EP11 - “I started following the light.”

Dr Yekemi Otaru, a petroleum engineer, was part-way through her Henley Executive MBA when she walked into a HR Director’s office and asked to move into marketing. Ever since, she has combined her strategic acumen with her heart for impact. Yekemi’s career journey is a testament to the power of personal development and strategic vision, resilience and reinvention. 

She is an award-winning entrepreneur and CEO at Somebody Cares Scotland, an Aberdeen-based charity that supports over 13,000 people annually. In 2021, she was appointed the Chancellor of the University of the West of Scotland, making history as the first black woman to take up the role at a Scottish university.   

Her impact in this role goes far beyond the ceremonial — she is a passionate ambassador for education, diversity, and innovation. Recognised for her contributions to higher education and entrepreneurship, Yekemi was awarded an honorary doctorate from UWS in 2022. 

She’s also the founder and CEO of YO Ventures, a consultancy dedicated to strategic marketing and transformative learning programmes. 

Yekemi’s entrepreneurial prowess shines through in her co-founding of Doqaru Limited, Scotland’s first multi-award-winning sales enablement consultancy. Under her leadership, the company has achieved groundbreaking results, earning accolades such as the Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards. 

A published author, Yekemi’s 2016 book, The Smart Sceptic’s Guide to Social Media in Organisations, reflects her forward-thinking approach to digital transformation. Her passion for mentorship and advocacy for women in business has inspired many, and her achievements have secured her a place among Scotland’s most influential leaders. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yekemiotaru/ 

Find out more about the Henley MBA www.henley.ac.uk/study/mba 

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