Our Origin
ÒJÁ is a name coined to celebrate our roots, one which we are immensely proud of, particularly as we function in diaspora.
ÒJÁ was conceived following Tola’s completion of an executive leadership programme in Stanford University and Ronke’s completion of an executive leadership programme in Harvard – both world class Ivy League universities.
They were both inspired, challenged and taken aback by what each of them learnt individually and achieved as a cohort learning in these prestigious universities during their time on the programmes, much more than an individual could have achieved.
They both yearned to share stories of their lives and to have honest conversations with people they trust. Have you ever felt alone as a leader in a crowd? They were eager to abandon the superficial conversations and share their authentic self and feelings without fear of being judged.
They both desired a vehicle on completion of the programmes that could continue to grow and challenge themselves, and both agreed to form a group that would be intentional about creating the space to deliberately grow, challenge and inspire selves in a holistic form.
They discussed this with two friends, Sonia and Yetty who had similar values and aspirations and a shared desire to become better leaders at work, in communities, and in families. Knowing that no great leader journeyed alone, this tribe of four women created a space where they could be open and vulnerable, maintaining confidentiality and relying on each other to celebrate great joy or talk through difficult decisions.
ÒJÁ has become the vehicle to have in-depth discussions about the most important things in our lives — our happiness, our hopes and fears, our beliefs and convictions.