From Global Brands to New Beginnings: Edeje Onwude's Bold Career Pivot

“You don’t get confidence before you act—you get it from acting.” — Edeje Onwude

An Immigrant’s Journey: Love, Career, and Courageous Change

When Edeje Onwude moved from Nigeria to the UK 11 years ago, she never imagined her life would take such a transformative turn. What started as a relocation for love evolved into a journey of self-discovery, career reinvention, and the pursuit of fulfillment beyond titles and paychecks.

In this heartfelt conversation with The Immigrant Story, Edeje opens up about leaving her 14-year career in brand marketing—a field she once loved—to step into the unknown. Her story isn’t just about change; it’s about listening to that inner voice that whispers, “There has to be more.”

Who Is Edeje Onwude?

Edeje defines herself as a woman determined to live life fully—not just as a mother, wife, or sister, but as herself.

“I don’t just want to be a mom. I don’t just want to be a wife or sister. I want to be me and live the life meant for me.”

For years, she thrived in brand marketing, launching products, seeing them on shelves, and dancing in supermarkets out of sheer joy. But over time, the thrill faded. The big-picture strategy meetings and financial spreadsheets left her unfulfilled.

The Breaking Point

Monday Blues: A woman who once woke up excited for work now dreaded Mondays.
The “Perfect Job” Trap: Even at a dream company, she felt the same emptiness.
The Nigerian Mentality: “Stay in a good job until you retire.” But what if the job no longer serves you?

Edeje realized: Success isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about climbing the right ladder.

The Pivot: From Brand Marketing to Internal Communications

1. The Wake-Up Call

During the pandemic, Edeje had time to reflect. She asked herself:

What do I love doing?
What am I good at?
What aligns with my values?

2. Taking the Leap

Despite fear, she left her job—with a plan:

3 Months to Explore: Networking, attending conferences, and connecting with internal comms professionals.
Investing in Herself: Therapy, career coaching, and Toastmasters (to conquer impromptu speaking).
Facing Rejection: “You need several ‘no’s to get to a ‘yes.'”

3. Finding Her New Path

Internal communications spoke to her—it was about connecting people, shaping company culture, and bridging gaps between leadership and employees.

“Internal comms is the thread that ties an organization together. It’s not just sending emails—it’s making sure everyone understands where the company is going and how they contribute.”

The Challenges of Career Transition (Especially as an Immigrant)

1. Mindset Shifts

“You’re not starting from scratch—you’re starting from experience.”
Moving countries alone is a huge skill—transfer it to resilience in career changes.

2. The Power of Community

Toastmasters: Helped her gain confidence in speaking.
Professional Networks: The Institute of Internal Communications (IoIC) and International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) became her support system.

3. Redefining Success

Success isn’t just about landing the new role—it’s about:

Building a network.
Growing personally (she even learned to ride a bike during her career break!).
Aligning work with purpose.

Edeje’s Advice for Immigrants & Career Changers

1. For Those Wanting to Pivot:

Shift Your Mindset: You’re not starting over—you’re leveraging your experience.
Find Your People: Join communities in your desired field.
Embrace the “No’s”: They’re steps toward the right “yes.”

2. For New Immigrants:

“Find Your Tribe”: Loneliness is real—seek out people who uplift you.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Final Thoughts: Living a Life of Alignment

Edeje’s story is a reminder that fulfillment isn’t found in job titles but in purpose. Her journey teaches us:

It’s okay to outgrow your career.
Fear doesn’t mean you’re wrong—it means you’re growing.
Success is living authentically, not just earning impressively.

As she continues her journey into internal communications, one thing is clear: Edeje isn’t just building a career—she’s building a life she loves.

Watch the Full Episode

Catch Edeje’s inspiring conversation on The Immigrant Story here. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a comment—your feedback shapes the stories we tell next!

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Have you ever made a bold career pivot? Share your story in the comments! 💬✨

From Global Brands to New Beginnings: Edeje Onwude’s Bold Career Pivot