Meet Sean Ilenrey, the visionary Nigerian-American leader revolutionizing Africa’s economic landscape! Sean is the CEO & Founder of Value-Centric, and is spearheading a bold mission to create 100 MILLION jobs across Africa by 2050.
From overcoming incredible adversity to achieving award-winning success, Sean’s remarkable journey is a testament to his unwavering resilience, innovative spirit, and passion for transformative impact.
We had the privilege of catching up with Sean to delve deeper into his vision for Africa’s economic future, the driving forces behind his mission, lessons learned, and the strategies he’s employing to achieve his ambitious goals.
CA: How would you describe yourself and your impact, especially for the African continent?
Sean: I am a proud son of Africa, driven by a deep-rooted mission to create 100 million jobs across the continent by 2050. As a first-generation Nigerian-American, I am blessed to carry the legacy of my parents from Edo and Cross River states, who came to the U.S. with the vision to provide me with opportunities while never losing sight of our African heritage.
Over the course of my 20+ year career, I have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to foster sustainable growth and innovation, creating opportunities back home. My work today is not defined by profits, but by the profound impact I can make in transforming lives and communities.
CA: Reflecting on your journey, what sparked your passion for your industry, and how has that passion evolved over time?
Sean: My journey began in the outsourcing industry, where I witnessed firsthand how economic transformation could ripple through communities.
Over my 18-year tenure, I saw entire regions in Latin America and Asia thrive, as a single job would impact not just one person but entire families. This experience ignited a burning passion to replicate these results in Africa, where the potential for growth is boundless.
As my career has evolved, my focus has shifted from personal success to ensuring that the African continent is empowered to achieve its own economic independence. I remain inspired by the opportunity to create positive change and to be a catalyst for progress.
CA: Can you share a pivotal moment or challenge that tested your resolve? How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience?
Sean: A defining moment in my journey was the loss of my mother, just two years after my father’s passing. At a time when I was stepping into my first executive role, her death left me feeling adrift and disconnected from my purpose. I questioned whether the success I had achieved was worth the emotional toll I was experiencing. But through reflection, I realized that I could honor her memory by uplifting others and helping them reach their own version of success. That realization reshaped my life’s purpose and reignited my commitment to developing leaders and creating opportunities for others to thrive.
CA: Your work is making a significant impact in your field. What motivates you to continue driving change, and how do you measure success?
Sean: The multifaceted nature of my work motivates me every day. At the core of our goal to transform communities economically, we follow the soil-to-seed-to-plant approach. The “soil” represents governments, which provide the foundation for growth. “Seed” symbolizes startups and early-stage businesses, the sparks of innovation and job creation. Finally, “plant” represents established corporations, the employers who fuel long-term growth. We measure success through job creation, economic expansion, and the long-term prosperity of the communities we serve. Success is not just about numbers, but about tangible, sustainable change.
CA: How do you believe your African heritage and upbringing have influenced your perspective and approach to your work? Are there any cultural values or traditions that you incorporate into your professional life?
Sean: My African heritage has been the cornerstone of my approach to leadership and business. The legacy of my great uncle, Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro, has instilled in me a vision to see the world not as it is, but as it could be. He has been regarded by academics and many Nigerians, as the “Father of Nigeria State” because he was the first to move the motion for Nigeria’s independence. The drive to transform challenges into opportunities runs in my blood. My father’s teachings also shaped me: to treat every individual, regardless of their position, with the utmost respect. This philosophy of respect and vision for a better future guides my work and fuels my commitment to making a lasting difference.
CA: What advice would you give to young Africans just starting out on their own journeys? What are some common challenges they may face, and how can they overcome them?
Sean: To young Africans embarking on their journey, my advice is simple: 1) Prioritize study-ethic over work-ethic. Constant learning and gaining deep knowledge of your field will set you apart. 2) Find mentors who can guide you, but always approach them with value to give. Be prepared to serve and offer your insights. 3) Embrace failure as a stepping stone. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back from pursuing your dreams—regret will always be the greater loss. If you approach challenges as opportunities for growth, you will succeed.
CA: Can you tell us about some exciting projects or initiatives you’re working on? How do you see them impacting the community, and what role do you hope they’ll play in driving positive change?
Sean: I’m deeply excited about Value-Centric’s SOAR Initiative, which aims to position Africa as a global leader in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. This initiative is a game-changer. It taps into Africa’s youthful demographic, poised to drive a $1 trillion BPO market by 2050. The SOAR Initiative will generate millions of jobs, providing not just employment, but long-term career opportunities in critical sectors like IT support, finance, and customer service. It is a transformative project that will create pathways to sustainable economic growth for African nations.
CA: Looking back, what partnerships or collaborations have been instrumental in your journey? How have they helped shape your approach to your work?
Sean: Nearly a decade ago, I became a part of TENDOWS, a brotherhood of African men across the diaspora. This community has kept me grounded, reminding me of the power of unity and shared purpose. The mutual support and inspiration I receive from this group push me to break boundaries and challenge limits. These kinds of partnerships, alongside board positions (i.e. The Hidden Genius Project) and memberships in organizations like ForbesBLK, continue to shape my worldview, reminding me that collaboration is key to achieving meaningful progress.
CA: How do you see African entrepreneurs competing or collaborating on a global stage? What opportunities or challenges do you think they’ll face, and how can they prepare?
Sean: African entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to compete on the global stage. With their innovative solutions to real-world challenges, they are already making waves in sectors ranging from technology to agriculture. The opportunity for them lies in bridging the gap in business acumen and accessing funding. Supporting youth-focused entrepreneurial organizations will help cultivate a generation of entrepreneurs equipped with the skills to scale their ventures. One challenge they face is financial instability, which often puts them in survival mode rather than innovation mode. By creating more opportunities for employment, we can empower these entrepreneurs to focus on growth and innovation.
CA: What’s one lesson you’ve learned from failure, and how has it shaped your approach to entrepreneurship and innovation?
Sean: Failure is not something to fear, but rather a teacher. Every failure has been a lesson that sharpens my intuition and strengthens my resolve.
The setbacks I’ve experienced have made me wiser and more prepared for the challenges ahead. I’ve learned that as an entrepreneur, I must embrace risk, but also take the time to learn from the failures of others.
This mindset of growth through adversity continues to drive my entrepreneurial journey and keeps me pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Sean Ilenrey is a proud product of Africa, a man who is setting a new record with his passion and his love for youth empowerment.
Having witnessed hardship himself, his goal to create 100 million jobs across Africa is a force worth emulation, especially for young Africans who are going through similar situations. With Value-Centric, Sean is taking the world, one person at a time.
