Today on Crea8torium, we have someone whose life is more than just a game. Tunde Onakoya is reshaping futures.  With a small table and a big vision, he created Chess in Slums. But what he really created was a portal to possibility, opening doors for young people who’ve been overlooked by society.

From Nigeria to Times Square, Tunde is teaching children to see themselves not as pawns, but as kings and queens. But the story doesn’t stop there. Tunde’s journey is about answering a call to purpose, doing the work even when no one’s watching, and staying true to your vision—even when the world gets loud.

In this episode, we’re diving into the quiet, powerful decisions that shape big dreams. We’re talking about resilience, staying grounded under pressure, and authenticity on this journey, no matter how the odds are stacked.

Let’s get into it but one quick thing.

This episode was recorded shortly after Tunde's record-breaking 60+ hour chess marathon in Times Square. You may notice some sniffles — a testament to how deeply he pushed himself and how hard his body worked to recover. We’re grateful he came to share this moment with us, sniffles and all, reminding us that true greatness often leaves a mark. (And if you listen closely, you just might sniff a hint of the resilience that made him a champion.)

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:14 Handling Success

00:02:20 On Purpose (A Life’s Calling)

00:05:01 Preparing for The Spotlight 

00:07:56 Building Something Bigger Than You 

00:13:47 Navigating Your Identity

00:21:51 Chess In Slums, The Story

00:30:52 How To Storify ‘Boring’ Things

00:38:33 Evolving Through Purpose

00:44:37 Stories That Fuel Tunde 

00:51:39 The Secret Power of The African Child

00:56:31 Repurposing Pain

01:04:20 The Journey Towards The World Record

01:12:11 The Power of Resilience

01:16:17 Relationship With Fear 

01:25:43 Handling The Pressure of Fame 

01:35:17 How To Change Your Reality

01:40:30 How To Tell Stories That Impact 

Connect With Tunde Onakoya

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X: https://tinyurl.com/4jtx2st6

Chess In Slums Africa: https://tinyurl.com/5ckjvada

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