I grew up in East London, a vibrant and diverse community that offered me a wealth of experiences and challenges. My childhood was filled with outdoor adventures like camping, canoeing, and abseiling, which nurtured my love for exploration and sports.

Academically, I was always driven to succeed, achieving top grades that led me to study Economics at the University of Nottingham. These experiences instilled in me a strong sense of determination and resilience. Despite the occasional challenges, such as balancing my studies with sports and part-time work, my upbringing provided a solid foundation that shaped my commitment to personal growth and success. It was this environment that prepared me for the various paths I would later pursue, from competing in sports to leading initiatives that empower others.

One of the most challenging experiences was losing my mother, a loss that deeply affected me both personally and professionally. Another major challenge has been starting and scaling BYP Network in an environment where Black female entrepreneurs are often underrepresented and face additional hurdles.

One of the most significant challenges I faced was dealing with imposter syndrome during my time at the University of Florida, where I earned a full track and field scholarship and pursued a master’s in Management. Despite my previous successes, being in a new environment surrounded by talented peers led to self-doubt, which impacted my athletic performance and made it a mentally challenging period. Navigating this period required immense mental strength and perseverance. However, overcoming this challenge was a key milestone that taught me valuable lessons about self-belief and resilience.

Athletically, representing Great Britain as a junior javelin thrower was another proud achievement, along with my academic success at Nottingham. These milestones were instrumental in shaping my approach to challenges and have continued to influence my career and personal life.

My introduction to sports began in childhood, where I was naturally drawn to activities like swimming, outdoor sports, and the annual school sports day. There was always a sense of excitement and joy in physical activity, and I quickly developed a natural zest for sports. This early exposure laid the groundwork for my later involvement in athletics, particularly javelin throwing.

I would like to see more investment in women’s sports at all levels, from grassroots to professional leagues. This means better funding, facilities, and media coverage to ensure female athletes receive the recognition and support they deserve.

The discipline and structure of sports became an integral part of my life, shaping not only my physical abilities but also my mental toughness and resilience. These early experiences fueled my passion for sports, driving me to compete at higher levels and eventually represent Great Britain as a junior athlete. Sports taught me valuable life lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence, which have influenced every aspect of my life.

My journey into the sports industry was a natural extension of my athletic career. My experience gave me a unique perspective on the power of sports to inspire and motivate, not just on the field but in life. My passion for sports extended beyond personal competition, leading me to work with schools to inspire the next generation of athletes. I was also involved with 'Living the Dream,' a local charity that provided funding for athletes, in return for which we engaged in community activities. This work allowed me to give back and stay connected to the grassroots of sports. My journey in the sports industry has been one of growth, learning, and continuous evolution, blending my love for sports with a desire to make a broader impact.

Maintaining peak performance and mental well-being requires a balanced and disciplined approach. For me, it starts with prioritising sleep, ensuring I get at least eight hours each night, supplemented by daytime naps when necessary. Regular physical activity, though less intense than during my competitive days, remains crucial; I exercise at least twice a week to stay physically and mentally sharp. Nutrition also plays a key role; I focus on eating healthy, balanced meals that fuel both body and mind.

Another important strategy is managing my information intake. I avoid watching the news and limit my time on social media to reduce stress and maintain a positive mindset. These habits, combined with a strong support network, help me stay focused, resilient, and ready to face the challenges of both business and personal life.

The sports industry and media have made progress in supporting women in sports, but there is still significant work to be done. I would like to see more investment in women’s sports at all levels, from grassroots to professional leagues. This means better funding, facilities, and media coverage to ensure female athletes receive the recognition and support they deserve.

In the media, we need more consistent and equitable coverage of women’s sports, not just during major events but throughout the year. It’s also important to challenge stereotypes and promote diverse role models who reflect the true breadth of talent and potential in women’s sports. Additionally, promoting women into leadership roles within sports organisations would help drive policies that support gender equity. By making these changes, we can create a more inclusive sports culture that encourages participation, celebrates achievements, and provides role models for future generations of female athletes.

My journey has been marked by several significant obstacles, each teaching me valuable lessons in resilience and perseverance. One of the most challenging experiences was losing my mother, a loss that deeply affected me both personally and professionally. Another major challenge has been starting and scaling BYP Network in an environment where Black female entrepreneurs are often underrepresented and face additional hurdles.

Navigating these challenges required a combination of focus, hard work, and a strong support network. I leaned on my community, sought mentorship, and remained steadfast in my mission to create opportunities for others. The lessons I learned from sports, such as discipline, resilience, and the importance of a strong mindset, have been invaluable in overcoming these obstacles. Each challenge has reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to one’s vision.

I wanted to challenge the narrative that Black individuals could only succeed in certain areas, such as sports or entertainment, and instead showcase the diverse talents within our community.

In my sports career, one of the milestones I’m most proud of is representing Great Britain as a junior athlete in javelin. This achievement was the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, and it remains a highlight of my athletic journey. Outside of sports, founding BYP Network is an achievement that fills me with immense pride.

Through BYP, I have been able to create a platform that empowers Black professionals, challenges the status quo, and facilitates opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, I am incredibly proud of my family, who have been a constant source of support and inspiration throughout my journey. These milestones, both in sports and in business, are a testament to the resilience, focus, and determination that have guided me throughout my life.

Being a Disruptor has been a central theme in my life, particularly in my professional journey. Founding BYP Network was a direct response to the systemic inequalities I observed in both the corporate world and the sports industry. I wanted to challenge the narrative that Black individuals could only succeed in certain areas, such as sports or entertainment, and instead showcase the diverse talents within our community. Statistics reveal the disparities that exist: Black students and professionals are often underrepresented in top industries, and I was determined to change that.

My background as both an athlete and an academic gave me a unique perspective, allowing me to bridge gaps and create a platform that empowers Black professionals across all sectors. By challenging the status quo, I aim to not only create opportunities but also to inspire others to believe in their potential to succeed in any field.

Kike Oniwinde Agoro is the Founder and CEO of BYP Network, a platform that helps to advance the careers of Black Professionals around the world. Through their AI-powered platform 'Javelin', they connect Black professionals to personalised career opportunities such as jobs, mentorship, events & content based on their career goals. BYP Network hosts annual leadership conferences, has 25 chapters across the world and hosts 70+ events a year whilst working with the largest brands on all things DEI. Kike's proudest moment includes the BYP $1m crowdfund that saw 1200 community investors. 

Kike has an Economics degree from The University of Nottingham and an MSc in Management from The University of Florida, in which she gained a sports scholarship as an ex-Great Britain Javelin thrower. Kike is a Forbes 30 under 30, the Vice Chair of the London Chambers of Commerce Black Business Association and was selected by the USA Government as a Young Leader.  Kike is a proud wife and mother to her daughter, Yetunde, who was named after her mum, that passed away 7 months before her birth.