Meet Emeka Anusionwu

We were lucky to catch up with Emeka Anusionwu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Emeka with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic comes from a combination of responsibility, vision, and drive.

I carry the weight of leadership in multiple arenas: supporting my city’s economic development, showing up for my daughter, and striving for generational wealth. That kind of responsibility tends to forge a strong internal drive. I value discipline above all else —whether it’s in the gym, in business, or in how I pursue knowledge across philosophy, science, and history. I think my ambition to become a multimillionaire isn’t just about money—it’s about freedom, legacy, and impact.

In short, my work ethic seems rooted in a deep desire to elevate my own life while lifting others up with me—whether that’s my family, my community, or my city.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Thank you for inviting me to share my journey. I grew up in Philadelphia watching my community hustle: small storefronts opening at dawn, late‑night diners buzzing after concerts, and neighbors turning their passions into livelihoods. That spirit led me to the Department of Commerce in Philadelphia, where I serve as the Manager of Nighttime Economy and Business Development. In that role, I help entrepreneurs navigate funding, zoning, and partnerships so their ventures can thrive. At the same time, I help to oversee my city’s nighttime economy initiative—working with local businesses, law enforcement, and community groups to create a safe, vibrant after‑hours scene that drives tourism, supports hospitality jobs, and enhances quality of life for residents.

A few years ago, I channeled that same energy into founding MyLifeHighLife, a Philadelphia‑based startup at the intersection of fashion, events, and social impact. What makes it special is our belief that style can spark community conversations and drive real change. We curate pop‑up experiences in underutilized spaces—think warehouse block parties or gallery‑style street fairs—where emerging designers showcase limited‑edition streetwear, local DJs set the vibe, and 10–15% of proceeds go to neighborhood nonprofits focused on youth empowerment and urban renewal.

The most exciting part is watching strangers connect over a T‑shirt or a sneaker drop, only to discover they share a passion for the same cause—whether it’s mentoring at‑risk kids or revitalizing a park. Those serendipitous moments, when commerce, creativity, and compassion collide, are why I wake up every morning eager to build bridges between artists, activists, and entrepreneurs.

Whether through public‑sector initiatives or private‑sector ventures, my focus remains the same: harnessing Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial spirit to create economic opportunity, build community, and leave a lasting legacy.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three most impactful qualities have been my vision and strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and natural leadership. I think long-term, connect big-picture ideas across business, culture, and community, and always look to build something meaningful. My curiosity gives me a unique edge, allowing me to draw insights from philosophy, science, and history while staying grounded in real-world action. My leadership shows up in how I move with purpose, take initiative, and communicate with clarity. For anyone starting out, the best advice is to stay curious, lead even without a title, think beyond the moment, and most importantly—build momentum through small, consistent wins. That’s how you grow into real influence.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

If I had a decade left to live, I’d spend it building a legacy that outlives me—something that feeds my daughter, my city, and my people long after I’m gone. I’d double down on MyLifeHighLife, not just as a brand but as a cultural movement—using fashion, events, and community partnerships to spark social change and economic opportunity. I’d work to reshape Philly’s nightlife into a globally respected ecosystem, one that empowers creatives, entrepreneurs, and marginalized voices. I would keep pursuing wealth, not just for personal gain, but to create infrastructure: schools, programs, and investments that my daughter—and others like her—could benefit from.

I would train harder, stay healthy, and spend intentional time with my daughter—teaching her everything I’ve learned about purpose, grit, and building something real. I’d keep feeding my mind—diving deeper into philosophy, history, and the sciences—because I’d want my final decade to be guided by wisdom, not just hustle. I wouldn’t waste time. Every move would be legacy-driven, and every relationship would be meaningful. In short: I’d build, love, and lead with urgency—and leave behind something powerful, lasting, and unmistakably mine.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeka.anusionwu?igsh=ZmZoNHdlNTAwc3pl&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AcN2TNgYS/?mibextid=wwXIfr