Isi Oteze
Isi Oteze is a Business and Executive Coach. She tells us that, “Many business owners struggle alone, craving support, encouragement, and accountability. I work with clients to gain clarity and focus, helping them reach their business’s true potential. Using innovative frameworks like design thinking, I provide leadership coaching, masterminds, and group coaching to offer the necessary support and accountability. With experience in leading teams, implementing strategic initiatives, managing change, shaping culture, and fostering engagement, I bring a wealth of expertise. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, exercising, traveling, volunteering, and connecting with family, friends, and my faith community.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your Entrepreneur journey/venture/initiative.
As the eldest of seven siblings, I naturally assumed the role of protector and guide for my younger brothers and sister. Their well-being became my unwavering mission. In those early years, my days were filled with a sense of responsibility. Little did I know that this nurturing instinct would shape my path in life.
As the years passed, I embarked on my journey beyond the comfort of my childhood home. I discovered a passion for serving others, especially those facing significant challenges. My heart led me to a career where I could be a guardian for those who needed it most. First, I worked with individuals with severe disabilities, advocating for their rights and ensuring they received the care and support they deserved. Their resilience and determination inspired me daily.
But life is a winding road, and soon I found myself navigating the corporate landscape. Instead of physical disabilities, I now faced organizational complexities. Yet, my protective spirit remained intact. I stepped into roles that allowed me to be a guardian in a different way—supporting teams, enabling solutions, and managing programs. Whether it was resolving technical issues, facilitating training programs, I felt a sense of purpose.
Looking back, I realize that my entrepreneurial journey began long before I officially took on the role. Each step—whether comforting a distraught sibling or streamlining processes in the corporate world—was a thread woven into the fabric of my story. And as I continue down this path, I carry with me the lessons learned from being the firstborn, the protector, and the guardian of those entrusted to my care.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
After years of navigating meetings and spreadsheets in the corporate arena, I felt a restlessness. It was as though I’d reached a plateau—a place where I was settling for less than my true potential. The familiar routine and security of the corporate world no longer appealed to me.
The idea of entrepreneurship gradually began to take root. There were more lives to touch, more impact to create beyond the confines of where I was. I knew I could be more, do more.
And so, with a hunger for purpose and a yearning for impact, I took the leap into entrepreneurship. But this wasn’t a decision made in isolation; it was a prayerful discernment. As a person of faith, I sought guidance in quiet prayer and spiritual direction.
My venture wasn’t merely about financial gains; it was about aligning my purpose with something greater. The true meaning of my life became more obvious: to be an architect of transformation, a guardian of dreams.
So, to the question of what motivated me to say YES—to embrace the unknown—it was the combination of hunger, awareness, purpose, and faith.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
As a business and executive coach, I am on a mission to guide 1million leaders to achieve balance, growth, and freedom in their lives and career through leadership coaching, group coaching, strategic planning, workshops, and masterminds. I also offer business management consulting services. My way is to create a world of infinite possibilities where leaders dream big, take action, stay focused, and achieve results.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
Absolutely, there’s nothing as rewarding as helping my clients breakthrough limiting beliefs and obstacles and gain momentum reaching their business and personal goals. Below are testimonials from a few of my clients after a few coaching sessions with me:
“As a photographer, I love capturing my subject’s personality, and that aspect of the job came naturally to me. The difficult part for me was the business side. Isi Oteze has not only helped me understand the business side of photography, but she has also been an inspirational coach, offering encouragement and wisdom when I needed it most. She has pushed me to do my best, teaching important business strategies I can employ both personally and professionally. In helping me think and work strategically, I now am saving so much time on tasks that would have otherwise been daunting. This training has truly empowered me to reach my professional goals, and I am so grateful for her dedication and sincerity throughout the process.”
- Kara M.
“The thing that was most challenging for me was also a HUGE win, and that was simply facing myself and shining light onto the roots of what was keeping me stuck so I could move forward. Isi held space for me to get raw and push further towards reaching my goals. I feel like the fog is finally lifted and things are moving along smoothly. It’s been such a blessing to have her skillful support along the way.”
- Christina B.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I believe that everyone has a unique role to play. I would love to create a world where everyone is keenly aware of their unique role and are equipped to step into it with boldness and authenticity. I encourage young budding women to spend time understanding their strengths, passions, and even weaknesses. Becoming more self-aware in order to recognize their unique contributions, areas for growth and to take bold action. I would also encourage taking risks, thinking outside the box, and to actively find people who are willing to give constructive and meaningful feedback that would fuel their growth to becoming their true authentic self.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
We cannot underplay the unique role of women leaders in the workplace. Women tend to be more collaborative in their leadership style which fosters teamwork, creativity, and a positive work environment. Men are often seen as more assertive and task focused. This style can drive results and push an organization forward. I believe that a healthy organization benefits from both. A blend of feminine and masculine qualities creates a dynamic leadership team. I would advocate for workplaces that celebrate the uniqueness and complementarity of both.
What would you want to say to our young leaders/audience reading this?
We are only limited by the limitations we set for ourselves. spend time dreaming about ideas that have not yet happened and then spend the rest of the time figuring out how to execute that vision.