Nnenna Onyewuchi, known as 'The Barefoot Strategist', reflects on her journey through the world of impactful marketing strategies, innovative solutions, and the importance of humanity in business.
First Stage Appearance
During her first public speaking engagement at TEDxLagos in 2012, Nnenna Onyewuchi took off her shoes to prevent a fall on a long glass walkway to the stage. This improvisation, which elicited laughter from the audience, became a symbol of her approach to strategy: 'I realized that strategy must connect people. The best ideas emerge not to show off but to resonate with the audience.'
Yellow Brick Road Agency
Years later, Nnenna and her partner renamed their agency to Yellow Brick Road, making this choice deliberately. They sought to eliminate the concept of the market 'wizard', offering clients not solutions but support in finding their own potentials. 'We build work around a threefold importance: the mind, heart, and wallet of the client,' Nnenna notes. Their approach helped create an agency that from day one aimed to tackle real business problems.
Innovation and Africa's Future
Nnenna believes that African innovations are not lagging behind but setting the pace. She cites mobile money as an example, asserting that the continent has been a pioneer in this field long before services like Cash App emerged. 'Africa is not catching up; we are the gold standard,' she asserts. Nnenna emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and one’s skills for future generations, especially in the face of setbacks.
Understanding that strategy is not solely about analysis and precise metrics but about connecting with people, Nnenna Onyewuchi inspires others to approach business with humanity and navigate challenges with ease.
