Derby: My name is Derby Chukwudi.
Derby:
Derby: I was born in the United States but raised in Nigeria. I am Igbo, from Enugu State.
Derby: I currently work in the finance industry, focusing on private markets in Hong Kong. Simply put, I collaborate with different teams to represent our private market strategies to clients in Asia. These strategies include private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and more.
Prior to this role, I spent my early career in private banking, working with ultra-high-net-worth clients and providing solutions across investments, financial advice, and services. This experience gave me a unique perspective on financial planning and literacy, which has been instrumental in my journey.
Derby: I have been in finance for roughly six years. Reflecting on my childhood, I remember helping my mother with sales in her business and enjoying social science classes in high school. I was fascinated by how economies function, which led me to major in Economics.
As I explored the finance industry, I realized its vastness and knew it was important to experience different areas and keep learning. Today, private markets are one of the fastest-growing sectors in finance. Being in this space presents an incredible opportunity—not only to learn but also to be part of the immense growth happening right now.
Derby: Outside of the finance industry, I consider myself a creative. I’ve been involved in startups, education, financial literacy, pageantry, writing, and public speaking. At the core of everything I do, I strive to align my interests with the different seasons of my life. I believe we can have it all, but not necessarily all at the same time.
Derby: When I first started working, I quickly realized how easy it was to get comfortable—learning the industry jargon, following the status quo, and potentially becoming complacent. I noticed how some professionals settled for whatever was offered to them without questioning or striving for more.
Observing this, I made a conscious decision to stay sharp and continuously challenge myself by engaging with industries beyond finance. Staying informed about global trends and pushing myself outside my comfort zone has been crucial for my growth. To this day, this mindset keeps me on my toes and fuels my hunger for learning.
Derby: The biggest influence of my African heritage is resilience and confidence. The industries I’ve worked in are not designed for people who lack thick skin or self-assurance.
Growing up, my parents instilled confidence in me. My dad, for instance, used to tell me not to respond to people who mispronounced my name because, to him, an incorrect pronunciation did not define my identity. Today, I am not afraid to correct people when they mispronounce my name. I believe it’s important to honor one’s identity rather than brushing it off to make others comfortable.
I deeply embrace my Nigerian pride, and alongside God’s covering, this has been a major motivation for me. Nigerians are among the most resilient, confident, and intelligent people in the world.
Derby: Culture is important because we live in an incredibly diverse world, and being open-minded is crucial. One way to achieve this is through curiosity—the eagerness to understand perspectives different from your own.
At work and in life, I always keep this in mind. Living in Asia has reinforced this even more, as it requires intentionality to remain inclusive, open, and respectful in such a dynamic environment.
Derby: To me, legacy is about the present. I am on a mission to inspire and propel the next generation of Africans into meaningful action. The time is now to develop the core skills we need in leadership, commerce, and our communities.
Everyone must understand that their voice matters and that they have a responsibility to their continent and country. For me, everything I do is not just for myself or my family but serves as a blueprint for others to observe, learn from, and take action. No one is coming to save Africa—Africa needs her people now more than ever.
Derby: So many things, but one that stands out is my accent. Although influenced by the West, I have preserved a significant part of it, which was always important to me. I wish more Africans understood how unique and valuable their accents are—it’s a true asset.
Derby: The only thing that is impossible is what you have decided is impossible. Life is a battle, and you must fight for your destiny and the results you desire. If you are not an active participant in your life, you will face the consequences of passivity. Get to work!!
