Meet Evans Akanno

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Evans Akanno a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Evans, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience, for me, is a product of experience, environment, and a relentless drive to keep moving forward.

I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, in an Igbo family as the third of five siblings. Life in Nigeria presents its own set of challenges—the stories you hear, the realities you see unfold, and the resilience it demands from you daily. The country’s unpredictability, from economic instability to limited opportunities, will test your patience and force you to adapt.

After graduating with a degree in Industrial Chemistry in 2010, I found myself without immediate job opportunities. Instead of waiting, I took matters into my own hands—I self-taught design, started freelancing, and eventually built and ran a digital agency for seven years. That experience taught me resilience in a very practical way. Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, especially in an environment with infrastructural and financial limitations, but it forces you to think creatively, problem-solve, and push through setbacks.

Immigrating to the U.S. brought its own set of challenges, requiring me to navigate new systems, rebuild networks, and continuously prove my worth. Each of these experiences—growing up in Nigeria, building a business from scratch, and starting fresh in a new country—has reinforced my belief that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship; it’s about finding ways to thrive despite it.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the Design Lead at Vzy, an AI-powered website builder that empowers entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creators to launch stunning, professional websites effortlessly. At Vzy, we believe that building an online presence shouldn’t be complicated or expensive, and our goal is to make website creation as seamless as possible.

What makes Vzy special is how we leverage AI and no-code technology to simplify website building. With just a few clicks, users can generate a fully functional website in seconds, customize it without technical skills, and even optimize it for SEO and conversions—all without the usual complexity of traditional web development.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work at Vzy is the constant innovation—we’re not just creating websites; we’re redefining how people interact with technology to grow their brands. We’ve served thousands of users worldwide, and our platform continues to evolve with new features that make design and digital strategy accessible to everyone.

We’re currently expanding AI-driven automation within Vzy, integrating smarter tools for content generation, personalized design suggestions, and even AI-assisted branding. Additionally, we’re exploring new e-commerce capabilities to help small businesses scale faster.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or small business owner looking for a fast, intuitive, and affordable way to build your online presence, Vzy is built for you. 🚀

Check us out at https://vzy.ai

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Adapt: Be Flexible
Opportunities don’t always come as expected, and adaptability is key. I started with a degree in Industrial Chemistry but pivoted into design, product development, and AI, allowing me to evolve with industry trends. I’ve continuously invested in my education, earning a Harvard certification in Innovation & Strategy, a Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of California, and a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence in Business from the University of the Cumberlands. Staying open to learning and embracing change has helped me turn setbacks into opportunities.

2. Problem-Solving
Every challenge presents an opportunity to innovate. Whether bootstrapping businesses with limited resources, tackling the complexities of AI-driven product development, or navigating immigration hurdles, I’ve learned that focusing on solutions rather than obstacles makes all the difference. Breaking problems down, seeking different perspectives, and staying resourceful have been crucial in overcoming setbacks.

3. Build Resilience
Growing up in Lagos and immigrating to the U.S. reinforced that resilience is everything. Life and business come with unexpected challenges, but persistence and grit will carry you through. Embracing failure as part of success and staying committed to long-term goals have helped me push forward, no matter the circumstances. Resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship; it’s about continuously adapting, learning, and thriving despite challenges.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

It truly takes a village. My journey has been shaped by God, my family, friends, and mentors, each playing a crucial role in helping me navigate challenges and build essential skills.

My faith in God has been a guiding force, providing strength and clarity through difficult times. My family has been my foundation—offering unwavering support, encouragement, and motivation to keep pushing forward. Friends and mentors have been instrumental in expanding my knowledge, offering valuable advice, and helping me see opportunities where I once saw obstacles.

Success isn’t a solo journey. Having a strong support system has made all the difference, reminding me that resilience, learning, and growth are collective efforts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://evansakanno.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evansakanno/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evansakanno/
• Twitter: https://x.com/evansakanno