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At 26, She Became a Rocket Scientist – Now Dr. Wendy Okolo Is Uplifting the Next Generation

VIctor Akinwale
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At 26, She Became a Rocket Scientist – Now Dr. Wendy Okolo Is Uplifting the Next Generation

Some people follow the path laid before them. Others create a new flight plan – one that inspires generations to soar beyond what they once thought possible.

Dr. Wendy A. Okolo belongs to the second group.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Dr. Wendy didn’t grow up near space centers or surrounded by aerospace icons. But she was raised in a home where education mattered, curiosity was nurtured, and ambition was not a foreign language. That early support became the launchpad for a future she had never fully seen – but always believed was possible.

And by age 26, she became the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Today, she is not only one of NASA’s brightest minds, but a role model proving that your background doesn’t define your ceiling – your vision, work ethic, and purpose do.

Soaring in a Space Meant for Few

Dr. Wendy joined NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, where she quickly stood out – not just as a young engineer, but as a leader in systems design.

She contributed to NASA’s Orion spacecraft program, helping develop systems for one of the most advanced human spaceflight projects of our time. She also played key roles in the System-Wide Safety (SWS) Project and now works in NASA’s Intelligent Systems Division, building technologies that allow aircraft to “think” mid-flight – shaping the next generation of autonomous aviation.

Her research ensures that space and flight missions become not only possible but safer and more sustainable.

But beyond her brilliance in science and technology, what makes Dr. Wendy truly inspiring is who she never stopped being – a woman proud of her roots, committed to mentorship, and passionate about making space – both figuratively and literally – for others.

Honors That Reflect Her Impact

Dr. Wendy Okolo’s brilliance has been recognized across the globe. In 2019, she received the prestigious Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) as Most Promising Engineer in Government – a symbol of rising Black excellence in STEM. She also earned the NASA Ames Honor Award for her groundbreaking work in aerospace systems.

Named among OkayAfrica’s Top 20 Young Women in Africa, her story has appeared on CNN, BBC, Forbes, and The Guardian.

And yet, when she speaks, there’s no prideful posturing – just humility, vision, and a call to open doors for others.

“It’s not just about me. It’s about opening doors for others who may not see themselves represented in these spaces.” — Dr. Wendy Okolo

In June 2023, Dr. Wendy released her book titled Learn To Fly: On Becoming a Rocket Scientist – an academic memoir mixing personal anecdotes with actionable advice for anyone pursuing STEM. It emphasizes that everything is for everyone, from scholarships and time management to networking and grit.

A Role Model for a New Generation

Dr. Wendy’s presence in aerospace labs sends a powerful message: representation matters. She actively mentors students, especially young women – showing that science is not a gated club, but a frontier for all brilliance. Her journey reminds us that success is not just about achievement – it’s about inspiring and uplifting others.

In a fame-obsessed world, Dr. Wendy offers something deeper: legacy.

She doesn’t just make space for herself – she builds space for others. Her success is not loud – it’s rooted in purpose, service, and consistency. 

Finally 

Let Dr. Wendy Okolo’s story propel you upward – not just with talent, but with clarity, courage, and compassion.

You don’t need privilege to achieve greatness.

You need vision, discipline, and a purpose that lifts others as you rise.

Because the greatest success is not just aiming high, it’s bringing others along.

5 Strategic Lessons from Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu on Building a Global Brand from Scratch 

VIctor Akinwale
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5 Strategic Lessons from Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu on Building a Global Brand from Scratch 

In business, we often hear the phrase: “Start where you are.” But what does that actually look like when you have no funding, no connections, and you’re building from one of the world’s most overlooked neighborhoods?

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, a young woman from Zenabwork, Ethiopia, answered that question – not with tweets or TED Talks, but with action.

In 2005, she founded SoleRebels, a footwear company built using recycled tires, hand-woven fabrics, and traditional Ethiopian shoemaking techniques. Today, that company sells in over 50 countries, runs stores on multiple continents, and is celebrated globally for its innovation, sustainability, and authenticity.

But this isn’t just a story about success. It’s a blueprint.

Here are five timeless lessons we can all learn from how Bethlehem built a global brand from the ground up.

1. You Don’t Need Perfect Conditions to Start — You Need a Clear Vision

Bethlehem didn’t wait for investors or imported machinery. She started with what her community already had – skills, materials, and culture.

“We wanted to prove that we could compete globally – not as a charity, but as a world-class brand.” 
– Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

  • Lesson: Start with what’s in your hands. Tools will come. Capital can follow. But if you lack vision, nothing can grow.

2. Culture is Not a Limitation — It’s a Competitive Edge

Rather than imitate foreign fashion brands, she leaned deeply into local identity. SoleRebels became known for its authentic African craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and cultural pride.

  • Lesson: In a world of copies, originality wins. Root your brand in something real. People buy into authenticity before they buy the product.

3. Think Global from Day One — Even If You’re Still Local

Bethlehem didn’t build for her street alone. She built with a global consumer in mind – designing for quality, opening e-commerce channels, and speaking the language of ethical consumerism.

  • Lesson: Your environment may be small, but your mindset shouldn’t be. Design to scale. Prepare to export – even when you’re still in the prototype stage.

4. Sustainability is More Than a Trend — It’s a Business Model

Bethlehem didn’t chase green buzzwords. She built a company on waste reduction, local sourcing, and zero-carbon workshops. Today, SoleRebels is one of the most environmentally friendly footwear brands globally.

  • Lesson: You don’t need to harm the earth to make profit. Build models that serve people and the planet.

5. Ownership Matters — Don’t Build Just to Sell

Despite global recognition and media attention, Bethlehem stayed true to her roots and retained ownership of her company. Her focus wasn’t just scaling, but building a generational institution.

  • Lesson: Growth is great, but don’t lose your soul in the process. Protect your values. Own your story.

Closing Note 

Bethlehem’s story is not about being African. It’s about being bold. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to build something world-class. You can start where you are, use what you have, and grow into places you never imagined – if you stay grounded in purpose, originality, and service.

Build something worth building — not just for money, but for meaning.

From Survival to Significance: Ugochukwu Omeogu’s Journey of Purpose

VIctor Akinwale
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From Survival to Significance: Ugochukwu Omeogu’s Journey of Purpose

Not many stories begin with, “He wasn’t expected to survive.” But that’s how Ugochukwu Omeogu’s life began.

Born in Abia State, Nigeria, Ugochukwu contracted polio at just 18 months old. The illness left his legs paralyzed. Doctors gave little hope for survival, but his mother remembers the force in his cry, the fire in his eyes. That child – fragile but fiercely alive – would go on to prove that even when the body falters, the mind can still move mountains.

For over 40 years, he moved with crutches, but he never allowed them to carry his identity. He refused to be defined by pity or limitation. As a child, he would dress up and wait by the gate of his father’s house, hoping someone would help him get to school. One day, someone did. He later said, “If I hadn’t moved from the house to the gate, help would never have come.”

Even in limitation, he learned the power of positioning. He learned to show up – even when he didn’t know how things would work out.

His father once told him, “What happened to your legs did not affect your brain.” That one sentence became a foundation. Ugochukwu chose not to dwell on what wasn’t working – but to master what still was: his mind.

Years later, he later moved to the United States, self-educated through libraries, and rose in the corporate finance world. He worked with JP Morgan Chase and later became a regional leader at World Lending Group in Dallas. Still, something deeper called to him. 

Today, Ugochukwu is a mindset coach, business strategist, speaker, and the founder of Wealthinaire Academy and Merignos Consulting. Through his work, he helps individuals and organizations – especially across Africa – transform their thinking, create sustainable wealth, and walk in purpose. His passion is deeply personal: to raise a generation that refuses to be defined by limitation, and instead leans into the limitless potential of the mind. 

One of his most powerful reflections came from watching a man change a flat tyre. He thought, “If man includes a spare tyre, then God must have given me a spare leg. That leg is my mind.”

He teaches today that mental laziness is the real disability – and that anyone, with a trained mind, can rise.

“If your hands and legs are disabled but your mind is working,” he says, “you can rise above any circumstance and even lift men whose hands and legs distract them from using their brains.”

His life reminds us: wholeness isn’t about having everything – it’s about using what you’ve been given with intention.

Maybe this week, that’s the call – to stop waiting for perfect conditions. To move toward the gate. To remember that your mind is your spare. And with it, you can go farther than anyone expects.

You don’t need to have it all together. You just need to start – where you are, with what you have.

Celebrating Nigerian Men Who Are Raising The Bar In Different Spheres

Rachel E
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Celebrating Nigerian Men Who Are Raising The Bar In Different Spheres

Unfortunately, when we hear “Mental Health,” we often do not picture a man at the center of that conversation.  For years, men have been conditioned to “man up,” “hold it in,” and “tough it out.” But thankfully, things are changing. 

At The Brief Network, this June, we’re shining a light on Men’s Mental Health Month by celebrating men who are not only excelling in their careers but are also doing the inner work. These men are raising the bar not just in business, fashion, tech, or the arts, but in emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and holistic well-being.

Let’s meet some of the Nigerian men who are boldly leading the way: 

1. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu: Redefining Style, Substance & Self-Awareness

You may know him for his iconic agbadas and on-screen charisma, but Ebuka is more than a fashion icon. Over the years, he’s been candid about the pressure of public life, fatherhood, and staying mentally grounded in a fast-paced industry. His ability to balance vulnerability with elegance is setting a new tone for Nigerian men, one where mental clarity and success coexist.

Why he’s raising the bar:
He’s made it cool to care for yourself, your family, and your mental state, while still showing up as a boss in your field.

2. Dr. Ayomide Adebayo:  A Psychiatrist Normalizing Therapy for Men

In a society where therapy is still taboo for many, Dr. Ayomide is gently flipping the script. Through his practice and content, he’s helping Nigerian men understand that emotional wellness isn’t a weakness but a strength. His podcast and public engagements have become safe spaces for men to learn, unlearn, and begin their healing journeys.

Why he’s raising the bar:
He’s making mental health education accessible and relatable, especially to African men who often carry silent burdens.

3. Denola Grey: Championing Mental Wellness Through Creative Expression

Fashion consultant, writer, and actor Denola Grey is no stranger to self-expression. But beyond the clothes and content, he’s been a bold voice in discussing anxiety, depression, and the healing power of creativity. He’s proof that softness and strength can live in the same sentence.

Why he’s raising the bar:
He’s showing men that you can be fashionable, fabulous, and emotionally vulnerable without shame.

4. Fisayo Fosudo: The Tech Storyteller Building With Mindfulness

In the buzzing world of tech reviews and digital content, Fisayo Fosudo stands out not just for his high-quality videos but for his thoughtful approach to life and work. He’s open about pacing himself, staying grounded, and protecting his peace while building a thriving brand.

Why he’s raising the bar:
He prioritizes intention over hustle, proving you don’t have to burn out to succeed.

5. Noble Igwe: Fatherhood, Fashion, and The Power of Showing Up

Noble Igwe’s journey as a media entrepreneur and father is layered with intentionality. Through social media, he lets us into his world; where showing up for your family, taking care of your mind, and living stylishly don’t cancel each other out.

Why he’s raising the bar:
He’s changing the narrative around what a modern African man looks like: flawed, real, and emotionally present.

More Than A Hashtag #mensmentalhealthawareness: Why These Stories Matter

Men’s mental health is not a one-month conversation. It’s an everyday reality. These men aren’t perfect (none of us are), but they’re paving a path for younger generations to know that it’s okay to ask for help, to cry, to heal, and to grow.

At The Brief Network, we believe true success includes mental wellness. And as more men step into spaces of vulnerability, they’re not just raising the bar. They’re rebuilding it entirely.

To Every Man Reading This…

You are allowed to pause.
You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to seek help.
And yes, you are still strong.

Happy Men’s Mental Health Month.

Monetize Your Skills in the Digital Age: Lessons from Gary Vaynerchuk

VIctor Akinwale
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Monetize Your Skills in the Digital Age: Lessons from Gary Vaynerchuk

Have you been wondering how to turn your skills into a stream of income in today’s digital world? You’re not alone – and you’re not without guidance.

One of the clearest voices in this conversation is Gary Vaynerchuk – a serial entrepreneur, investor, author, and digital strategist who transformed a family wine business into a $60 million empire and went on to build VaynerMedia, one of the top marketing agencies globally. He’s known for helping people cut through the noise and build businesses by turning what they know into what they do – and what they do into what they earn.

So if you’ve ever asked yourself: How can I monetize what I know? Here’s a roadmap, inspired by lessons from someone who has helped thousands do exactly that.

1. Start With What You Know

Monetization doesn’t start with invention – it starts with self-awareness. Take inventory of what you’re already good at. It might be something others consider ordinary: explaining things clearly, designing, editing, organizing, writing, cooking, or fixing things. These aren’t just hobbies. They’re assets.

Don’t overthink it. Simplicity scales. As Gary once put it, “Skills are cheap. Passion is priceless.” You don’t need a brand-new idea. You need clarity on what you already carry.

Stop asking, “Is this enough?” and start asking, “Who can this help?”

2. Share the Process, Not Just the Product

People don’t just connect with finished work – they connect with the journey behind it. Instead of trying to create the perfect content or look like an expert, start documenting your process. Show your progress, your challenges, your routines, your wins, and even your mistakes.

This approach builds trust. You’re not just showing what you do – you’re showing who you are. And trust always comes before transactions.

3. Offer Value Before You Ask

The biggest mistake many creators and entrepreneurs make is asking for attention before earning it. The digital economy runs on value, not noise. Teach something. Entertain. Solve problems. Inspire action.

When people find answers or energy in your content, they keep coming back. That loyalty is what leads to buying, booking, or referring.

Gary says it best:

“Give value. Give value. Give value. Then ask.”

4. Build Community, Not Just an Audience

It’s not about how many followers you have, it’s about how many you care for. Respond to comments. Thank people who support your work. Ask questions. Start conversations.

One person who feels seen will tell ten others. This is how movements grow – one connection at a time.

And remember: “Legacy is greater than currency.” Focus on building impact, not just income.

5. Stay Consistent, Even When It’s Quiet

The first few weeks or months might feel slow. You may post without much engagement. But consistency is what separates those who grow from those who give up. You’re not failing – you’re planting seeds.

Keep refining your skill. Keep showing up. Keep creating. In Gary’s words:

“Patience is the secret weapon of the successful.”

The Takeaway

You don’t need a fancy logo, a viral moment, or a million followers. You need a skill, a phone, and the courage to begin.

Start where you are. Serve who you can. Share what you know. There’s someone out there who needs what you do – and they’re searching for it online right now.

As Gary Vee reminds us: 

“The internet is the most powerful tool we’ve ever had. It levels the playing field. Use it.”

This week, choose to stop waiting and start building.

Your future doesn’t start when things are perfect.

It starts when you do.

Homegrown Greatness: The Inspiring Creative Journey of Trevor Stuurman

VIctor Akinwale
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Homegrown Greatness: The Inspiring Creative Journey of Trevor Stuurman

Some people wait to be discovered. Others dare to show up – and become undeniable.

Trevor Stuurman is proof that when you embrace who you are, where you’re from, and what makes you different, the world eventually leans in to listen.

Long before the world celebrated African fashion, art, and aesthetics, Trevor was already documenting them with bold pride and quiet conviction. Where others saw ordinary, he saw magic. Where others saw limitations, he found legacy. His lens became his revolution. 

Raised in Kimberley, South Africa, Trevor didn’t learn style from runways or magazines. His education came from family gatherings, township vibrancy, and the sacred rituals of everyday life. Sunday-best clothes, floral couches, corner barber shops – these were his first fashion houses, galleries, and studios.

“I’m inspired by home,” he once said. “Everything I do starts there.”

And from that homegrown inspiration, he built a global platform.

Since winning the SA Elle Style Reporter competition in 2012, Trevor has collaborated with cultural icons like Barack Obama, Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, and Chimamanda Adichie. He has grown into one of Africa’s most influential creative voices. His work has appeared in Vogue, GQ, and global campaigns for Apple, BMW, Dior, and more. Still, his greatest achievement may be this: he never left Africa behind—he brought her forward. 

“I create images that reflect the world I want to live in,” he shared in an interview with Between 10and5. “A world where African stories are told by Africans and are as desirable as they are authentic.”

A Lens That Tells the Truth

Trevor doesn’t just take photos – he captures essence.
His images are unapologetically African: bold colors, sacred traditions, modern elegance, and deep-rooted pride. From children wrapped in tradition to women crowned in confidence, his art tells a story of resilience, beauty, and belonging.

But behind every photo is a philosophy:

“The lens I use is an extension of my identity,” he said. “It’s how I see the world, and how I want the world to see Africa.”

More than a creative, Trevor is a custodian of culture. A stylist. A director. A storyteller. A visionary. He doesn’t just celebrate African heritage – he archives it for future generations.

His work reminds us that art isn’t just about what we see; it’s about what we choose to remember.

Creativity with Conviction

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world in 2020, Trevor chose to create. Amid fear and uncertainty, he launched visual campaigns that honored frontline African workers, uplifted stories of hope, and turned pain into power through art.

That moment revealed his truest gift:
To turn creativity into healing. Imagination into activism. Art into advocacy.

His work during the pandemic wasn’t about content, it was about connection. A reminder that in our darkest moments, we still carry light. 

The Takeaway? It’s You

Trevor Stuurman’s rise is more than a success story – it’s a blueprint for belief.

It teaches us that you don’t need permission to be great. That your background is not your barrier – it’s your foundation. That the most powerful story you can tell is your own.

“Representation matters. It shapes our reality,” he said. “That’s why I continue to show up and create what I want to see more of.”

This Inspire Monday, let Trevor’s journey awaken something in you: You don’t need to chase trends. You don’t need to shrink to fit the frame. You don’t need to wait for applause.

You need only to start.
To see yourself clearly.
To tell your truth boldly.

Whatever your lens – your words, your voice, your vision, pick it up and use it with intention. Frame your world with purpose. And let the world adjust its focus.

What Nearly Broke Her, Built Her. The Resilience of Ruby Agu

Seun Tayo-Balogun
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What Nearly Broke Her, Built Her. The Resilience of Ruby Agu

When Ruby Agu was diagnosed with low blood pressure in 2011 at age 31—after having two children—she didn’t realize how serious it was. She followed the doctor’s prescriptions, but never really connected the dots between her health, her heart, and her lifestyle.

Like many women, she assumed her weight was simply “baby weight,” something to shed for looks—not health. That would change in 2013.

After delivering her third child, Ruby received a diagnosis that shook her: Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH)—a serious condition where the heart’s left ventricle thickens, making it harder to pump blood and potentially leading to heart failure. But instead of prescribing medication, her cardiologist prescribed weight loss.

Under medical supervision, she lost 10kg in one month, and that marked the beginning of FitAuntyRuby. In 12 months, she lost a total of 35kg.

But weight loss wasn’t the only battle she fought.

Following her third delivery, Ruby began to experience abnormal and prolonged menstrual bleeding. Her first postnatal period lasted over 2.5 weeks, followed by episodes that came in waves of 10 to 17 days. Weak, dizzy, and constantly bleeding, she leaned on her mother for support.

Eventually, after consulting with multiple specialists, Ruby made the difficult decision to undergo a hysterectomy just 7 months after giving birth via C-section.

During her post-op review, she received yet another critical piece of information: The mass they thought was fibroid was actually endometrial hyperplasia—a condition that could have progressed to endometrial cancer within 18 months if left untreated.

The Emergency Surgery

In 2016, Ruby began to feel unimaginable abdominal pain, rushed to the hospital, and throwing up repeatedly. Tests, scans, and prolonged suffering led to an exploratory laparotomy—a major abdominal surgery.

The cause? A severe intestinal obstruction that had already led to perforation in both her large and small intestines. Portions had to be removed and patched up. Healing took time. It still does.

“So the next time you wanna judge my abs as a fitness trainer—DON’T! You have no idea what I, or this stomach, have been through.”

Ruby Agu

A Life Rebuilt with Purpose

Today, Ruby Agu is not just a fitness coach. She is a survivor. A woman who turned her pain into purpose. Her story is proof that fitness is not just about aesthetics—it’s about reclaiming life, protecting your health, and honoring your body.

She now helps others transform their lives—not just through exercise, but through knowledge, compassion, and lived experience.

About Ruby Agu

Ruby Agu is a certified trainer and health coach with specialties in Lifestyle & Weight Management (NESTA), Fitness Nutrition Consulting (NESTA), and more. She is the founder of FitAuntyRuby and a strong advocate for sustainable wellness, especially among women navigating motherhood, recovery, and long-term health.

The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson – 7 Lessons That Might Change How You Live

VIctor Akinwale
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The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson – 7 Lessons That Might Change How You Live

In a world obsessed with positivity, performance, and curated perfection, Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* cuts through the noise with brutal honesty and refreshing clarity. This best-selling book doesn’t offer the usual motivational fluff. Instead, it presents a surprisingly grounded guide to living a focused, intentional, and meaningful life by choosing deliberately – what truly deserves our time, energy, and emotional investment.

With a voice that is equal parts philosophical and street-smart, Manson challenges readers to abandon the endless pursuit of happiness and instead embrace responsibility, discomfort, and clarity. His core message is simple yet profound:

“You only have so many fcks to give, so give them carefully.”

Here are seven compelling lessons the book offers:

1. Not Everything Deserves Your Energy

Manson’s central thesis is that our emotional bandwidth is limited. Trying to care about everything – every opinion, failure, or expectation is a surefire path to burnout. Maturity, he argues, is about knowing what truly matters and letting go of the rest.

“Maturity is what happens when one learns to only give a fck about what’s truly fckworthy.”

Lesson: Living well requires discernment. Focus on what aligns with your values and let go of the distractions.

2. Pain Is an Inevitable Part of Growth

Instead of promising a life free from pain, Manson emphasizes that struggle is part of the process. In his words,

 “Who you are is defined by what you’re willing to struggle for.”

 Every meaningful pursuit, whether it’s building a career, nurturing relationships, or chasing a dream – demands discomfort.

Lesson: The path to purpose is often paved with struggle. Pain isn’t something to avoid – it’s something to choose wisely.

3. You Are Always Responsible for Your Choices

One of the book’s strongest themes is ownership. Even when life throws unfair circumstances our way, Manson reminds us that how we interpret and respond is always within our control.

“We don’t always control what happens to us. But we always control how we interpret what happens to us, as well as how we respond.”

Lesson: You may not control every situation, but you always control your response. That’s where true power lies.

4. Certainty Is the Enemy of Growth

In a culture of strong opinions and echo chambers, Manson urges readers to welcome uncertainty. He argues that being open to being wrong is essential for personal evolution.

Lesson: Humility is a superpower. Growth only happens when you’re willing to challenge your own beliefs.

5. You’re Not Special – And That’s Liberating

Manson makes the bold claim that believing we’re special or entitled to an extraordinary life sets us up for disappointment. True freedom, he says, comes from embracing our ordinariness and letting go of the need for validation.

 “Entitlement strips us of our ability to grow. It’s the opposite of accountability.”

Lesson: You don’t need to be exceptional to live meaningfully. Embrace your humanity, and focus on what you can control.

6. Happiness Comes From Solving Problems

Happiness, according to Manson, isn’t about luxury or escaping challenges. It comes from facing meaningful problems head-on and making progress. 

“Happiness comes from solving problems.”

Lesson: Fulfillment doesn’t come from ease, it comes from overcoming what matters.

7. Death Clarifies What Matters Most

In the closing chapters, Manson reflects on mortality as a source of wisdom. Far from being dark, he frames death as a clarifying force that helps us live better.

“You are going to die someday. And in the face of that terrifying reality, everything else becomes more meaningful.”

Lesson: Life is short. Let your values, not fear or comparison – shape your priorities.

A Thought to Leave You With 

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* is not your typical self-help book. It doesn’t offer empty affirmations or polished success formulas. Instead, it gives readers a sobering, liberating message: you’re not promised an easy life, but you can choose to live a meaningful one.

This book is for anyone feeling overwhelmed, lost in the noise of expectations, or looking for clarity in a culture that tells us to always want more. 

Sometimes, real growth begins not when we say “yes” to more, but when we start saying “no” to what doesn’t matter

Ready to rethink how you live and lead?
Grab your copy of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* here, and start choosing what really counts.

Nelly Cheboi: The Woman Using TechLit Africa to Build a Generation of African Dreamers

VIctor Akinwale
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Nelly Cheboi: The Woman Using TechLit Africa to Build a Generation of African Dreamers

There are stories that stir you. Not because they begin with privilege or prestige, but because they are born out of struggle and lit by a relentless desire to rewrite the narrative.

Nelly Cheboi’s story is one of them.

Born and raised in Mogotio, a small rural village in Kenya, Nelly grew up in a home where going hungry wasn’t unusual, and attending school barefoot was a norm. Poverty was her daily reality – raw and unforgiving. Yet even as a child, she was certain of one thing: 

“I never forgot what it felt like to go to bed hungry. That gave me the fuel to change things.”

Today, Nelly Cheboi is the founder of TechLit Africa, a nonprofit bringing computer science and digital opportunities to thousands of children across rural Kenya. But her journey to becoming CNN’s Hero of the Year in 2022 wasn’t paved with convenience – it was defined by courage.

A Vision Beyond Borders 

In 2012, Nelly won a full scholarship to study Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at Augustana College in Illinois. She had never touched a computer before then. Yet within four years, she wasn’t only writing code – she was already building a vision to transform her hometown.

She worked multiple jobs, lived frugally, and even cleaned toilets to save money. Why? To start a school in her village and ship donated computers back to Kenya. She personally carried suitcases full of tech on her flights home, refusing to let distance, bureaucracy, or burnout hinder her mission.

When she co-founded TechLit Africa in 2019, it wasn’t just about bringing hardware into classrooms. It was about building a system where young kids could learn tangible skills like HTML, typing, Python, graphic design, and even video editing – skills that could one day earn them a living beyond local limitations.

“I’m passionate about creating employment opportunities for people in rural Africa. My goal is not just to give them tools, but to give them purpose.”

A System That Gives Hope 

TechLit Africa now reaches over 4,000 students across 10 schools and counting. In places where access to the internet once felt like a fantasy, children now build websites, solve coding challenges, and gain confidence to imagine themselves as global contributors – not just passive consumers.

What makes Nelly’s work so compelling isn’t just the technology – it’s her belief that hope is best delivered with systems. Sustainable ones. She trains locals to become tech instructors. She ensures computers are recycled and repurposed. She builds bridges not just between continents, but between generations and their dreams.

She says,

“I don’t just want to tell these kids they matter. I want to give them the tools to prove it to the world.”

Lessons from Nelly Cheboi

Nelly’s journey is a masterclass in what’s possible when passion meets perseverance. She teaches us that you don’t need to wait for perfect conditions to start something meaningful. You just need a reason that’s bigger than your comfort.

Her life echoes this truth:

Empowerment doesn’t always start with a microphone or a massive stage – it often begins quietly, with one bold step toward service.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by where to start or what impact you can make, remember Nelly’s story. Start with what you have. Ask what you can carry. Give what you know. Build what you believe. Even if you must carry computers in suitcases, do it.

Because the world doesn’t change by watching from the sidelines. It changes when people like Nelly Cheboi step in – and stay.

Inspire Monday Challenge:

This week, think of one area where you can serve, teach, or uplift – even if it seems small. What skill do you have that could change someone else’s story?

And as Nelly Cheboi reminds us:

 “Poverty has an expiration date. If we give people the right skills and the right tools, we can end it – in our lifetime.”

Let’s believe that. Let’s build that.

Faith over Formulas: Gbemisola Adebayo on Building Differently

Seun Tayo-Balogun
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Faith over Formulas: Gbemisola Adebayo on Building Differently

There’s often quiet pressure to follow the same scaling strategies everyone else is using—more products, more followers, more funding. But for faith-driven founders, success isn’t about doing what works for the world; it’s about doing what aligns with God’s Word.

This week on Founders Friday, Gbemisola Adebayo, founder of the beauty brand Hegai & Esther, shares a powerful reflection on five popular business scaling strategies—and how they sometimes clash with timeless biblical truths.

From the myth that “you need many products to succeed” to the pressure of “having a large social media following,” her insights challenge us to reframe growth—not just as something we chase, but something we steward. Her message is a reminder that faith, not formulas, is our true compass.

Each slide is rich with Scripture, storytelling, and soul. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling something big, this wisdom might be what you need.

1. You Need Many Products to Succeed

  • What the world says: A wide range of products increases revenue and market reach.
  • What the Word says: “How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had surrendered them?” — Deuteronomy 32:30

2. You Must Be Educated by Experts to Scale

  • What the world says: Formal business education is essential for success.
  • What the Word says: David didn’t defeat Goliath with formal training, he used the skills he had acquired in solitude, tending sheep and fighting wild animals.

3. You Need a Large Social Media Following to Grow

  • What the world says: Strategic networking is key to breakthrough opportunities.
  • What the Word says: “Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave.’” — Judges 7:3

4. You Must Network with the Right People to Scale

  • What the world says: Strategic networking is key to breakthrough opportunities.
  • What the Word says: David didn’t maneuver his way into Saul’s court — God orchestrated it. “Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread everywhere…” Song of Solomon 4:16

5. You Can’t Grow Without External Funding

  • What the world says: You need investors or loans to scale.
  • What the Word says: God gave Jacob a divine strategy for breeding strong livestock. Without external capital, he became exceedingly wealthy. “In this way the man grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and female and male servants, and camels and donkeys.” – ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭30‬:‭43

Final Reflection:

In her own words, Christian entrepreneurs are called to operate by faith, not formulas. Yes wisdom is profitable to direct, but never let secular strategies drown out divine instructions. God is still in the business of raising people with little and making much of them.

About Gbemisola Adebayo:

Gbemisola Adebayo is a seasoned beauty entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. She began her journey in Lagos, Nigeria as a makeup artist, and is the founder of Hegai & Esther, a beauty brand known for creating simplified, skincare-infused makeup products tailored to the unique needs of African women. Her mission is to make beauty effortless, inclusive, and empowering for women everywhere.

The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.

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