Karika Yonreme is a Nigerian United States-based career growth strategist, personal branding coach and founder of Karika Republic, who has empowered over 20,000 women in over 15 countries. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she speaks about her entrepreneurial journey, her work in the US, among others.
You are currently based abroad. What circumstance motivated you to move to the United States and how is the US treating you?
I moved to the US for personal development and to enhance my career. I pursued an MBA at Columbia Business School to broaden my perspective and gain new skills. The diverse and dynamic business environment in the US offered the perfect platform for growth and innovation. One of the key factors that drew me to the US was the access to cutting-edge business practices and the opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the industry. The US is renowned for its culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, which aligns perfectly with my goals and aspirations.
So far, my experience in the US has been incredibly positive. The support and opportunities here have been overwhelming. The culture of innovation and the emphasis on entrepreneurship resonate deeply with me and have provided a fertile ground for the growth of Karika Republic. I am excited about what the future holds and look forward to continuing this journey.
You are the founder of Karika Republic. What is unique about it and what are its offerings?
I am excited about this question. Karika Republic is a platform designed to empower professional women to build powerful global brands, achieve visibility at work, and skyrocket their careers. The combination of our community and professional development offerings sets us apart as the number one destination for career development. Our approach is holistic, focusing not just on professional growth but also on personal development, ensuring our members are well-rounded and equipped to face any challenges. Some of our services include:
Supportive community: We provide a global network of professional women and ‘boss babes’ who are breaking glass ceilings in the corporate world. These boss babes have built authentic friendships, invested money together, and created a network that inspires people to do big things. The community aspect is crucial as it fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support, which is vital for personal and professional growth.
Career Clarity Toolkit: We help professionals identify their career goals and create a clear, actionable career roadmap. This includes personalised coaching sessions, goal-setting workshops, and regular check-ins to ensure our members are on track to achieve their aspirations.
Personal branding: We help professionals build a visible personal brand and maximise their online presence. This involves crafting compelling narratives, optimising social media profiles, and leveraging digital platforms to showcase their expertise and achievements.
Self-doubt slayer: We help professionals overcome impostor syndrome and self-doubt through confidence-building exercises. Our programmes include workshops on mindfulness, resilience training, and techniques to boost self-esteem and self-worth.
Career acceleration: We help professionals prepare for interviews, network, and accelerate career growth and leadership skills. This includes mock interviews, resume reviews, and leadership development programmes designed to equip our members with the skills needed to excel in their careers.
When and how did your entrepreneurial journey start? And how would you describe the process and strategies that have kept you going all these years?
My entrepreneurial journey began after I returned from a work expatriation abroad. I noticed the lack of visibility, networking opportunities, and support systems for women in their careers. I started sharing insights and advice on social media aimed at helping women grow professionally. The advice resonated and produced tangible results, attracting interest from companies and professionals. This initial traction encouraged me to formalise these offerings into what is now Karika Republic.
Key strategies that have sustained Karika Republic include our strong community of professional women worldwide, partnerships and collaborations with top companies, and our passion for seeing women succeed in the workplace. We have also focused on continuous learning and adaptation, staying abreast of industry trends and feedback from our community. This agility has allowed us to refine our offerings and ensure they remain relevant and impactful.
How do you help women achieve all this?
I empower women to enhance their visibility and influence in the professional space through personal branding strategies, networking opportunities, and tailored career development sessions.
One notable example is an emerging tech startup led by a female founder. She struggled with brand identity and visibility in a male-dominated industry. We provided her with a personal branding strategy, helped develop a content calendar, and facilitated introductions to key industry leaders.
As a result, she saw a significant increase in online visibility, engagement with industry peers, and invitations to speak at conferences, which bolstered both her personal brand and her startup. This collaboration not only helped her gain confidence but also opened up new opportunities for business growth and partnerships, demonstrating the power of strategic personal branding and networking.
On your Instagram page, you stated that you help women earn over $100,000. How do you achieve this?
I help individuals, especially women, achieve higher income levels through several key strategies: career advancement, positioning for higher-paying roles, effective negotiation techniques, and networking and mentorship. These strategies enable women to secure salary increases, promotions, and lucrative job offers, contributing to their financial success.
For instance, I worked with a client who was underpaid and undervalued in her role. Through our coaching sessions, we identified her strengths and accomplishments, and I guided her on how to effectively communicate her value to her employer. We also practiced negotiation techniques, and she successfully negotiated a significant salary increase, bringing her annual income well above $100,000. This transformation not only improved her financial situation but also boosted her confidence and career satisfaction.
Your profile says you have worked across five continents (and over 15 countries). What work, businesses, engagements, or endeavors took you to those countries?
My journey across five continents and over 15 countries has been driven by professional endeavours and personal pursuits. Pursuing my MBA at Columbia Business School brought me to the United States, where I immersed myself in the business ecosystem. My role as a project manager took me to Dubai to drive innovation for the company, where I managed large-scale projects and collaborated with diverse teams.
Community building and thought leadership activities have taken me to Europe and other parts of the world. I have spoken at international conferences, facilitated workshops, and engaged in various initiatives aimed at empowering women globally. These experiences have enriched my understanding of different cultures and business environments, enhancing my ability to connect with and support women from diverse backgrounds.
Recently, you posted on social media how you led a $10 billion project and successfully executed it. Tell us about the project and how you came to lead it.
This opportunity came when I worked for an energy company. They needed someone who understood supply chain management to coordinate logistics for a $10 billion project. I had the skills and was selected from several talents across the world to lead it. The project involved managing complex logistics, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring timely delivery of resources.
What were the major challenges you faced leading the project and how did you turn the challenges into success?
The challenges I faced on this project contributed to my starting Karika Republic. Building visibility and influence was crucial for making progress with leadership and my team. Networking with external and internal stakeholders was essential for success. Additionally, I was new to the country and decided to host events to bring professional women together, leading to friendships and an authentic community for women to thrive.
For instance, navigating cultural differences and managing a diverse team require effective communication and adaptability. By leveraging my leadership skills and fostering a collaborative environment, we were able to overcome these challenges and achieve the project’s objectives successfully. This experience underscored the importance of visibility, networking, and community, which are now core principles of Karika Republic.
Do you think a business degree could help one succeed in their business?
Absolutely. My Ivy League business education provided a robust foundation in strategic management, finance, marketing, and leadership. The network and connections I made during my business school years have been invaluable in forging partnerships, gaining insights from industry experts, and accessing resources critical for business growth.
For example, the case studies and real-world business scenarios we analyzed during my MBA programme equipped me with the analytical skills needed to make informed decisions. The collaborative projects and group work fostered teamwork and leadership abilities, which have been crucial in managing my ventures. Additionally, the alumni network has been a valuable resource for mentorship, advice, and business opportunities.
Among the 15 countries you have visited, which one did you connect with more physically and soulfully, and why?
Italy holds a special place in my heart. Its landscapes, from the serene Tuscan countryside to the bustling streets of Rome, captivated me with their beauty and charm. I also love Italian food and admire Italy’s vibrant culture and passionate people. The warmth and hospitality of the Italians made me feel at home, and the country’s rich history and art inspired me deeply.
During my time in Italy, I had the opportunity to engage with local entrepreneurs and learn about their approach to business and life. This experience not only broadened my perspective but also reinforced the importance of passion and creativity in pursuing one’s dreams. Italy’s emphasis on work-life balance and enjoying the simple pleasures of life resonated with me on a profound level.
What advice do you have for women aspiring to be like you?
My advice to young women aspiring to achieve success is to always remember: You are the value! This mindset is the first step to doing anything powerful.
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