: My leadership journey was first shaped at the Daystar Leadership Academy under Dr. Sam Adeyemi, where I was introduced to the principles of transformational leadership. However, even before formal training, I began to sense a calling into leadership from a young age. I would often see myself in dreams leading, teaching, coaching, and inspiring others. In high school, I naturally stepped into roles such as class captain, and this continued into my undergraduate days where I held various leadership positions, including serving as the National Delegate Secretary for Youth Corpers during my NYSC.
My Nigerian roots played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of effective leadership. Growing up within the African political system, I quickly recognized the urgent need for leaders who prioritize service over titles and impact over positions. That realization ignited my passion for personal growth, because I believe the hardest person to lead is “the man in the mirror.” True leadership, as I’ve come to understand, is not about power or control but it is about using influence to serve and uplift others.
Q: You chose to pursue a Masters degree in Leadership at Ambrose University rather than a traditional MBA or business degree. What drew you specifically to leadership studies?
Peter Trailblazer: It’s interesting. My journey into leadership studies actually began with an MBA program at the University of Lagos before I relocated to Canada. However, the post-COVID period reshaped my perspective. The pandemic revealed significant gaps in leadership at every level of society. Some leaders rose to the occasion and inspired hope, while others struggled to adapt. That season opened my eyes to a powerful truth that leadership is the common thread in every sphere of influence such as business, faith, education, government, and community life.
This realization ignited a deeper passion in me to embrace my leadership calling and commit to continuous growth. I understood that if I truly wanted to add value wherever I serve, I needed to sharpen my leadership skills and expand my insight. Unlike a traditional MBA, which focuses primarily on business operations, a Master’s in Leadership gave me the opportunity to focus directly on the principles, practices, and character that shape effective leaders.
My decision to pursue leadership studies at Ambrose University was intentional. I saw it as a pathway to develop the kind of influence that goes beyond titles, one that transforms people and systems. I am particularly driven by the concept of the seven spheres of influence and the importance of raising and empowering more leaders in the marketplace. For me, leadership is not just about managing but about serving, inspiring, and equipping others to thrive.
Q: You’ve branded yourself as ‘Peter Trailblazer.’ Tell us about the evolution of this identity. Was this always who you saw yourself becoming, or did this persona emerge as you discovered your impact on others?
Peter Trailblazer: Names carry deep meaning, and I’ve always believed they have the power to shape identity. Peter Trailblazer is more than a brand. It’s a voice for empowerment, equipping people to embrace leadership and purpose, while also bringing joy through relatable, funny, and engaging content on social media.
The identity of Trailblazer first came to me in 2022 during a season of revelation on the impact I want to make through my brand. I draw inspiration from what I call the fourth dimension of leadership, the unseen realm of vision, & mindset.
So the name has continued to emerge as I discover my impact on others. It is both an evolving journey of identity and a mission that calls me higher every day. The name Trailblazer serves as a daily reminder of my calling which is to lead with courage, even when the path ahead is unclear; to break barriers and step into uncharted territories of leadership and creativity; and to live out a form of legacy leadership that leaves lasting footprints of impact. It also challenges me to empower others to discover their own path and purpose.
Q: How has living and working in Canada influenced your leadership style and teaching approach? What have you learned about leadership from Canadian culture that you might not have discovered in Nigeria?
Peter Trailblazer: Living and working in Canada has profoundly shaped my leadership style and teaching approach. The Canadian system, with its strong emphasis on equality, diversity, and inclusion, contrasts in many ways with the Nigerian system. Here, I have learned that inclusive leadership, where every voice is valued is essential. Leadership is not just about giving directions or holding authority; it is about listening, engaging, and creating spaces where everyone can contribute meaningfully.
This emphasis on diversity has taught me that leadership effectiveness is amplified when multiple perspectives are considered. Teams that embrace varied experiences, cultures, and ideas are more innovative, adaptable, and resilient. I’ve come to appreciate that true leaders serve first and lead second, modeling servant leadership by empowering others rather than controlling them. Servant leadership reminds us that the path to greatness is not upward, but downward. In Canada, I’ve seen how inclusive leadership fosters collaboration, builds trust, and encourages individuals to step into their potential. A lesson that has deeply influenced how I coach, mentor, and inspire others.
I strive to cultivate a leadership style that is both courageous and compassionate, capable of driving impact while uplifting every person in the sphere of influence.
The Guinness World Record Attempt
Q: What inspired the idea to attempt this leadership lesson marathon, and how did it evolve from concept to execution?
Peter Trailblazer: I’ve always been passionate about reshaping the way we think about leadership. For me, leadership is more than theory or titles. It’s about transforming individuals and helping them realize their full potential. I’ve been committed to changing the narrative of leadership, empowering people to become more effective and impactful leaders, not just by teaching essential skills, but by fostering a mindset shift that enables them to inspire and drive change within themselves and their teams.
The inspiration for this challenge came from a pressing need which is to prepare a new generation of leaders capable of navigating the complexities and opportunities of the future. Leadership is a force that drives change, sparks innovation, and impacts both organizational and societal systems. The 21st-century leader must thrive in this age and time, and I wanted to create a platform that equips emerging leaders with the tools they need to do just that.
I believe that cultivating a sense of urgency is critical. When individuals and organizations understand the importance of timely leadership development, they can adapt more effectively, innovate faster, and respond to challenges with confidence. Attempting a world record was a way to demonstrate commitment to deepening leadership understanding while creating a lasting legacy. That is to provide participants with comprehensive, transformative leadership training that impacts them personally and professionally. After all, delaying leadership development today is a down-payment for tomorrow’s crisis.
When the idea was approved by the Guinness World Records team, I mobilized my team, recruited volunteers, and partnered with organizations to bring the vision to life. For me I believe that the best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up and that begins with starting.
Q: Teaching continuously for nearly 29 hours requires extraordinary stamina. How did you prepare mentally and physically for this challenge? What strategies did you use to maintain energy and clarity throughout the session?
Peter Trailblazer: I began by preparing detailed lesson notes, which were approved by the Guinness World Records team, and complementing this preparation with physical training at the gym to build stamina. Mentally, I visualized completing the session successfully and the positive impact it would have on participants, which kept me motivated and anchored during moments of fatigue.
To maintain energy and clarity throughout the marathon, I moderated my speaking pace and energy output to avoid burnout while keeping the sessions engaging. I actively involved participants through discussions and Q&A, which helped sustain high energy levels for both myself and the audience. I also prioritized hydration and strategic use of the approved breaks, which allowed me to refresh, maintain presence, and stay focused throughout the entire session.
Mental preparation, physical readiness, and interactive engagement gave me the ability to sustain both clarity and energy, while turning this record attempt into not just an endurance challenge, but a transformative leadership experience for everyone involved.
Impact & Future Vision
Q: For young professionals, particularly those from underrepresented regions or emerging economies looking to make a global impact, what’s your roadmap? What are the things they should focus on first?
Peter Trailblazer: Everything begins with self-awareness. Understand your strengths, weaknesses, values, and purpose. I always say that the best way to predict your future is to create it. It’s better to be proactive than reactive. Your background has nothing to do with your back on the ground. Your life is in your hands. Connect with mentors, peers, and global leaders. Embrace lifelong learning. The world is changing fast and adaptability is key to keep up with the pace. Focus on building skills, experience, and a personal brand.
Q: Your event drew significant community support in Calgary. How did you build that network and trust? What advice do you have for other immigrants trying to establish themselves as thought leaders?
Peter Trailblazer: Understand the law of value, which talks about making yourself valuable and adding value to others by serving first. Lead with service and value, not self-promotion. Create mutual value. Engage early and reach out to potential partners and supporters with a clear purpose. Let people buy into your vision. Share your journey, your challenges, and your vision because people connect with authenticity. Network strategically, be consistent and visible. Above all, understand that help comes from God through men and from men.
Q: Do you plan to package the marathon lessons for educational platforms or create follow-up programming, perhaps a “leadership curriculum” or series for others to learn from?
Peter Trailblazer: One of my key goals is to ensure that the lessons from the marathon extend far beyond the event itself. After the event, a lot of people have reached out to me to get my slides. My new book, titled Born to Lead, Called to Serve: A Fourth-Dimensional Blueprint for World Changers, is currently on Amazon and includes some of the leadership lessons that I taught during the marathon. I am also working on a new body of literary works that people can learn from, packaging the leadership lessons into structured educational content that can be accessed on various platforms. I am also going to have a series of follow-up programs designed to help individuals, teams, and organizations apply transformational leadership principles in practical ways.
The vision is to create a scalable learning ecosystem from short, impactful modules to more in-depth coaching programs that will equip emerging leaders and professionals with the mindset, tools, and skills to influence their spheres of impact effectively. The marathon was just the beginning; my mission is to transform those hours of leadership insight into actionable guidance that inspires lasting growth, empowerment, and legacy leadership for others.
A New Chapter in Leadership Education
Peter Adeleke’s impressive feat of endurance has established a new benchmark in leadership education delivery. This is also a proof that when purpose meets preparation, and vision meets execution, extraordinary things become possible. His journey from a young Nigerian with leadership dreams to a Guinness World Record holder influencing global conversations about transformational leadership serves as inspiration for countless others who believe they have something valuable to contribute to the world.
Peter “Trailblazer” Adeleke has done exactly what great leaders do. He has created a legacy that extends far beyond his individual accomplishment, and has empowered others to discover their own capacity for leadership and impact.
For aspiring leaders watching from the sidelines, the world needs authentic, service-oriented leaders who are willing to step up, speak out, and make a difference.
