Paul: My name is Paul, and I prefer to be addressed simply as Paul.
Paul: You can connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn and, my website.
TribesAndHistory: Where are you from?
Paul: I’m originally from Nigeria.
Paul: I wear multiple hats. By profession, I’m an IT Business Analyst, mainly in the healthcare sector. My background in Nigeria was in healthcare, and when I moved to Canada, I transitioned into the tech space within healthcare. I currently work with a pharmaceutical company as an IT consultant.
Beyond my 9-to-5 job, I’m passionate about financial education. I noticed a significant gap in financial literacy, especially among immigrants in Canada. Many people arrive and immediately have to adapt to an entirely different financial system. They make costly mistakes due to a lack of guidance. So, I started providing financial education, helping immigrants understand insurance, investments, and overall financial planning.
I also host a podcast called The Thriving Immigrant Podcast, where I interview immigrants about their experiences. What started as a Canadian-focused podcast is now reaching beyond Canada, with guests from the U.S. and the UK.
Lastly, I mentor small business owners in business development and marketing, helping them position their businesses for success.
Paul: For financial advisory, it was personal. When I moved to Canada, I realized there was limited access to financial education in my community. People were making mistakes, including myself. I remember asking people close to me for advice and receiving conflicting answers. That’s when I decided to find the right information for myself. Once I did, I realized that many others needed the same knowledge, so I started sharing what I learned.
I believe that when you create value, it finds a way to come back to you—whether through money, relationships, or opportunities. That’s how my financial advisory journey began.
As for entrepreneurship, I realized that financial stability often requires ownership—owning a business, investments, or assets. Many immigrants have great ideas but struggle with selling and positioning their businesses. Since I started my career in sales, I built expertise in that area over the years. I began teaching people how to market their businesses effectively.
One moment that reaffirmed my mission was when a woman reached out to me years after receiving a free copy of my book at an event. She told me that my book helped her and her spouse start a business, which they now run full-time while raising four kids. Stories like that remind me why I do what I do.
Paul: In my financial education business, I teach immigrants how to navigate personal finance in the Western world. This includes understanding credit, insurance, and investments. I also work with a brokerage to provide financial services to clients in Canada and the U.S.
On the business side, I coach small business owners on sales, marketing, and customer retention strategies. Many entrepreneurs start their businesses with enthusiasm, but after a few months, they struggle because they don’t know how to attract and retain clients. I help them develop sales strategies, communicate their value, and build a loyal customer base.
I run this coaching business under PaulAde Consulting,
As for my podcast, The Thriving Immigrant Podcast, it started because I wanted to share inspiring success stories. One day, someone told me they had never met an immigrant making six figures in Canada. I found that surprising because I knew many. So, I decided to create a platform where successful immigrants could share their journeys and provide insights for others. The podcast has grown, and now people reach out to me to be featured. You can listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.
Paul: Definitely. When I moved to Canada six years ago, my first job was in telecommunications. After a year, I got a new role, but three months in, COVID-19 hit, and I was laid off. That was my first experience of job loss, and it was a tough blow.
At that moment, I made a decision: never again would I allow someone else to control my financial stability. That led me to write my first book, The A-Plus Entrepreneur, and I started diversifying my skills. I went back to school, upgraded my knowledge, and launched my financial education and consulting businesses.
Since then, I’ve experienced another layoff, but because of that first experience, I was better prepared. I believe that in life, one of the greatest assets you can have is options. That’s why I do multiple things—because financial security isn’t about just having a job, it’s about having control over your income.
Paul: My African background has played a huge role in shaping my mindset and work ethic. Nigerians, and Africans in general, are incredibly resilient. We grow up facing challenges that shape us into mentally strong individuals. That strength has helped me navigate the tough world of entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship isn’t easy—it requires patience, persistence, and the ability to handle setbacks. Many people give up quickly because they aren’t prepared for the struggles. But coming from a place where challenges are the norm, I’ve learned how to push through.
Also, my heritage reminds me that I have a responsibility beyond myself. I see success not just as a personal achievement, but as something that should uplift my community. That mindset keeps me going.
Paul: My goal is to create a legacy of financial empowerment and entrepreneurship for Africans, both at home and in the diaspora. I want to see more Africans breaking barriers, owning businesses, and creating generational wealth.
Too often, we limit ourselves to survival mode, focusing only on the present. I want to change that mindset—encouraging people to think long-term, build wealth, and create opportunities for future generations.
I also want to continue sharing knowledge. Whether through my podcast, books, or coaching, I hope to equip people with the tools they need to succeed. If my work can help even one person achieve financial independence, then I’ve done something meaningful.
Everything. Everything makes me proud. Like I mentioned earlier, many of us have gone through so much. Just the fact that we made the decision to leave our home countries and move to this part of the world—that alone is commendable. It’s something that not everyone can afford to do, especially financially. But beyond money, it takes extra courage and strength to pack up your life and start over somewhere new.
And what’s ironic is that most people who migrate aren’t necessarily struggling back home. Many were doing well in their own countries before making the move. Leaving Africa for a place like Canada or the U.S. doesn’t just happen by accident. There are minimum requirements you must meet, whether it’s having a certain level of education or financial stability.
When I think about what makes me proud, it’s our resilience. We come here, and in just three to five years, we achieve things that take others much longer. Take Nigerians in the U.S., for example—they are among the most educated immigrant groups. And it’s not just about education; many of us continue to grow and pivot into new fields. Look at some of our celebrities—people who were known for music or entertainment back home but have completely transitioned into new careers here.
For example, Eldee, the Nigerian artist—I recently found out he’s now in real estate in the U.S. I remember listening to his music as a kid because my older brother used to play his songs all the time. And he’s just one example. Many Nigerian artists and professionals who move abroad end up excelling in entirely different industries.
That’s one of the things that makes me most proud—our adaptability. No matter where we find ourselves, we find ways to thrive. We also pass down strong values to our children, instilling discipline and respect. And then there’s our spirituality—our deep connection to God. If I had to sum it up, I’d say our biggest strengths are mental resilience, discipline, and spirituality.
Yes. If you find yourself in a position where things are getting better for you, try to make life easier for those coming after you. But at the same time, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Many immigrants, especially Africans, carry an unconscious duty to uplift their communities. We feel responsible for helping others, supporting family back home, and giving back.
While that’s admirable, you have to set boundaries. Be kind, but don’t overextend yourself. Take care of your health—both physical and mental. Don’t overwork yourself just to meet expectations because, at the end of the day, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Most importantly, create lasting memories with your kids and loved ones. Work hard, but don’t forget to live.
