Ngozi Igbokwe
Senior manager, learning and development, Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Age: 37
Education: Drake University - Doctor of Philosophy in education; Drake University - Master of Science, leadership and talent development; Iowa State University - Bachelor of Science, Major: biology; Des Moines Area Community College - Associate of Arts (Liberal Arts and Sciences)
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
I work at Bright Horizons Family Solutions, a company that provides child care, elder care, and education and career support for employees of over 1,000 leading global employers.
I serve as president of Association for Talent Development Central Iowa, a 300-plus-member group of talent development professionals, advancing our mission of developing people who develop people.
I serve on the advisory board for the Jacobson Institute at Grand View University and on the boards of the Iowa International Center and One Voice DSM, and I previously served as president of Young Professionals Connection (YPC), an initiative of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
I am a graduate of Lead DSM’s Community Connect, Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and the African American Leadership Academy.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
I grew up watching my parents work long hours while still making time for my siblings and me. They came to the United States from Nigeria for school, with no family in Iowa. I am grateful for the family, friends and neighbors who supported us along the way. When I think about how hard my parents worked, it motivated me to make them proud. I hope that I have made them proud.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
During my first job out of college, I attended a workshop on personal branding. It was the first time I had heard of that term. I was amazed! After learning more about it, I decided to be intentional about my personal brand. I focused on building trust by under-promising and over-delivering and showing up consistently. I believe that opened doors for me.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I want to focus on growing my business, nVision Career Solutions, which I started earlier this year. Starting my own business was a big bucket list item, and my goal is to expand its impact and help even more people.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
I’m working on being a better coach. Instead of giving people the answers, I’m challenging them to uncover solutions themselves. It’s not always easy to step back, but I’m learning that guiding questions often lead to stronger growth than quick fixes.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
I have been rejected and told no so many times in my career. I didn’t let that weigh me down though, I kept going. So my advice to you is, let the word “no” fuel you, not stop you. Rejection is redirection, not a reflection of your worth.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
I would say my one regular habit that I think has made me successful is my ability to follow through. If I say I’m going to do something, I do it. My followthrough has made me a person that people often rely on.
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
The best way to learn is sitting in a classroom for eight hours being talked at. I struggled academically in elementary and high school. Later I realized that I learn best when the learning is engaging and interactive. I am happy to see alternative education options popping up in the Des Moines metro.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
In January, I attended the MLK Prayer Breakfast hosted by the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, where leaders emphasized education as the gateway to economic mobility. The 2025 One Economy Report echoes this, with Black families calling for higher expectations, safer learning environments, and stronger mental health and career readiness support. Central Iowa leaders should act by investing in student-centered policies that create stability, opportunity and pathways to 21st-century careers for every learner.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I co-authored the first chapter of “When Leadership Fails: Individual, Group, and Organizational Lessons from the Worst Workplace Experiences.” The chapter “Monsters, Inc.: Toxic Leadership and Engagement” examines the experiences of employees under toxic leaders and the impact on employee engagement.
Hobbies: I love binge watching TV shows and documentaries. I am a big fan of true crime. Volunteering. Playing video games (Yes! I love racing games).
What is one word that best describes you?
Driven.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Mini cheesecake from Nadia’s French Bakery.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
I was looking all over my house for my phone for about 30 minutes, only to realize it was in my hand the whole time.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Attending Iowa International Center’s Passport to Prosperity. It’s inspiring hearing the stories of people who are doing amazing work in our community.
What is your go-to snack?
A smoothie.