Meet Onyi Anyado
In the ever-evolving world of leadership and personal development, few voices resonate with as much clarity and impact as Onyi Anyado. Born and raised in Hackney, East London, Onyi’s journey from adversity to global influence is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, he stands as a global Leadership Speaker, Futurist and Corporate Trainer. Onyi speaks around the world at different conferences, events and organisations on various topics such as future thinking, the future of work, leadership development and distinction and AI and tech leadership.
As a Corporate Trainer, Onyi delivers bespoke programmes for senior management teams and leaders on all things L&D. Onyi’s audience and client list includes nations such as Canada, Norway, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, USA and Nigeria as well as companies such as Barclays, EY, Qiddiya and Diriyah Company. Through his company, Onyi Anyado Media House, Onyi has empowered countless executives, entrepreneurs, and young professionals to embrace disruptive thinking, creative leadership, and strategic foresight.
Early Beginnings: A Story of Resilience and Transformation
Onyi’s path to leadership was far from conventional. Raised in a single-parent household, he faced numerous challenges, including the harsh realities of living a life called the ‘street life’ in his youth. Despite the challenges, his mother’s unwavering strength instilled in him the values of perseverance and faith. However, his path was far from straightforward. Dropping out of Middlesex University, he found himself surrounded by an environment where six of his friends lost their lives to violence, and he himself narrowly escaped being shot dead. Yet, it was in these defining moments that Onyi chose a different path, one of purpose, transformation, and distinction.
Determined to break free from his past, Onyi immersed himself in personal development, leadership, and faith. His passion for guiding others toward success was ignited, and he made a commitment to build a life centered around influence, impact, and inspiration.
“My role as a role model is to teach my generation how to excel in the role of distinction.” – Onyi Anyado
Early Career: A Search for Purpose
Onyi always had a passion for helping others. In his latter teenage years, he envisioned becoming a counsellor, offering guidance to those who, like him, faced life’s toughest battles. However, his entrance into the personal development industry took a different form. Inspired by speakers who commanded attention and transformed lives, he made a pivotal decision: he would not only become a speaker, he would become a speaker of distinction.
Determined to stand out, Onyi committed himself to crafting a unique voice in a crowded and competitive industry. With that, his journey as a Leadership Speaker and Futurist began. He immersed himself in the study of leadership, personal development, and corporate training, determined to make a lasting and tangible impact.
“Distinction in leadership isn’t a mindset, distinction in leadership is a state of mind.”
The Birth of Cutting Edge Distinction
Onyi’s career began with a vision to create a brand that wouldn’t just follow trends but set them. He observed established speakers and thought leaders and made a bold decision:
“I won’t quote anyone, but rather, I’d always be quoted.” – Onyi Anyado
This philosophy led to the creation of Cutting Edge Distinction, a leadership development brand that equips, coaches and trains professionals with the tools needed to navigate today’s fast-changing and disruptive world. Onyi’s unique approach to leadership covers many unique insights which include three fundamental pillars:
- Hindsight – Learning from the past.
- Foresight – Anticipating future trends.
- Farsight – Thinking beyond the immediate and embracing long-term vision.
Through his training, workshops, and keynotes, Onyi has worked with executives, corporate teams, and aspiring leaders across the globe, helping them develop a state of mind that is distinct, disciplined, and disruptive.
Keynote Speaker & Global Influence
Onyi’s insights on leadership, innovation, and AI have taken him across the world, speaking at prestigious events and coaching senior executives. His sought-after keynote, ‘The Era of Creative Distinction: What’s Your Leadership Distinction?’ challenges organizations and individuals to rise above mediocrity in an evolving world.
Post-2020, as businesses adapted to a rapidly changing landscape, Onyi addressed a fundamental question: What is leadership in this new era? His response?
“In this era of creative distinction, it’s now human, natural intelligence vs AI, artificial intelligence, to see who can create disruptive value at speed.”
Through his thought leadership, he provides practical strategies on how leaders can future-proof their careers and organizations by embracing creativity, strategic thinking, and AI-driven innovation.
Global Impact and Philanthropy
Beyond corporate leadership, Onyi’s influence extends into philanthropy and community development. Through his foundation The Onyi Anyado Legacy Foundation, he has led initiatives that provided food and clothing to hundreds of people in Nigeria and has plans to expand the foundation’s outreach in the coming months.
His commitment to mentorship and youth empowerment is particularly evident in his work with young leaders, guiding them to leverage their perceived disadvantages into strengths.
“Distinction in leadership isn’t about me, myself, and I, but rather, distinction in leadership is about him, her, and us.” – Onyi Anyado
Overcoming Challenges & Achievements
Establishing a brand of distinction in a competitive industry was no easy feat. Onyi faced numerous setbacks, but he never viewed them as roadblocks. Instead, he saw them as opportunities to stop, strategize, and strike forward. His resilience has earned him recognition, including the prestigious ‘Men Who Empower Speak Award’ for using his voice as a tool for transformation.
Among his proudest achievements are:
- Self-publishing two books, sharing his insights on leadership and personal growth.
- Delivering a TEDx talk, opening new doors as a leadership speaker.
- His first international speaking engagement in Canada, marking the start of his global impact.
- The Onyi Anyado Legacy Foundation, which between 2020 and 2022, provided food and clothing for hundreds in Nigeria. Plans to resume these efforts are currently in motion.
A Vision for the Future
As Onyi looks ahead, his mission remains clear: to continue serving with distinction, disruption, and discipline. His work in leadership coaching, keynote speaking, and corporate training is centered on helping organizations and individuals navigate the challenges of the modern world with clarity and confidence. His advice to future leaders and entrepreneurs is simple yet profound:
“There’s no time to be lazy, lethargic, and lifeless, but rather, it’s time to be deliberate, it’s time to be distinctive, and it’s time to be disruptive.”
From his early struggles to his rise as a global speaker, Onyi Anyado’s story reflects the power of resilience, vision, and purpose. His journey from detention to distinction is not just his legacy, it’s an invitation for others to embrace their own path of leadership excellence.
Editorial Note
Onyi Anyado’s journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and leadership distinction. His insights continue to empower individuals and organizations to embrace creative disruption. His legacy is a call to action—to lead with vision, serve with impact, and strive for excellence.
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