With two decades of experience across startups, corporates, and nonprofits, I bring practical insights and strategic guidance to teams and founders. My work spans executive coaching, community-building and public speaking—connecting people and ideas to drive growth and impact.
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I’m a strategic leader, speaker and coach with two decades of experience spanning startups, corporates and nonprofits. Born in Nigeria and raised in the US, my journey is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of self-acceptance, understanding and joy. With a background in Political Theory and American Politics from the University of Chicago, I have built ventures, mobilized millions in philanthropic and private capital, and led partnerships supporting thousands of underrepresented founders across Europe.
I excel in forging cross-sector collaborations, scaling purpose-driven initiatives and sharing insights that help leaders and teams thrive. Follow me to learn from a seasoned strategist, connect with a network of trailblazers, and be inspired by my mission to expand access and uplift diverse voices in business and beyond.
Deborah is a speaker at conferences such as Tech Open Air, TechChill and Slush, corporations like Zalando, R/GA, McKinsey & Company and Google, organizations like Let’s Empower Austria (LEA) and educational institutions like The University of Chicago.
Review topics, testimonials, and how to get started.
Listen to Deborah's first TEDx talk at TEDxKLU Hamburg. She reframes fear not as an obstacle to overcome, but as ground to cultivate. Drawing on horticulture as a central metaphor, 'Good Fear' explores three practices — aeration, composting, and testing — for turning fear into fertile ground.
The talk challenges the idea that growth happens after fear passes. It happens in it.
I’ve spoken at conferences, corporate events, and community gatherings across Europe, the US, and Africa. Recent engagements have included tech summits, leadership forums, and entrepreneurship conferences.
My work and perspective have been featured in outlets like TechCrunch, Sifted, EU Startups, and Business Insider, as well as in lists such as BusinessWeek’s Top 25 Under 25 and Germany’s Top 100 Women for Diversity.
I draw from two decades of building companies, leading teams, and coaching founders. Many of my talks come from real lessons learned in entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, and innovation.
You can also learn more about my up-to-date speaking topics at Chartwell Speakers (my agency).
I work mainly with founders and executives who are navigating transitions or scaling their leadership. My coaching is offered through a separate site, which you can access here.
Need strategic marketing leadership but can't justify a full-time CMO? I partner with founders who need go-to-market strategy, brand positioning, and customer acquisition systems that work when resources are tight. C-suite expertise, fractional cost.