Ayo Sokale is a distinguished Chartered Civil Engineer, Building Information Modelling Lead, and a highly respected speaker in the field of STEM. With her extensive tenure at the Environment Agency, Ayo has proven to be an invaluable asset, particularly in the areas of flood and coastal risk management. Formerly a Councillor for Reading Borough Council and a current Supervising Civil Engineer at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Ayo has dedicated herself to coaching and mentoring, making her an inspiring role model for women in engineering and other STEM fields. Ayo’s expertise, passion for diversity, and commitment to sustainability have made her a sought-after speaker on topics such as project management, environmental injustice, and women in engineering.
Ayo's career journey began with a strong educational foundation in civil engineering. After landing a summer placement at EAR Sheppard Civil and Structural Consulting Engineers, she pursued her MEng in Civil and Coastal Engineering at Plymouth University. Ayo’s academic journey was marked by valuable experiences, including working as a student engineer for Denne Leadbitter, studying abroad at Shanghai Maritime University, and taking on roles at Halcrow and The Smallpiece Trust. These experiences laid the groundwork for Ayo’s future success as she took on multiple roles within the Environment Agency. She became deeply involved in projects focused on flood management and water resources, making significant contributions to key initiatives like the Thames Estuary Asset Management and the Abingdon Flood Alleviation Scheme.
In addition to her engineering career, Ayo has established herself as a leading coach, speaker, and producer of educational content. As the founder and CEO of Get Coached, she has worked tirelessly to provide coaching access that enables individuals to realise their potential and enhance their wellbeing. Ayo's approach to coaching is rooted in her ability to align individuals’ values, strengths, and goals, helping them find fulfilment and success. As a producer of STEM content for Metis Communication, she continues to inspire audiences with her insights on topics such as environmental sustainability and diversity. Her work as an executive coach with high-performing professionals further highlights her dedication to fostering growth and personal development in others.
Ayo's reputation as a speaker is underscored by her roles as a presenter for BBC Reels, BBC Bitesize, and CBeebies. She brings a wealth of experience and an engaging presence to her speaking engagements, making her a preferred choice for corporate and educational events. Ayo’s ability to connect with diverse audiences and offer insightful perspectives on topics related to STEM, environmental issues, and women in engineering has made her an in-demand speaker. Organisations seek her out for her expertise, passion, and dynamic delivery, confident that she can provide an impactful experience that motivates and educates.