Say It Skillfully® OUR VOICES – Ngozi & Okezue Bell, Carpe Diem!

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 125 is the 23rd monthly feature of “Our Voices,” intended to accelerate social change that levels the playing field—helping everyone live to their full potential. The aim is for you to see a bit of yourself in these journeys, and embrace—we’re more similar than not. Molly is joined by Dynamo mother-son duo, Ngozi and Okezue Bell, who share their journeys and learnings across continents and generations. Creating possibility never gets old! Born during civil war, growing up in Nigeria a very sick child, Ngozi had a mom and grandma filled with faith that she’d make it. Both parents were focused on education, but it was her chemist mom who declared, “Go do physics. As a woman you’ll have a chance to work in pioneering science.” Doing just that, Ngozi studied engineering and then went to Bell Labs/AT&T Electronics, was an appointee for America’s first Black President, and managed over $1B in revenue. She attributes opening that first door to tenacious hard work, saying, “I promise—if you give me the opportunity, I’ll be the hardest working person.” Growing up in Pennsylvania, youngest of four, Okezue talks of his unsurprising focus on academics as part of his early identity. Hear how a 6th grade lab dissecting frogs exposed him to science beyond the empirical and was a game changer. He’s honest about a teacher who told him “you won’t last in math and computer science.” Okezue decided to prove him wrong, fueling his go-getter spirit. Recently being 1 of 80 in the world selected as a Research Institute Scholar at MIT is just one of many achievements… Okezue shares his experiences with stereotypes and personal mission to integrate the next gen into STEM & technology, in ethical & responsible ways. He offers what he’s learned from both his parents, laughs about his “only-child vibes” and cherishes his sibling relationships. Career-wise, Ngozi became one of the very few females in a rarefied space. She reflects that organizations really weren’t looking to embrace diversity, but rather wanted a “diverse person.” She’s open about mistakes made, and wishes she had endeavored to bring about change in a different way. They’ll continue this in a future episode! Tune in to hear what mother and son appreciate most about one another. Celebrate their kinship and connection, and hear the wisdom, confidence and commitment of youth front and center! Molly’s thought for the week—Thank you Ngozi & Okezue! Go with the flow. #sayitskillfully Resources: * Take advantage of the wisdom of youth—you won’t regret it http://bit.ly/2s0P0KM * All Molly’s videos by category here: https://sayitskillfully.com