Idara Otu is an Olympian, entrepreneur, and founder with a rich career spanning Wall Street to athletic achievements. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Idara has Nigerian roots and has achieved notable success as an equity researcher and commodities trader at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan. A Stanford University alumna, she is also the founder of Let Girls Read, Run, Grow, a charity focused on empowering African girls through education, athletics, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, she is the creator of Notchok, a cocoa company aimed at funding her charity's initiatives.
In this compelling episode, Lexi B sits down with Idara Otu, an Olympian, Wall Street professional, and impactful entrepreneur. Idara dives into her fascinating journey from growing up in Brooklyn, New York, to making history as an Olympian for Nigeria. She discusses her professional stints on Wall Street, the pivot points that redirected her from medicine to finance, and how she found her calling in helping young women in Nigeria through education and entrepreneurship.
Throughout the episode, Idara shares insights on the incredible work her charity, Let Girls Read, Run, Grow, is doing to support African girls. Leveraging her Wall Street skills, she launched Notchok, a cocoa company whose proceeds fund the construction of an all-girls primary school in Nigeria. The conversation also explores Idara’s personal motivation, the importance of legacy, and practical advice on juggling multiple high-impact roles. This deep, inspiring episode encapsulates the essence of how passion, purpose, and diverse skill sets intertwine to create lasting change.
Intersection of Career and Athletics: Idara Otu highlights how her dynamic career on Wall Street complemented her athletic endeavors, illustrating that one can excel in diverse fields simultaneously.
Empowerment Through Education: Idara founded Let Girls Read, Run, Grow to tackle the educational deficits facing young girls in Nigeria, aiming to lift them through holistic programs involving education, sports, and entrepreneurship.
Impact of Notchok: The strategic creation of Notchok underscores the importance of sustainable business models in supporting charitable causes, particularly in building an all-girls primary school.
Legacy and Impact: Idara emphasizes thinking about legacy not as a morbid concept but as a motivating force that drives meaningful, lasting contributions to society.
Balance and Reflection: The episode offers practical advice on balancing career ambitions while taking the necessary time for self-reflection and savoring achievements.
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