Chinezi

Engagement Manager

Early Aspirations

I am Nigerian American. I split my childhood between Nigeria and Kenya, and moved to the U.S. when I was 11. I started to have dreams of making a difference in Africa through education when I was 14, believe it or not. I remember the swing in Swarthmore, PA, where I sat dreaming up a university or a school in Nigeria that I would one day start. Having access to a different system and appreciating what was strong and what was missing gave me ideas for how I might want a school or university to look like once I got home.

Career Path

I attended Harvard and did some dot.com work and IT consulting before I became a mathematics teacher and soccer coach, inspired by one of my own teachers in high school. I went to Stanford in 2003 to attend its dual MBA-Education program. Prior to business school I had not considered consulting at all. But during my second year, one of my roommates (who was also an ex-teacher and is now in McKinsey’s Education Practice) had a summer internship at the firm. We practiced case interviews while he was applying. I loved the way they allowed me to approach an ambiguous problem confidently, and to forge my way to a solution or decision.

A Natural Fit

I wanted to move home to the African continent, and particularly wanted to live in South Africa. Among the consultancies I researched, McKinsey had the strongest presence and commitment to the region. I also knew that if I wanted some mobility in West Africa, South Africa, or even if I left Africa, it would be time well spent. When I met with and got to know folks in the office, it just clicked – more so than any of the other places I considered. Johannesburg is such a good office. We’re growing our presence and service tremendously in Nigeria, East Africa, and across the African continent.

Pursuing My Passion

During my time at the firm I’ve done work in healthcare, private equity, and banking across Africa, largely outside of South Africa, and education work in Africa and the Middle East. I’ve explored how the private sector can improve access to health care services and quality of health care in the region, and spent four months in the Middle East on education reform. These experiences helped me appreciate the opportunity that exists to pursue my passion – education – through McKinsey. And that’s what I’m trying to do right now.

Free Time

I’ve rather unexpectedly fallen in love with squash, and I’ve always loved soccer . I also enjoy my cultural life, plays and that kind of stuff, and spending time with my fiancée, friends, and family.