In Africa’s vibrant tech ecosystem, few stories capture the essence of amazing career pivots like Peace Itimi’s. Her journey from a disappointed medical school aspirant to a successful tech storyteller on YouTube, with over 41,000 subscribers for her flagship show, Founder’s Connect, is a great example of how unexpected paths can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
The unexpected turn
“The plan was always to study medicine and surgery in my 2nd year,” Peace recalls, reflecting on her initial career path. At this time, she was studying biochemistry at the University of Benin. However, when her university announced they had reached capacity for medical school transfers, what seemed like a closed door became a gateway to an entirely new world. This pivotal moment forced Peace to reassess her future and explore uncharted territories.
Initially devastated by the news, Peace found herself at a crossroads. “I felt lost; I had invested so much time and energy into preparing for medical school.”. Yet, this setback ignited a spark of curiosity within her. She began exploring alternative paths that ultimately led her to the tech industry. This unexpected turn not only reshaped her career aspirations but also set the stage for her endeavours in storytelling and digital marketing.
An entry into blogging
Peace’s entry into the digital world started with a simple tweet from someone who owned a blog. “I was curious to find out what a blog is, and in the process, I opened one for myself. I was writing anything, like daily events, feelings, etc,” she shares. What began as casual writing soon found an unexpected audience, as she discovered when meeting an old friend who mentioned reading her blog despite living in a different city.
This realization was important for Peace; it highlighted the power of sharing personal narratives. “I never imagined my thoughts could resonate with others,” she reflects. The blog became a space for self-exploration and expression, allowing her to articulate her experiences and emotions during a tumultuous time. As her writing evolved, so did her understanding of the digital landscape, leading her to recognize the potential of storytelling in connecting people and ideas.
A Google student ambassadorship
This chance encounter led to an introduction to a Google Student Ambassador, who encouraged Peace to apply for the Google Student Ambassadorship program despite her lack of a technical background. “I took a little faith with zero tech background and applied. And I think maybe because I was amongst the first batch of applicants that might have made me get in. And that’s how I got into tech.”
The Google program proved transformative, taking Peace to Ghana, where she was immersed in the tech world. She discovered her affinity for digital marketing, choosing it over programming. The experience exposed her to a new world view dramatically: “It was the first time that I was in a group of people my age that were from all over the country and were into tech.”
This exposure enhanced her skills and built her confidence in navigating the tech landscape. She learned about various digital tools and platforms, gaining insights into how technology could be leveraged for storytelling and marketing purposes. The collaborative environment fostered by the program encouraged innovative thinking and solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in tech.
Founders Connect: A platform for authentic tech stories
Perhaps Peace’s most significant contribution to the African tech ecosystem emerged through Founders Connect, a platform born from her desire to tell deeper stories about tech entrepreneurs. The journey began with a single Twitter connection and a couch conversation.
“I started with Atsu Davoh, who founded BitSika Africa, and he reached out on Twitter. This was the very first video I created for the flagship,” Peace recounts. “I initially told him no because at the time I wasn’t doing interviews but then I realised it’s my channel; I can do whatever I want.” This initial hesitation quickly transformed into determination as she recognized the potential impact of sharing these stories.
The building process
The early days of Founders Connect were marked by resourcefulness and authenticity. Peace transformed her living room into a studio, making her couch the signature setting for her interviews. The technical aspects came together through a partnership with Stephen Ndukwu, now one of Africa’s biggest travel YouTubers with 500,000 subscribers.
Peace explains that he was focused on enhancing his portfolio to draw in a larger following. He suggested that she would be a valuable addition for him and offered an extremely low starting price. He also mentioned that he could use her videos to attract clients willing to pay more for similar content. This collaboration not only improved the quality of their work but also increased their visibility in the tech community.
Peace’s innovative approach allowed Founders Connect to flourish organically. By leveraging social media platforms for promotion and engaging directly with viewers, she cultivated an audience eager for authentic narratives about African entrepreneurs’ journeys. The couch interviews became known for their candidness, allowing guests to share their struggles and triumphs openly.
Growth through impact
Peace’s approach to growing the platform was unconventional, focusing on impact rather than metrics. “I don’t find the founders connect by the number of views or subscribers,” she admits. Instead, she measured success through tangible impact on her guests and viewers.
One of her favorite success stories involves a founder who mentioned during an interview that she was struggling to raise funds due to lacking a technical co-founder. Months later, Peace received a text: “The second biggest cheque for the company came because of the Founders Connect video.” Such moments reaffirmed her belief in the power of storytelling as a catalyst for change.
A ripple effect of achievements and opportunities
The impact of Founders Connect has extended far beyond its original scope. Peace shares how the platform has created unexpected opportunities: “People who have reached out with me for an opportunity found me because of my YouTube videos. I have also had the chance to get speaking opportunities outside of the country.”
Today, Peace’s commitment to authentic storytelling continues to open doors, including speaking opportunities at TED. “I kept protecting the integrity of my platform,” she reflects, noting how this dedication has led to opportunities she never anticipated.
Her influence has grown exponentially as Founders Connect has attracted attention from various stakeholders in the tech ecosystem—investors seeking promising startups and aspiring entrepreneurs looking for guidance. The platform serves as a bridge between talent and opportunity, showcasing African innovation on both local and global stages.
The power of betting on yourself
Looking back at her journey from a disappointed medical school applicant to an influential voice in African tech, Peace’s story demonstrates the power of embracing unexpected opportunities. Her path from blogging to building a platform that shapes narratives in African tech showcases how curiosity, authenticity, and willingness to experiment can lead to meaningful impact.
“I grew up in Benin; nobody in my house had anything related to tech,” she reflects. “I don’t even know if my family understands fully what I’m doing.” Yet today, Peace stands as a testament to how stepping into unknown territories with authenticity can create ripples of change far beyond one’s immediate circle.
Her story encourages others facing similar crossroads—whether in education or career—to remain open-minded about their paths ahead. By taking chances and exploring new avenues, individuals can uncover hidden passions that may lead them toward fulfilling careers they never imagined possible.
What the future holds
As she looks ahead, Peace is committed not only to expanding Founders Connect but also to mentoring young women interested in technology and entrepreneurship. “I want them to see that their stories matter,” she asserts passionately. By fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard and celebrated, Peace aims to inspire the next generation of African innovators.
Her vision includes creating workshops and mentorship programs tailored specifically for young women in tech—providing them with resources and networks necessary for success in this competitive field. She believes that empowering women will lead not only to individual growth but also contribute significantly toward closing gender gaps within Africa’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.
Peace’s journey is not just about personal success; it’s about building a community where stories are shared and dreams are realized. In doing so, she continues redefining what it means to be a pioneer in Africa’s tech landscape—a narrative that is still unfolding as she embraces new challenges while uplifting those around her.
