In today’s world, the narrative of success is often a complex tapestry woven with experiences of culture, adversity, and resilience. Gori’s story is one such narrative that shines a light on the power of embracing difference and challenging the status quo. In our recent conversation, Gori, a trailblazer in the education industry, shared his unique journey from his formative years in Nigeria and the UK to his current role as a leader and entrepreneur.
Early Years and Education
Gori was born in the UK to Nigerian parents. His early childhood was split between both nations, heavily influenced by his father’s adventurous spirit as an entrepreneur. Attending a boarding school in London that was notably diverse allowed him to forge deep connections, although moving on to schools outside of London where diversity was absent presented its own challenges. These experiences solidified his understanding of and response to the concept of being “different.” Reflecting on his educational journey, Gori described his schooling as a roller-coaster of emotions. From winning poetry contests to facing disciplinary actions, he was constantly navigating the complicated dynamics of educational institutions that juxtaposed traditional and progressive practices.
Finding Strength in Difference
As someone who found himself often in the minority—whether by ethnicity or beliefs—Gori embraced his unique position as an opportunity to break stereotypes. Throughout his life, he has seen the strength in being different, using it as a platform to challenge perceptions and influence change. He articulated how those early experiences in predominantly white institutions where he was marked as different led to a determination to redefine what “normal” should be. Gori’s work in education and leadership is fuelled by his belief in the potential residing in everyone. He has spent years building teams and companies that echo his values, focusing on cultivating environments where diverse backgrounds are leveraged as strengths.
Facing Exclusion in the Professional World
As Gori transitioned into his professional life, his encounters with exclusion did not wane. While co-founding a startup, he witnessed how racial and cultural dynamics influenced his role and acceptance within predominantly white spaces. His co-founder, a white male, navigated fundraising environments with ease—spaces where Gori often felt excluded due to ingrained biases. Even within his own boardroom, interactions sometimes underscored the challenges of being the only black individual present. Gori recalls moments of unchecked comments and attitudes in board meetings that made him acutely aware of the exclusionary practices at play, practices he continually needed to navigate wisely to protect his entrepreneurial endeavours. Yet, these experiences became catalysts, pushing him to establish businesses like Upskill entirely independent of traditional funding mechanisms that often perpetuate these barriers.
Navigating Leadership and Challenges
Gori openly discussed the challenges he faced in leadership roles, particularly around self-doubt. However, he views this as an integral part of the leadership journey, important for staying grounded and connected with those he leads. Recognizing potential in others and encouraging them to grow while balancing organizational needs is a delicate dance—one that Gori performs with empathy and insight. He shared candidly about the imbalance of power felt during his earlier entrepreneurial ventures, revealing personal stories illustrating both explicit and subtle biases encountered along the way. These stories underscore the broader systemic issues that persist in industries worldwide.
Innovating and Mentoring
Today, Gori channels his experiences into mentoring young black entrepreneurs, amongst others. He stresses the importance of listening and understanding individual stories, using his platform to amplify voices and drive systemic change. His commitment to education does not just stop at traditional models; he actively seeks to innovate and create paradigms that disrupt outdated systems.
Final Thoughts
When asked if he would change any part of his journey, Gori’s response was reflective. Each experience, even the difficult ones, has shaped his perspectives and encouraged his drive to educate and challenge societal norms. Gori’s story is a testament to the power of introspection, resilience, and the courage to stand unapologetically different. His journey continues to inspire those who, like him, see value in diversifying leadership spaces and championing inclusive narratives. His work and life underline the message that embracing who you are—your story, your difference—is the key to unlocking a better, more equitable future for all.