Each Thursday the Thriving Midlifer Newsletter helps men and women over 40 thrive across the five key pillars of life: Health, Fitness, Career, Relationships, and Legacy.
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Ep 221 Legacy Building: Sean Ilenrey's Mission to Create 100 Million Jobs in Africa
Published about 2 months ago • 6 min read
Hi Reader,
I was recently inspired to take action on something I had considered doing, but I hesitated to pull the trigger.
Until now...
I've been coaching midlife individuals for some time now. I have never spoken about it in public. Recently, I was asked, "Bernie, why don't you offer executive coaching services so you can help others like you've helped me?"
I'm also offering tailored versions for businesses with a team of leaders seeking a thought partner to guide them in their current journey. You can learn more about my executive coaching options here.
This week's newsletter also includes a new section I'm calling The Coach's Corner. Each week, I'll bring insights through my lens of executive coaching.
This week's episode 221 featuring Sean Ilenrey is super inspiring!
Sean was born to Nigerian parents in the United States. Although he spent much of his early life in the U.S., Sean always felt a deep connection to his family's roots in Nigeria. It wasn't until the past few years that he had a chance to truly experience the country firsthand.
With a background in the outsourcing industry, where he worked for eleven years, Sean witnessed the transformative power of jobs and careers in unlocking markets and improving livelihoods.
This experience inspired Sean's personal mission: to return to the African continent and create opportunities that empower individuals and support families.
Sean is driven by this vision, blending personal passion with his professional expertise to make a difference on a global scale.
Sean's plan is centered around the creation of knowledge-based jobs, which he categorizes into three tiers: entry-level, intermediate, and elite-level positions.
The focus is on sectors such as customer experience, data analysis, and engineering—fields that enable growth and prosperity within communities.
By fostering local talent and encouraging skill development, Sean believes Africa can fulfill its potential as a hub of global innovation.
Sean's mission is more than a professional ambition; it’s a calling to create a legacy that extends beyond his lifetime. By sharing the realities of life in this region with his three children, Sean emphasizes the importance of empathy, opportunity, and making a difference.
Sean's journey is more than just inspiring. It's a testament to the mantra "If you believe you can, you're right." Listen to episode 221 to hear firsthand how Sean plans to create 100 million jobs in Africa by 2050.
Legacy Building: Sean Ilenrey's Mission to Create 100 Million Jobs in Africa
On episode 221 Sean Ilenrey joins us for a Maximum episode. Sean is an inspiring entrepreneur on a mission to create 100 million jobs in Africa by 2050. We explore his innovative "soil to seed to plant" strategy, cooperating with governments and entrepreneurs to stimulate economic growth. Sean’s story of transitioning from homelessness to a successful tech executive is a testament to the resilience and the impact one can have when thriving. Sean's commitment to nurturing talent and overcoming biases echoes across the globe.
🗝️ Three Key Discussion Points:
1️⃣ A Journey from Adversity to Success: Sean shares his remarkable story of transformation, from experiencing homelessness during high school to becoming a successful keynote speaker and tech executive. His journey is a testament to resilience and the power of redefining personal success.
2️⃣ Mission to Create Jobs in Africa: Sean is on a mission to generate 100 million jobs in Africa by 2050 through his company, Value Centric. This ambitious goal is driven by his personal connection to the continent and a deep understanding of the economic potential of youth in Africa.
3️⃣ The Role of AI and Knowledge-Based Jobs: Emphasizing the future of work, Sean highlights the importance of creating knowledge-based roles in Africa, which he believes will be central to empowering the continent’s young population amidst a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Main Takeaway: The overarching theme of our conversation with Sean Ilenrey is the power of proactive legacy building. Sean’s initiative to create employment opportunities in Africa is not just about addressing current economic challenges; it’s about seizing today’s opportunities to shape a better future. His story encourages us to consider how we can impact the world by aligning our professional endeavors with a broader humanitarian mission.
Tune in to episode 221 to get inspired by Sean's legacy quest.
The Coach's Corner
Weekly insights and actionable tips from my lens as an executive coach—helping you lead, grow, and thrive in midlife and beyond.
The most accomplished athletes and executives have one thing in common. They had the benefit of coaches in their lives, guiding them to their next level of greatness.
I myself, have had several coaches throughout my career, each one helping to shape me in a specific stage of life. What makes coaching so valuable is that most of the human race struggles with the ability to self-assess what we need to do for the next step in life or career. It takes someone with experience, wisdom, and coaching ability to help another individual grow in some area of their life.
Leaders in business are no different. Leaders need more than skills and strategies. They need clarity, confidence, and fulfillment. The most successful leaders don’t navigate their journeys alone; they seek guidance, accountability, and fresh perspectives to help them grow. That’s where executive coaching comes in.
What is Executive Coaching?
Executive coaching is a structured, results-driven process designed to help professionals: 🎙️ Gain clarity on goals, challenges, and opportunities. 🎙️ Enhance leadership skills and executive presence. 🎙️ Improve decision-making and strategic thinking. 🎙️ Align personal fulfillment with professional success. 🎙️ Navigate career transitions and major leadership challenges.
Unlike training or consulting, coaching is a thought partnership that helps executives develop their own insights, solutions, and growth strategies. Simply stated, a coach doesn’t tell you what to do—they guide you toward greater self-awareness, confidence, and action.
Who Might Consider Executive Coaching?
Executive coaching is valuable for a wide range of professionals, including:
Senior Leaders & Executives – Those who want to enhance their leadership effectiveness, refine their strategic vision, and elevate team performance.
Midlife Professionals at a Crossroads – Leaders who have achieved success but feel unfulfilled and want to realign their careers with their values.
Entrepreneurs & Business Owners – Those balancing the demands of growth, leadership, and personal fulfillment while building a thriving business.
High-Potential Employees Preparing for Leadership Roles – Emerging leaders who want to develop executive skills and confidence before stepping into senior positions.
If you find yourself questioning your next move, feeling stuck in leadership challenges, or wanting to elevate your impact, coaching can help you unlock clarity and forward momentum.
How did Sean Ilenrey's personal background and experiences influence his mission to create jobs in Africa?
Why is the "soil to seed to plant" model important in Sean's strategy for job creation, and how does it relate to partnerships with governments and entrepreneurs?
How does Sean view the role of AI in job creation and what opportunities does it present for Africa's youth?
In what ways are philanthropic organizations and global partners expected to contribute to Sean's mission of job creation in Africa?
What lessons can listeners take away from Sean Ilenrey's journey and mission, particularly about taking action on a call to create a positive impact in the world?
If any of these questions resonate, tune into episode 221.
Products & Services I Use/Endorse
In this section, I'm promoting other people's products or services I either use or have used and choose to recommend. The links to these products are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase from them.
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Each Thursday the Thriving Midlifer Newsletter helps men and women over 40 thrive across the five key pillars of life: Health, Fitness, Career, Relationships, and Legacy.
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