What would make someone leave a thriving career at JPMorgan in London to start a school in Nigeria?In this episode of Roots and Values, we sit down with Damilola Okonkwo, founder of KEY Academy in Lagos, whose bold vision is reshaping education in Nigeria.Damilola shares her fascinating journey — from growing up between British and Nigerian cultures, to excelling as a student in London, to building a successful career in finance, and finally deciding to return home in 2013 to create a school with a difference.Today, KEY Academy is not only transforming how children learn in Lagos, but it has also been nominated for the World’s Best School Prize in Innovation.In this conversation, you’ll hear Damilola talk about:• How she left JP Morgan to pursue education reform in Nigeria• How education gave her the ladder of social mobility — and why she wants the same for others• The importance of raising children to be problem-solvers, not just test-takers• Her vision for improving Nigeria’s education system• What it takes to innovate in one of the toughest but most important sectors: educationIf you’re passionate about education, innovation, and social impact, this episode will leave you inspired.🔗 Connect with Damilola on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilolaokonkwo/Find out more about KEY Academy at: https://www.keyacademyng.org/Roots & Values is a podcast from Nsiona Impact exploring the intersection of ambition, impact, sustainable investment, and transformative development in the world’s fastest-growing economies. Each episode delves into the stories behind sustainability-driven ventures and visionary pioneers transforming investor culture and advancing meaningful change in emerging markets. Nsiona Impact is a company that collaborates and partners with visionary corporates, governments, DFIs and financial investors to use finance to drive impact and sustainable growth in Emerging and Frontier markets. Stay connected with Nsiona Impact and Roots and Values:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nsiona-impact/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootsandvaluespodcast/Subscribe to Nsiona Impact and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!Find out more about us at www.nsionaimpact.com
Roots & Values S1 E1: What does it truly mean to create lasting impact?
In our inaugural 'Roots & Values' podcast episode, we sit down with Guillaume Fonkenell, Founder of Pharo Management and @PharoFoundation, to explore the deep roots of his philanthropic journey and the values that shape his bold and uncompromising approach to investing with a purpose. Get a sneak peek into his "Sequoia Tree Mindset" on resilience and interconnectedness, and discover how his vision drives transformative change across East Africa.
Nsiona Impact is a company that collaborates and partners with visionary corporates, governments, DFIs and financial investors to use finance to drive impact and sustainable growth in Emerging and Frontier markets.
Roots & Values is a new podcast exploring the intersection of ambition, impact, sustainable investment, and transformative development in the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Each episode delves into the stories behind sustainability-driven ventures and visionary pioneers transforming investor culture and advancing meaningful change in emerging markets.
Hosted by Alain Nsiona Defise, Founder of Nsiona Impact, Roots & Values uncovers how capital can align with values of social justice and environmental sustainability—and how investors, entrepreneurs, and communities are redefining what it means to grow responsibly "What resonates most with you from Guillaume's journey? Share in the comments!"
Subscribe to Nsiona Impact and share this episode. Find out more about us at www.nsionaimpact.com
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Nsiona Impact, his affiliates or the podcast hosts.
