Isaac Olowolafe Jr., an award-winning real estate entrepreneur, angel investor, and philanthropist, shared his journey and insights on leadership with Ivey MBA students during the Ivey MBA Leadership Day, hosted by the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership.
Dream Big and Act Deliberately
Olowolafe Jr. emphasized the importance of dreaming big and being deliberate about effecting change. He recounted his experiences, from buying his first property at 21 while working night shifts in university, to creating opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs through his Black investor-led venture capital fund.
Combining Profit with Purpose
He stressed that profit should encompass social and psychological benefits, not just financial gains. Olowolafe Jr., originally from Nigeria, has focused on addressing gaps in institutional relationships, home ownership, and business ownership for underrepresented groups. His ventures, including Dream Maker real estate and BKR Capital, aim to create generational wealth and better lives for these communities.
Building Relationships and Focusing on the ‘Why’
Olowolafe Jr. highlighted the significance of relationship-building and understanding the importance of change. He shared that persistence is key, having faced many rejections before finding success.
Addressing Inequity with Equity
He discussed the importance of diversity in decision-making and the patience required for lasting change. Olowolafe Jr. believes that institutions must commit resources and time to address long-standing inequities effectively.
Overall, Olowolafe Jr.’s message to future leaders was clear: dream big, act deliberately, and focus on meaningful, sustainable change.
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