Former Amazon Prime CMO, Ukonwa Ojo shares her journey from Nigerian schoolgirl to global marketing executive and finally to purpose-driven entrepreneur. After 27 years in corporate America, including roles as CMO for MAC Cosmetics and SVP for Cover Girl, Ukonwa made the brave decision to walk away from the "golden handcuffs" to pursue her God-given purpose. Her story reveals important lessons about authenticity, faith, and finding true fulfillment.

You will learn:

• How to leverage your uniqueness: "Your sameness gets you in, but your difference takes you further" - embrace what makes you stand out.
• How to navigate being "the first" or "the only": When asked to change, request examples of others delivering your results while fitting the mold—this reveals impossible expectations.
• How to recognize when it's time for a career pivot: Notice when how you spend your time contradicts your stated priorities—this misalignment signals change is needed.
• How to transition from corporate to entrepreneurship: Prepare to "eat your ego on a plate" as you shift from leading large teams to hands-on founder work.
• How to follow your purpose: Flow with your current rather than swimming against it—following your destiny brings more joy with less struggle.

What We Discuss:

[00:00] - Welcome to Season Two's Video Premiere

[03:09] - Nigerian Roots: Ukonwa's Formative Years

[05:42] - Early Career Aspirations and Family Influence

[08:29] - The Journey Through Education and Corporate America

[11:20] - The Loneliness of Being "The Only One" in the Room

[18:39] - Living Authentically: Bringing Your Whole Self to Work

[22:23] - The Pyramid Theory: How Difference Drives Success

[27:51] - Full Circle Moment: Returning to Queen's College Nigeria

[31:33] - The Kadara Moment: Deciding to Leave Corporate America

[37:44] - The Courage to Pivot: Faith and Family Support

[44:15] - Building Zaia: A Platform Uniting Christians Worldwide

[46:09] - Honoring Her Mother Through Ada & Edith Fashion Line

[54:44] - The Entrepreneurship Adjustment: Eating Your Ego

[59:49] - Coming Full Circle: Speaking as CEO, Not CMO

[01:16:53] - Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Wisdom

[01:24:38] - Finding Your Current: The River Metaphor for Destiny

Connect with Ukonwa Ojo

Websites: Zaia | Ada & Edith

Socials: Ukonwa on IG | Zaia IG | Ada & Edith IG

Resource Mentioned: The Pursuit of Purpose - Dr. Myles Munroe

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About The Podcast

The Kádàrá Woman Podcast is dedicated to amplifying the often-overlooked impact-driven stories of remarkable African women (and women of the diaspora) who pivoted into their purpose and became barrier breakers, status quo challengers and change makers around the world. This podcast spotlights the journeys of purpose-driven African women who are reshaping their lives through intentional living and powerful mindset shifts. 

While we spotlight African women's experiences, our stories resonate deeply with a global audience of ambitious, forward-thinking women seeking inspiration and practical insights.

Hosted by Lola Soyebo Harris, this inspiring series explores how impact-driven African women navigate self-doubt, embrace service, and master their purpose while making pivotal decisions in their careers and personal lives. This podcast is an essential resource for those interested in personal development, mindset transformation, African women's empowerment, and purpose-driven living. 

This podcast is a production of Kadara Media LLC. All rights reserved.