We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Ijeoma Okoligwe, PhD. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Ijeoma below.
Dr. Ijeoma , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
This question hits deep because it’s been the story of my life.
As a Nigerian woman with a PhD, a strategist, and a founder, I’ve gotten used to walking into rooms, especially corporate boardrooms or investor meetings, where no one looks like me. I used to see it as a disadvantage. But over time, I’ve learned to flip that narrative.
I remind myself that I am the asset. My lived experiences, cultural lens, and ability to move in multiple worlds are what make me uniquely valuable, not a liability to shrink from. I’ve also learned how to master the room without contorting myself. That means speaking up even when my voice shakes, owning my expertise without overexplaining, and making peace with the discomfort that sometimes comes with challenging the status quo.
Being the only one has taught me how to be resilient, how to lead with both grace and boldness, and how to make space for others who are coming behind me. I don’t just want to take up space, I want to redesign the table entirely. That’s the mindset I bring into every room I enter.
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?
I’m Dr. Ijeoma Okoligwe, a marketing strategist, founder, and problem solver. I run Dr. Ijeoma & Co., where we help entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses turn their ideas into income and impact through intentional brand and marketing strategy.
I help founders, especially those from underestimated communities, build aligned, sustainable, and deeply human brands. Strategy is at the heart of everything we do. I teach clients how to clarify their offer, show up with confidence, and market in a way that feels true to who they are. It’s not just about visibility. It’s about building something real that lasts.
I bring 15+ years of experience in digital strategy, paid media, and communication with a whole PhD to back it up. I’ve worked across corporate agencies, C-suites, and international ventures. But the work that lights me up most is helping everyday entrepreneurs gain confidence in their voice, vision, and visibility.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my digital product suite, including the “Brand Like a Boss” workbook and the “10K in 90 Days” Instagram Playbook, both created to simplify marketing for entrepreneurs at every stage. I’ve also secured state certifications (MBE, DBE, WBE), partnered with community-driven organizations, and grown a business that supports people in building with confidence and clarity.
If you have an idea, there’s space for you. And I’d love to help you bring it to life.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three things that have made the biggest difference in my journey are:
clarity, resilience, and strategic thinking.
Clarity gave me direction. I had to understand who I was, what I stood for, and who I wanted to serve. That meant doing inner work, not just business work. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say spend time figuring out your “why.” The clearer you are, the less likely you are to follow someone else’s blueprint that wasn’t designed for you.
Resilience kept me going. Entrepreneurship will test your confidence, finances, relationships, and patience. There were so many moments where I could’ve quit. But I learned how to keep showing up for myself—even when it wasn’t pretty, even when I didn’t have it all together. To build resilience, get comfortable with failure, ask for help, and don’t let shame live in silence.
Strategic thinking helped me grow. You can work hard and still feel stuck if you’re not strategic. Strategy isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing the right things in the right order. Learn how to zoom out, look at the full picture, and make decisions that align with your bigger vision, not just your current situation.
Most of all, give yourself permission to grow and evolve. You’re not supposed to have it all figured out in the beginning. Just stay committed to your growth, and the clarity will come.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I’m always open to aligned and purpose-driven collaborations.
I’m especially interested in working with:
1. Founders, creatives, and community leaders building products, programs, or platforms that serve underestimated audiences
2. Organizations and agencies looking to center authentic storytelling, strategic growth, and culturally-relevant marketing
3. Consultants, strategists, and service providers interested in joint offerings, digital product collabs, or event partnerships
I’d love to hear from you if you’re building something impactful and intentional. You can connect with me directly through my website at www.drijeomaandco.com or find me on Instagram at @drijeomaandco
Let’s build something that lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drijeomaandco.com
- Instagram: drijeomaandco
Image Credits
@aikes.photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
