Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Startup Lowdown podcast in which I had a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with Nii Okyne, a narrative and identity coach.
Nii’s work involves helping individuals understand their true selves through storytelling, drawing from their cultural heritage and personal histories.
This transformative approach resonates with people from diverse backgrounds.
Introducing Nii Okyne
Nii Okyne isn’t your conventional coach.
His career spans EdTech, SaaS sales, acting, and holistic wellness, and his journey weaves through Kenya, Ghana, the UK, and beyond.
Nii’s ability to integrate these rich experiences into his coaching practice is a testament to his belief in the power of embracing one’s heritage to shape identity.
What Does a Narrative and Identity Coach Do?
During our discussion, Nii explained that his role involves guiding people to uncover their heritage and origins through storytelling.
This isn’t about surface-level tales but diving into personal and ancestral narratives to uncover deeper self-awareness.
For Nii, this process allows individuals to accept every aspect of their history—the good, the challenging, and the in-between.
It’s a path to reconciliation with oneself and a clearer understanding of personal identity.
Connecting to Your Heritage
In our chat, I opened up about my journey of grappling with a sense of disconnect from my Nigerian heritage.
Nii Okyne offered practical and heartfelt advice on bridging that gap: reconnecting with family, conducting DNA tests, and corroborating family stories with other relatives.
He also reminded us of the larger picture, including humanity’s shared roots in East Africa, encouraging a broader understanding of history’s impact on our identities today.
From Sales to Coaching: Nii’s Journey
Nii’s shift from a successful sales career to narrative and identity coaching is a story of courage and clarity.
Despite being naturally talented in sales, he found the role unfulfilling.
His true passion lay in the meaningful conversations he’d always been drawn to—ones that delved into identity and purpose.
Leaving the security of a sales career to pursue coaching was a leap of faith, but it was also an alignment with his deeper calling to educate and empower others.
The Role of Values in Career Choices
One key takeaway from Nii’s story is aligning your values with your career.
He shared how prioritising peace of mind and authenticity has shaped his decisions, from choosing clients to selecting employers.
It’s a philosophy we can all learn from, and it ensures that our work reflects who we are and what we stand for.
Nii’s New Venture: Indigenous Intelligence
One of the standout moments in our conversation was hearing about Nii’s initiative, Indigenous Intelligence.
This programme reimagines how we approach African history and Black History Month, offering year-round education that fosters unity and sustainability.
It’s a call to recognise the benefits of traditional practices and embrace a healthier relationship with the Earth, which resonates deeply in today’s world.
Finding Purpose Beyond Challenges
Building something larger than oneself isn’t easy, and Nii shared the challenges he’s faced along the way.
From scepticism to rejection, he’s encountered obstacles but remains driven by his belief in the value of his work.
His purpose—to promote unity, sustainability, and a broader understanding of history—keeps him moving forward.
A Conversation Worth Remembering
My conversation with Nii Okyne left me inspired.
It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding our heritage, using storytelling to uncover our true selves, and striving for a more unified future.
Nii’s story is a beacon for personal and professional growth, whether through his journey from sales to coaching, his emphasis on aligning values with work, or his commitment to fostering broader awareness.
Connect with Nii on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmantse/