Onyeka Nwobu is a powerhouse in Africa’s development and leadership space, reshaping how women rise into decision-making roles across the continent.
As the founder of The Authentic Leadership Institute (ALI Global) and the visionary behind DBD Global, Onyeka’s journey from multifaceted career pivots to becoming a catalyst for leadership transformation is nothing short of remarkable.
In this interview, she reflects on her career, her unwavering mission to illuminate minds, and the challenges that fueled her determination.
CA: Onyeka, you’ve had an incredible journey. Can you take us back to where it all began?
Onyeka: My journey has been anything but conventional. I have worked in media, fashion journalism, art, finance, branding, advertising, logistics, healthcare, and finally, education. Every pivot revealed something deeper about my calling.
But there was one constant: teaching. No matter the industry, I found myself guiding, mentoring, and sharing insight.
Africa suffers from a light deficit, millions remain in the dark about opportunities and strategies for success.
My gift is insight, and my mission is illumination.
I don’t just teach; I liberate minds. I don’t just strategize; I architect futures. That’s what keeps me moving.
CA: How would you describe yourself and your impact, especially for the African continent?
Onyeka: I am a catalyst, a light bearer whose mission is to break barriers and open doors for women across Africa.
I see myself as a bridge between potential and possibility, helping women move from being overlooked to being unstoppable.
My impact is reflected in every woman who now speaks boldly, leads fearlessly, and influences globally because she dared to step into her power with guidance from our work.
I don’t just want to make an impact; I want to spark a chain reaction that transforms communities, countries, and ultimately, the continent.
CA: That’s so powerful. How did this passion evolve into founding ALI Global and DBD Global?
Onyeka: After experiencing firsthand the challenges of being a female C-suite executive, where power was a game of intimidation and psychological warfare, I realized the urgent need for structural support for women in leadership.
I faced psychological abuse, systemic undermining, and deliberate efforts to push me out.
Instead of breaking me, that experience fueled me.
I founded The Authentic Leadership Institute (ALI Global) to equip women with the skills, strategies, and confidence to advance into leadership without being silenced or diminished.
Alongside ALI Global, DBD Global became my platform to influence policy and build capacity for youth development and gender inclusion.
CA: Starting something so bold surely came with its own challenges. What were some of the biggest obstacles you faced with ALI Global?
Onyeka: One of the biggest challenges was pushing against deeply rooted societal and institutional biases.
Convincing stakeholders, even women themselves, that leadership is not a privilege but a responsibility that requires boldness and strategy was tough.
But the vision was clear: build a launchpad for African women to rise, and we stayed committed.
Also, building trust in a crowded space wasn’t easy.
But I believed in showing results.
Today, ALI Global has over 1,000 women in its community and has directly trained over 300 professionals across Nigeria, Ghana, Canada, the UK, and the US.
CA: That’s an incredible impact. What keeps you motivated when the road gets tough?
Onyeka: The drive comes from responsibility.
I see the darkness around, lack of knowledge, systemic oppression, and limited access. But I also see the light I carry.
Every time I watch a woman rise, speak boldly, or take up space in a boardroom because of something we taught or inspired, it reignites my fire.
CA: That’s incredible! I’m curious, how has your own background and experiences shaped the way you approach leadership education?
Onyeka: Well, my diverse background makes me very aware of the gaps between knowledge and power.
Having walked through industries where I often had to figure things out on my own, I deeply understand the need for mentorship and guidance.
At ALI Global, we focus on practical, strategic learning, beyond theory.
We host transformative workshops, real-world panel discussions, and hands-on training so women can immediately apply what they learn.
CA: Your work has been recognized across major platforms, and you’ve been featured in British Vogue, Channels Television, and Vogue Italia.
How does that recognition feel, and what impact has it had?
Onyeka: It’s humbling, of course. But beyond the recognition, it validates the work.
It shows that the world is paying attention to Africa’s leadership evolution, and that African women are claiming their space on the global stage.
That’s what I’m most proud of.
CA: What’s your vision for the future of ALI Global and for women’s leadership in Africa?
Onyeka: My vision is bold.
I see ALI Global becoming the foremost leadership academy for women in Africa and beyond, a place where women come to be equipped, empowered, and elevated into global decision-making spaces.
I want to see thousands more women stepping into boardrooms, shaping policies, and running global enterprises.
Ultimately, I want to ensure that no woman with leadership potential is left behind because of systemic barriers or lack of strategy.
Africa’s future depends on it.
Onyeka Nwobu’s remarkable journey reflects her resilience, insight, and relentless drive to spark change.
Her work continues to transform Africa’s leadership landscape, one woman, one breakthrough, one bold step at a time.
