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Onyeka Nwobu The CSO At DBD Africa And A Brand Strategist

14 April 2023

Onyeka Nwobu has helped multiple companies build market-moving brands and is also the chief strategy officer at DBD Africa. She was also able to share her story and journey with Exquisite Magazine. Let’s have a sneak peek of her story.

EM- PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BRAND

Onyeka Nwobu is a child of God, a disruptor and a purpose catalyst.

I am Chief Strategy Officer at DBD AFRICA where I leverage my expertise in Brand Strategy & Growth Consulting to help professionals, founders & executives in Tech who are seeking to gain clarity in order to build market-moving brands and make well-informed growth decisions with the ultimate goal of growing their revenue.

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EM- HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS FIELD?

Over the past 8 years, I have been helping companies build market-moving brands.

EM- WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO THIS FIELD?

To begin with, I have always found the human mind very fascinating – I’ve always had a curiosity about what makes people tick, the drivers behind their decisions and the science of human emotions.

I believe this has helped me grow to become an excellent brand strategist – because of my curiosity to understand people, I am able to help create strong emotional connections between companies and customers.

Additionally, I have always enjoyed building things from the ground up and that is at the core of what it means to be a brand strategist. I love helping companies conceptualize their brands, bring them to life and convert these brands to fuel for revenue inflow.

EM- TIPS ON HOW YOU STARTED?

I’ve had a very interesting career trajectory and I’m on a mission to make sure I work in and learn as much as I can about every role and industry possible.

My career started in digital media and grew to take on roles in marketing (Content strategy & copywriting), project and account management after which I decided to double down on brand strategy and management.

One very key thing I did when starting was giving myself leeway to explore as many industries as I could. So far, I’ve worked across finance, logistics, e-commerce, social impact, FMCG and Agriculture amongst others.

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EM- YOU ARE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH IN THE SOCIETY, HOW DID YOU GROW TO THIS LEVEL?

I spent my earlier years building my character as well as my expertise.

I took (and still taking) the time to become a well-grounded person and I believe this is what has helped me grow to this level.

Honestly, I have done and am still doing the self-work.

EM: HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?

For me, success is synonymous with FULFILLMENT OF PURPOSE & POSITIVE IMPACT.

When I am thriving in my God-given purpose, I deem that as success.

When I am able to have a positive aspect on the lives of those I am called to, I deem that as success.

EM: IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO START YOUR CAREER OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

I would be more careful not to burn bridges unnecessarily.

EM- EVERY BUSINESS-MINDED SUCCESSFUL PERSON HAS A STORY, WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE?

A major challenge for me would have to be NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUS.

I like to think of myself as a non-conformist and this made it tougher for me to get to a place where people in the business place actually took me seriously and have respect for me.

Additionally, transitioning into the tech space has not been smooth sailing for me as there was and still is a low market sophistication for the brand strategy being done at the level at which I do it and where I do it.

This has posed a challenge as being a brand strategist in tech is NOT a thing (at least not in Africa) which means I am having to pioneer a movement – not exactly the easiest thing to do, especially in such a dynamic industry like Tech.

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EM- WHAT SETS YOU APART?

My ability to be ME – completely and unapologetically.

This has and will always make me stand out because nobody can do what I do like I do.

EM- YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO MANY, WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Ultimately, I am inspired by the life of Jesus Christ – He fascinates me and has played such a pivotal role in my holistic growth as a person.

I am also deeply inspired by Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts who has simply been an exemplary leader and virtual mentor to me.

Additionally, my life is inspired by other very important figures in my life including Pastor Mike Todd, Late Evangelist Myles Munroe, Pastor Emmanuel Iren & a shortlist of others.

EM- WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

I am highly motivated by those whose destinies are tied to my purpose.

I am very aware of the fact that showing up as my highest self and ensuring that I fulfill my purpose isn’t just for or about me – there are people connected to the outcome of me achieving success.

I am also motivated by my family and a close-knit circle of friends.

EM- IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?

RATED REAL.

That would be the title of my memoir.

EM- PLEASE KINDLY SHARE SOME OF YOUR SECRETS TO BECOMING SUCCESSFUL WITH EM

Start building a SOLID relationship with God.

Proceed to building a positive and loving relationship with yourself.

Also, be intentional about building genuine relationships with other people.

This is my recommended recipe for success.

EM- WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE TO YOUTHS WITH THE ZEAL TO GROW?

Having zeal is great but you need to come resolved to do the work and make sacrifices.

Zeal will only take you so far – the magic you’re looking for is in the work you are yet to do or are avoiding.