From Adversity to Influence: Why I Coach
Before I share why I coach, there’s something my wife, Joy, once said that’s never left me:
“Purpose is found in your struggle.”
It’s a truth I’ve lived—and a truth I help others embrace.
I don’t coach because I have all the answers.
I coach because I’ve lived through the questions:
“Will I ever recover from this loss?”
“Do I belong here?”
“Am I enough?”
As a teenager, I fled a brutal civil war in Sierra Leone and became a refugee. I lost everything—but not my belief in what was possible.
Starting over in a new country with no roadmap or resources, I learned that true leadership isn’t about titles or power. It’s about choosing hope over fear, and purpose over pain, even when no one else sees your potential.
At 17, without formal training, I broke into international journalism—becoming Africa Correspondent for the world’s largest multilingual soccer website.
That breakthrough didn’t happen overnight.
It was built on rejection after rejection—fueled by resilience, grit, and an unshakable belief that I could lead and inspire, even when the odds were stacked against me.
It wasn’t born from privilege—but from persistence, faith, and the refusal to give up on what I knew I was called to do.
That opened the door to a leadership journey that would grow to span global media, IT, communications, public service, and keynote speaking.
I’ve led cross-cultural teams, built programs from the ground up, and guided global organizations through crisis and change.
But I was also fighting a silent battle—navigating years of undiagnosed, moderately severe hearing loss while rising through high-pressure leadership roles. That invisible struggle not only deepened my resilience, but also sharpened my empathy for the hidden challenges others quietly carry.
It taught me that the most defining moments of leadership often happen in silence:
When no one’s watching. When self-doubt is loud. When giving up feels easier than showing up.
And that’s why I coach.
Not as someone who has it all figured out—but as someone who’s walked through it.
To help others rise through the questions, reclaim their voice, and lead with unshakable clarity and compassion.
Coaching That Sees the Leader Behind the Title
Today, I coach senior and emerging leaders who are driven—but also human.
They want more than results. They want real transformation.
They’ve achieved success—but crave deeper purpose in their leadership.
They’ve faced setbacks—but know there’s more within them still untapped.
They influence others—but want to do it without sacrificing their peace, values, or identity.
What sets my coaching apart is my ability to create space for both vision and vulnerability.
I help leaders push past external barriers—and the internal ones too: fear, burnout, grief, and the quiet pressure to always have it all together.
With deep empathy, practical insight, and lived leadership experience, I walk alongside my clients as they:
• Reclaim their voice
• Build unshakable resilience
• Lead with impact, integrity, and purpose
Whether in a confidential coaching session or a packed auditorium, my mission remains the same:
To help people rise—through quiet struggles, beyond limitation, and through times of change—into a life of resilience, clarity, and impact.
The Bigger Picture
In 2022, I was honored to be appointed as a Commissioner for the Georgia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing—a role that reflects my ongoing commitment to accessibility, dignity, and purpose-driven leadership.
This photo captures the moment I was sworn in by Governor Brian Kemp on August 2, 2022, joined by my wife, Joy, and other family members. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp.)
From international journalism to global tech leadership, public speaking, and service—I’ve been called to help people step into who they were created to be, no matter the obstacles.
Beyond the Bio
When I’m not coaching or speaking, I’m simply Ib—a proud husband to my best friend of 21+ years, Joy, and a father to our three amazing children: Gloria, Nyakeh, and Joshua.
I’m a competitive Scrabble player (yes, I take it seriously!) and I recharge with contemporary Christian music that lifts my soul and keeps me grounded.
But more than anything, I live in awe of God’s grace. At 14, escaping civil war by boat, I found myself praying through a violent storm in the Atlantic. I made a vow to God in that moment: “If You save me, I’ll live for something greater.”
Every step since—every open door, every second chance—has been because He kept me. My life’s work is a reflection of that promise—and a desire to glorify God in all I do.
Let’s Build Your Legacy
You’re not here just for inspiration. You’re here because you’re ready to lead boldly, rise with renewed purpose, and create lasting impact.
Let’s build the clarity, confidence, and influence you’re meant to lead with.
Ready to rise with purpose?
A Legacy of Influence and Service
Voices from leaders inspired by Ib’s purpose-driven journey.
You, like all of us, choose what we want to do with our lives: (1) we can either pursue selfish interests in getting others to serve us; or, (2) we can decide that we will be of service to others. You have obviously chosen the latter and, consequently, will be forever blessed for it.
— Dr. Carolane Williams
Ib, you’ve been such a kind, wise leader to all of us on the [Hearing Loss Association of America] board and beyond. You’ve inspired me and so many others to take a higher look at what we do. Your impact on behalf of people with hearing loss will endure for years to come.
— Cheri Perazzoli
I enjoyed meeting you and hearing your story. I was truly inspired by all that you have done and I know that this is only the beginning for you!
— Ann Veneman