As Head of Strategic Partnerships, TJ Olonilua plays a key role in Accelerant’s mission to support and empower MGAs. His focus? Building strategic vendor partnerships that help Members access best-in-class tools and solutions. Having led an MGA himself, TJ understands firsthand what it takes to scale under real-world constraints.
We caught up with TJ to hear more about his work, what fuels his creativity, and why a day at a waterpark during his first week on the job made such an impression.
Fast Facts with TJ
A hobby I picked up recently: Learning guitar—it complements my love for music production.
Preferred way to stay active: Basketball and snowboarding.
Gadget I can’t live without: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (beta). It’s been a game-changer.
My five minutes of fame: My younger brother played for the Dallas Cowboys.
The most adventurous thing I’ve done: Jumped out of a plane (and yes, I’d do it again).
Digging Deeper: TJ’s Perspective
What excites you most about the work you do with Accelerant?
Having run an MGA, I know how hard it is to access capacity and find great vendor solutions on a tight budget. At Accelerant, I’m excited by how many thoughtful ways we’re working to support MGA business leaders and help them grow.
What makes the culture at Accelerant unique from other places you’ve worked?
It’s genuinely forward-thinking. I had a strong sense of that even before joining—Accelerant was one of the few companies that supported a crypto program at my last firm—but being on the inside has exceeded expectations. A lot of companies talk about AI and innovation. Accelerant is actually doing the work.
What’s a project you’re particularly proud of?
I recently took part in a rapid prototyping workshop where we used AI tools to quickly build complex websites and tools. It was eye-opening—especially for someone like me who’s always wanted to learn to code. I was able to build a prototype tied to a real partner conversation, and it’s already helping me collaborate more effectively with the Product & Tech team.
What’s a standout memory you have with the team?
My first week on the job was at the Member Event in Nassau, Bahamas. I’ll never forget spending a day at the waterpark with the team—it was such a fun, unexpected way to start building connections. Definitely a core memory.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Always be learning—and always strive to treat others how they’d like to be treated.