Growing up in Nigeria, I saw firsthand how gaps in healthcare infrastructure could leave entire communities vulnerable. When I moved to England at 10, I expected to find a world where healthcare was a given. Instead, I encountered a different set of challenges—ones that made me realize the universal complexities of delivering care. These early experiences planted a seed in me: a deep desire to improve healthcare systems and make a meaningful impact.
That desire led me to study chemical-biological engineering, where I dove into research on medical devices and the social determinants of health. But I quickly realized that while science could solve problems, it was the intersection of healthcare and business that could scale solutions. This realization propelled me into consulting, where I learned how big healthcare companies operate and how strategy could drive impact.
Yet, it was my time at Harvard Business School—especially these past semesters—that truly reignited my passion and clarified my vision. Through a combination of transformative electives, a deeply meaningful experience moderating a global panel, and an exciting independent project, I have found myself reconnecting with the mission that has always driven me.
A Semester of Transformation
Last semester, I chose electives that pushed me to think bigger and bolder about healthcare. From exploring the entrepreneurial spirit behind groundbreaking firms like Moderna and Lexeo Therapeutics to diving into the complexities of U.S. healthcare strategy, each course reshaped my perspective. But it was Innovating in Healthcare that truly stood out. The class not only allowed me to dream about starting my own venture but also connected me with mentors like Gregory Rockson of mPharma, whose work is a shining example of how innovation can transform lives.
The pinnacle of my semester came when I moderated a panel at the Harvard Business School Healthcare Club Conference titled "Strategies for Navigating the Epidemiological Transition in Emerging Markets," the discussion brought together brilliant minds like Dr. Rifat Atun, Neel Lakhani, and Sylvana Q. Sinha, Esq. Their insights on the progress and future of healthcare left me inspired and more determined than ever to be part of the solution.
An Exciting New Chapter
This semester, I have the incredible opportunity to work on an independent project focused on commercializing a drug therapy. It’s exactly the kind of hands-on, impactful work I came to HBS to pursue, and I’m thrilled to be diving into it. Without HBS, I wouldn’t have had this chance to explore the intersection of science, business, and innovation in such a tangible way.
Why This Matters
For me, healthcare is more than a career—it’s a calling. My journey—from Nigeria to England, from engineering to consulting, and now to HBS—has been about understanding how to bridge gaps in access and equity. This semester reminded me that while the challenges are immense, so too are the opportunities to create impact at the intersection of business and healthcare.
What’s Next?
As I look ahead, I’m energized by the possibilities. The lessons I’ve learned, the connections I’ve made, and the passion I’ve reignited will guide me as I step into the next chapter of my career. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work toward a future where healthcare is not a privilege, but a right—for everyone, everywhere.
To the Harvard Health Care Initiative community, thank you for being a place where passion meets purpose. Here’s to building a healthier, more equitable world—one innovation at a time.
