Reclaiming Narratives with Black History Month 2024

October is Black History Month, and this year's theme is Reclaiming Narratives, marking a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. 

To mark the month, we asked our MBA participants and alumni to share their Black in Business role model or influence with us, celebrating the impact their contributions have had on their individual and collective journeys. Read on to find out who our community selected, and why their stories resonated. 

Abiola Ayanleye - Full-time MBA

As I reflect on the theme of Black History Month 2024, one person who has profoundly influenced my entrepreneurial journey is Rihanna. Known globally for her music, Rihanna has become a business mogul through her ventures such as Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Savage X Fenty. Her evolution from a global pop star to a powerhouse in the beauty and fashion industries speaks to her ability to reclaim and redefine her narrative - a story that resonates deeply with me.

Rihanna’s story is one of transformation, fearlessness, and a relentless pursuit of her vision, which has been incredibly inspiring as I navigate my own business journey. She didn’t just create another beauty line—she built one that is inclusive, serving underrepresented people of color in a way the beauty industry had previously ignored. This idea of creating spaces for people who have been overlooked or underserved is at the core of my vision for my paint and sip restaurant in Nigeria. Like Rihanna, I wanted to build something more than a business; I wanted to create a space where people from all walks of life can come together, express themselves, and be celebrated.

Having recently completed my MBA, I have gained the tools and confidence to grow my business further, much like how Rihanna used her platform to expand her reach beyond entertainment into industries where her influence could have a lasting impact. Her success in building an empire from scratch motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries in my own venture, knowing that I can carve out my own path in the business world without compromising my creativity or identity.

Rihanna’s commitment to inclusivity and her fearless approach to entrepreneurship are qualities I strive to emulate. As I work to expand my restaurant, I look to her story as a reminder that we can reclaim our own narratives and build something transformative that leaves a lasting impact—not just in business but in our communities as well.

Freddy Bob-Jones - Global Online MBA

As an experienced executive in the social impact & international development space, I've long admired resilient entrepreneurs who leverage their skills and resilience to drive meaningful change. One such trailblazer is Tope Awotona, the founder and CEO of the business scheduling app ‘Calendly’, whose journey from humble beginnings to building a billion-dollar company is nothing short of inspiring.

A shared immigrant experience

Tope's story resonates deeply with me as we both navigated the challenges and opportunities of being immigrants. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Tope moved to the United States as a teenager, determined to build a better life. Likewise, my parents moved to the UK in the 1960s to build a better life for themselves. My journey has taken me from the UK (where I was born) to West Africa, East Africa and South Asia, where I've led diverse teams in delivering high-impact results across the private and public sectors.

Executing to solving real problems

What strikes me about Tope's entrepreneurial journey is his commitment to solving real problems. With Calendly, he addressed a pain point he experienced first-hand - the hassle of scheduling meetings. Now his software eases that hassle for over 10 million users. This user-centric approach aligns with my own work in international development, where I've focused on driving operational excellence and delivering transformative initiatives to help improve lives and deliver social impact.

For instance, as the Managing Director of Aceli Africa, I'm working with a fantastic team to help bridge the financing gap for agricultural SMEs in East Africa. By designing innovative financial incentives and collaborating with a network of commercial lending partners, we're mobilising private-sector lending and uplifting smallholder farmers across the continent.

Perseverance in the face of adversity

Tope's journey with Calendly was far from smooth sailing. He bootstrapped the company for years, facing countless rejections from investors who didn't see the potential. Yet, he persevered, driven by his unwavering belief in his vision. This resilience resonates with my experiences leading complex, multi-million dollar initiatives in challenging contexts. While at the UK Department for International Development, I was heavily involved in assisting the democratically elected Afghan Government in laying the groundwork for economic growth. Despite numerous obstacles, our team's unwavering determination allowed us to achieve a significant impact on a large scale.

Paving paths for others

What inspires me most about Tope's story is his commitment to uplifting others. With Calendly's success, he's actively working to create opportunities for underrepresented founders and invest in the next generation of diverse leaders. This ethos of paying it forward is one I strive to embody in my leadership journey. From mentoring young professionals looking to break into international development to driving inclusive hiring practices, I believe we all have a role in holding the door open for others.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let's draw strength from trailblazers like Tope Awotona, whose journeys remind us of the power of resilience, ingenuity, and the unshakeable belief in a better future. 

Adebola Rotilu - Full-time MBA

When reflecting on Black business role models, my former Head of Department immediately comes to mind. He is not only an astute finance professional but also a dedicated family man. What makes his story so powerful to me is his unwavering humility, generosity, and the way he balanced his ambitions with giving back to others.

In the Nigerian context, where educational hierarchies can be limiting, he defied the odds. He started with a Higher National Diploma but never let that define his potential. He worked relentlessly, becoming a Chartered Accountant, completing a Master’s degree in Accounting, and eventually earning an MBA—all while continuing to excel in the banking industry. His resilience and determination have been guiding lights for me, showing that circumstances don’t dictate your ceiling.

When I shared my plans to pursue an MBA, his support was immediate and invaluable. His journey inspired me to realise that no dream is too big, and no challenge insurmountable, as long as you’re willing to persist. His influence played a key role in how I’ve approached my own career and life decisions, reminding me that reclaiming my narrative is within my power.

He showed me that it’s possible to not only thrive professionally but also to shape the stories we tell about ourselves—stories of perseverance, growth, and limitless potential.

Malik Abdullahi - Full-time MBA

My paternal grandmother has been one of the most significant influences in my life. Although we rarely exchanged words due to the language barrier, her achievements, work ethic, unwavering dedication, and care for others have shaped my core values.

Born and raised within the royal palace in Okene, a town in the North Central region of Nigeria, she dedicated her life to weaving the finest tapestries. Her attention to detail and craftsmanship earned her respect far beyond our hometown, with her creations becoming sought after in places as distant as Lagos. A highlight of her career came in 1960 when she was selected to present one of her tapestries to Princess Alexandra of Kent during Nigeria’s independence celebration. The fact that she was chosen for such a prestigious event speaks volumes about the quality of her work and the recognition she garnered.

Despite not having a formal education, she was inherently intelligent. I vividly remember watching her beam with pride when she learned to write her name for the first time, even though she was already well into her seventies. Witnessing her determination to acquire a new skill at that age made a deep impression on me, teaching me that it is never too late to learn or to strive for something new.

As she grew older and could no longer sit at the loom, she ensured that her skills were passed down to the next generation by training the younger women in the town. This selflessness in sharing her knowledge and empowering others is also a testament to her character.

I strive to leave a positive impression on those around me wherever I find myself. I achieve this through my approach to tasks, and the way I build and maintain relationships with my peers and colleagues. I also believe my inquisitive nature and drive to learn new things pushes others to do the same. This is one trait my grandmother encouraged me to adopt by pushing me to complete every task to the best of my ability.

My grandmother’s resilience, dedication, and care for her community have inspired me to approach my own work and life with the same level of commitment and generosity. Though she is no longer with us, the threads of her influence remain tightly woven into the fabric of my life.

Ugochi Agoreyo - Full-time MBA

When we think of Burna Boy, the "African Giant" who has taken the world by storm with his Afrobeat sound, it's hard not to recognise the key player behind his success: Bose Ogulu, his mother and manager. Bose Ogulu has not only been pivotal in managing Burna Boy’s career but has also created a strong foundation that has allowed his talent to flourish on an international stage. Through her unwavering dedication, keen business acumen, and deep belief in the richness of Black and African culture, Bose has nurtured one of the most significant Afrobeat artists of our time.

Bose Ogulu’s contribution goes far beyond traditional artist management. She has been instrumental in crafting a brand for Burna Boy that doesn’t conform to the mould of global music trends but rather stays true to his African roots while appealing to a global audience. Through careful planning and a long-term vision, she has elevated Burna Boy from a rising star in Nigeria to a household name in music capitals worldwide. Bose’s efforts in structuring Burna Boy's brand have played a key role in the international recognition of Afrobeat, a genre deeply rooted in African heritage and the Black experience.

Her skillful management has helped to craft not only Burna Boy’s sound but also his image, allowing him to headline some of the world’s most prestigious stages—from the Grammy Awards to sold-out arenas in London, New York, and Paris. Through her strategic leadership, Bose has created a platform that showcases Burna Boy’s music and celebrates African culture on an international level, all while managing one of the most successful and culturally influential music brands of our time.

Bose Ogulu and her team have also contributed to shifting the global perspective on music awards. Their relentless push for Afrobeat’s rightful place in the global music conversation has helped create space for the genre at awards such as the Grammys and BET Awards. Afrobeat, once seen as niche or regional, is now recognised for its global appeal, thanks in part to Bose’s work in putting the genre on the map. This contribution to global music awards has paved the way for future African artists and genres of Black and African heritage, showcasing that African stories, sounds, and experiences can not only compete but excel on the world stage.

What makes Bose’s work truly remarkable is her dedication to the cause. She believed in Burna Boy’s potential long before the world did, and her commitment to excellence has been a driving force behind his success. Bose’s ability to nurture talent that others might overlook serves as a reminder that we don’t have to fit into preconceived notions of success. Our story is uniquely ours, and Black people can carve their own paths, make history, and set new standards for excellence. She has shown that through hard work, discipline, and staying true to our identity, we can create our own table and thrive in spaces that were not always designed for us.

Reflecting on her journey, I am inspired to think about the talent within our own communities. Bose Ogulu’s approach to nurturing talent, particularly that which reflects the richness of African culture, has spurred me to think about the potential that lies in our people. She challenges us to look beyond the limits imposed by others and to believe in our ability to create something entirely our own. This resonates deeply with the theme of Black History Month 2024—Reclaiming Narratives. Bose has indeed reclaimed the African narrative in music, showing the world that Black people can own and excel in telling their stories.

For me, Bose Ogulu stands as a powerful role model in business, as her work is not just about managing talent but about creating an enduring legacy that represents African excellence on the global stage. Her journey intertwines with mine as I continue to learn that in business, as in life, excellence comes from staying authentic to who we are and lifting up those around us to create something bigger than ourselves.

At WBS we are committed to creating an environment that promotes the representation, wellbeing and development of Black professionals in business. Our Championing Diversity – Black in Business scholarship is open to MBA candidates from Black or mixed Black backgrounds. Discover more on our MBA scholarships page.