Mary Bertha Okon’s journey is one of resilience and vision. Over two decades ago, as a young mother with limited English proficiency, she relocated from Germany to Nigeria and single-handedly established a crèche. What started with just three students has since grown into a thriving educational institution, now serving over 400 students from early childhood to senior secondary school, all on more than 10 plots of land.
Okon is a communicator, author, podcast host, seasoned entrepreneur, and transformational leader. With over 20 years of experience across education, psychology, human resources, financial management, and counseling, she has seamlessly navigated multiple industries while leaving an indelible mark. Beyond education, she is certified psychotherapist, a sought-after speaker, and a media entrepreneur dedicated to shaping narratives that heal and empower. She has mentored, trained, and counseled countless individuals students, parents, professionals, and corporate leaders while pioneering a culturally sensitive Special Educational Needs (SEN) department within my school, providing inclusive education and free emotional support to families in need.
Having lived and worked in Ghana, Germany, The Netherlands, Nigeria, the UK, and Qatar, she brings a global perspective to every space she enters. My multilingual fluency in several Ghanaian languages, English, and German allows her to connect deeply with diverse audiences. In this interview with IFEOMA OKEKE-KORIEOCHA, she takes us through her struggles through life to building a thriving institution and impacting the lives of many.
Mary, your story is one of remarkable resilience. How did you overcome the challenges you faced as a young mother with limited English proficiency in a new country?
It wasn’t just the language I had to adjust to, it was the food, the lifestyle, and the entire environment. Beyond figuring out meals, I had to navigate where to get my hair done, how to dress in a way that fit in, and most importantly who I could actually trust. Were my husband’s friends genuinely on my side, or just putting on a show? Everything around me had changed. I now had an in-law living with me. My daily routine was completely different. Waking up to a new climate, not being able to drink water straight from the tap, basic things I used to take for granted were no longer a given. But despite all the challenges, I knew going back wasn’t an option. I was on maternity leave in Germany. I couldn’t return to my family because of a failed marriage, that simply wasn’t a path I was willing to take. No matter the obstacles, I told myself I would not fail. I was the only girl in my family, the only granddaughter to my grandfather who had always been a father figure to me.
There were high expectations placed on me, and I was determined not to let him, my mother, or my siblings down. After everything I went through to be with the man I married, after all the warnings and the sacrifices, I couldn’t go back and say they were right, that I had failed. I wasn’t going to give anyone that satisfaction.
Fortunately, a few of my husband’s acquaintances, wives of his friends were kind enough to reach out and support me. They guided me through finding food markets, sorting out clothing needs, and even helped me discover salons where I could get my hair done and take care of myself. Some of them went the extra mile to teach me the Igbo language and pidgin. I did my best to adapt and blend in. Their help was truly invaluable. I was willing to do whatever it took. Even if that meant retraining my taste buds, learning a new language, and embracing a new way of life, I was committed. I wasn’t going to return to
Germany as someone who gave up on her marriage. I had to make my family proud. I had to make myself proud. I believed there was nothing I couldn’t overcome. With God on my side, I knew I wouldn’t fail. That inner voice, the one that had always guided me told me I would adapt, that I would thrive. The stakes were too high to turn back. I had already given up so much, my job, my friends, my old life. I had broken hearts just to take this leap, and I wasn’t going to let all that be for nothing. I was going to fight for the life I envisioned. Deep down, I knew God was with me. I had seen too much, experienced too much, to believe otherwise. I just knew I wasn’t going to give up easily.
Can you share a pivotal moment that defined your journey and shaped you into the leader you are today?
Life has a way of breaking us open, revealing the essence of who we truly are. My journey has been marked by unexpected turns, moments of deep pain that became gateways to profound transformation. There was a time when going to church was simply a social obligation. Raised in a Catholic household, I decided to step into a Catholic church one Sunday, just to fulfill social expectations. I was met with rejection. An usher told me my tattoo was distracting others and asked me to sit outside. I was stunned, humiliated and heartbroken. I walked away that day, vowing never to return. For years, I stayed away from the church, carrying the belief that it wasn’t for me. But pain, in its strange wisdom, often leads us back to what we truly need.
In one of the most challenging seasons of my life, an inner voice began urging me to seek guidance. I resisted. Still, I eventually found myself standing before a priest, not out of obligation, but out of need. He became my spiritual mentor until he passed away. Our conversations went far beyond religion, leading me into deeper truths about spirituality, metaphysics, and purpose. He taught me spirituality and metaphysics for four years. One day, he told me, “Go study psychology.” I didn’t fully understand why at the time, but I trusted him and I listened. That decision shifted everything. Psychology and spirituality became the bridge between my past and my purpose. The wisdom he shared sharpened my intuition, strengthened my faith, and gave me the courage to show up for others in a new way. With this foundation, I began to understand people, not just their words or actions, but their deeper needs. I was running a business that had been around for about a decade. Through this lens, I saw my staff differently. I could feel what they needed, sometimes before they said a word. I understood the human experience beyond the physical. And that understanding changed everything. It reshaped me, not just as a leader, but as a person. I became more empathetic, more aware. Psychology gave me the tools to interpret behavior, emotions, and complexity with compassion and clarity. And with that, I stepped into a new kind of leadership, one rooted in presence, purpose, and deep care.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, and what self-care practices do you prioritise?
Over the years, I’ve learned to put myself first, prioritising my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. I’ve also worked hard on learning to self-regulate my emotions so that I can be a better person for others. In terms of balancing my personal and professional life, I’ve built a solid structure over the last 22 years as an entrepreneur. My professional life is well-organised, which makes it easier to balance everything. I’ve been married for 25 years and a mother for 24 years, so I’ve developed routines and systems that help me stay on track with both my personal and professional responsibilities. I make sure to move my body, get good sleep, and eat healthily. For the past 4-5 years, I’ve also committed to annual health and wellness checkups, including blood work. I practice mindfulness and ensure I stay in the best physical and mental state I can. Because without taking care of myself, I can’t be the best version of me for others. All these little things I’ve done over the years help me stay healthy, focused, and ready to be the best I can for myself and for those around me.
What inspired you to start a crèche, and how did you navigate the challenges of building a thriving educational institution?
I was on the hunt for a nursery for my daughter, but every single one I visited didn’t meet the high standards I was used to from Germany. That’s when my inner voice spoke up: “If none of these nurseries meet your expectations, why not create one yourself? Show them what ‘better’ looks like.” And just like that, the idea was born. I began asking questions and reaching out to friends for advice. During my visits to other nurseries, I observed everything- the environment, what was provided, and how they operated. I used those observations alongside my experience in Germany to guide me. I collected as much information as I could, and then I took action. I started with whatever resources I had. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t afford everything right away, I just knew it had to be good, better than what I had seen locally.
I hired professionals because that was crucial to me, people who were not only experienced but passionate about their work, especially in this field. I brought in a qualified nurse, graduates, and caregivers, all experts in their areas. They came at a higher cost, but that was part of my setup budget. I needed to shift their mindsets to match my standards, and it took almost a year before we were ready to welcome children from outside my family.
I started with my own kids, learning from the staff’s experiences and feedback. We talked, exchanged ideas, and I carefully considered the suggestions they made, comparing them to what I knew from Germany. I chose the best options to build the foundation of my nursery. It wasn’t just my effort, it was a collaboration with friends, family, staff, and the community’s expectations. Plus, I had to meet the Ministry of Education’s standards. All of these elements came together, forming the foundation of my nursery. That’s how my journey as an entrepreneur in Nigeria began.
How do you foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity within your school, particularly with your Special Educational Needs (SEN) department?
Creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity in my school required intentional strategies and a
deep commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and equitable environment for all students. Drawing on my background in psychology, I focused on key actions such as modeling inclusive practices with my management team, ensuring our curriculum embraced diversity, and recruiting and training staff to align with these objectives.
What is your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, who are looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities?
Financial capital alone doesn’t guarantee success in entrepreneurship. What matters is identifying a societal need and solving a problem. You don’t need to have all the answers or know everything right from the start. You can hire professionals, learn as you go, or seek guidance from others. As long as you’re determined, resilient, and find sustainable ways to keep the business going, you’ll be on the right track. It’s crucial to stay focused and possess financial literacy.
Passion alone won’t grow a business, it’s about persistence, consistency, and a drive to succeed. Regardless of how much money you have at the beginning, start with what you can. With resilience, consistency, and passion, growth will follow.
Above all, treat people with kindness and respect, especially your staff, as good relationships are essential for long-term success.
What drove your decision to expand into media production with MWTV, and how do you see this platform amplifying your mission?
I aim to encourage a holistic leadership approach, one that recognizes staff as integral parts of a larger system, not just individuals within an organization. Drawing from my experience in psychotherapy over the years in Nigeria, I’ve seen the urgent need for a platform that promotes, supports, and educates people on the importance of mental well-being. My mission is to remind people to remain faithful and hopeful, even when life seems impossible. I want them to understand that there is so much more beyond what the mind can perceive. With social media at our fingertips, there’s no reason not to use my voice to spread this message. My goal is to collaborate with global media outlets that will share my story, invite me to speak, and provide platforms to inspire a deeper awakening in people. I want to help others realise they have a reservoir of wisdom beyond what their eyes can see or their minds can comprehend and to empower them to tap into that inner strength.
Can you share your approach to storytelling, and how you use your voice to create safe spaces for healing and empowerment?
Storytelling is a transformative tool for fostering healing and empowerment. It helps individuals connect with their emotions, gain deeper insights into their experiences, and find common ground in their challenges. As someone deeply committed to mental wellness, my mission is to ensure people feel seen, heard, and validated in their experiences. I aim to guide them in reflecting on their own journeys, their values, and the aspects of life that resonate most with them. By sharing my own story, I hope to show that growth is possible and that others can find strength in their vulnerabilities. I may also share stories from those I’ve worked with (while respecting confidentiality), or draw inspiration from historical figures, literature, or my community, illustrating how they’ve overcome adversity and healed. While it’s essential to acknowledge pain and struggles, my stories are crafted to inspire hope and provide practical insights for healing. I may offer tools or strategies that have supported me or others in managing mental health challenges, such as mindfulness, meditation, therapy, or meaningful relationships. I want to encourage my audience to take actionable steps toward self-compassion, emotional regulation, and healing. Creating a safe space is key, and I’ll engage with my audience through empathy. On social media, I hope to invite followers to share their own stories, affirming their experiences and fostering a community of mutual support and understanding.
How do you think media can be leveraged to drive positive change and social impact?
Media has a unique and powerful ability to shape public perception, inspire action, and drive social change. To harness its potential for positive impact, I plan to focus on several strategies: raising awareness about pressing issues, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and providing a platform for their stories to be heard. It enables people to connect with like-minded individuals, collaborate on projects, and mobilize for collective action. Hashtags, viral campaigns, and online petitions can quickly spread awareness and rally support for movements, reaching audiences worldwide. Through my media presence, I can push lawmakers and policymakers to take action on critical issues such as mental health and social justice. With my podcasts, YouTube channel, radio work, and blogs, I aim to provide accessible educational content that empowers individuals to make informed decisions, whether it concerns mental health, social justice, or sustainable living.
What leadership principles guide your decision-making, and how do you inspire and empower those around you?
My leadership principles are grounded in empathy and active listening. I prioritize understanding the perspectives and emotions of the people I lead and collaborate with. By listening attentively and showing compassion, I create an environment where trust is built, and everyone feels valued and understood. I believe that leadership also means modeling honesty and authenticity. By being transparent in my decisions and actions, I encourage others to act with integrity, fostering a culture of openness. I actively promote collaboration, inclusivity, and a growth mindset, encouraging both my own development and that of those around me. I create opportunities for others to grow, challenge themselves, and enhance their skills. I believe in empowering people by granting them the autonomy to make decisions, while always considering the impact on the business. Holding them accountable builds their confidence and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the team. I ensure that my team remains aligned with the larger vision of the business, consistently connecting our daily actions to long-term goals and values. Above all, I inspire them to pursue excellence, not just for the success of the business but for their own personal growth as well.
Can you share any insights on how to effectively navigate cultural differences and foster cross-cultural understanding?
Navigating cultural differences and fostering cross-cultural understanding requires intentionality, empathy, and an open mind. To manage these effectively, I focus on educating myself about various cultures, their values, customs, communication styles, and social norms. I prioritise active listening, making sure to hear others’ perspectives without judgment, especially when interacting across cultural boundaries. I maintain an open mind and genuine curiosity, and I avoid stereotyping, as it can create unnecessary barriers. I recognize that every individual is unique, even within the same culture, and their behaviors and perspectives are shaped by a complex array of factors. Therefore, I make a conscious effort to avoid assumptions and observe people’s behaviors carefully. Nonverbal cues, such as body language, eye contact, and gestures, vary greatly between cultures, so I pay close attention to how my own body language is perceived and remain mindful
of these cues when interacting. I approach cultural differences with empathy and a nonjudgmental mindset, understanding that misunderstandings can arise and using those moments as opportunities for learning. I welcome feedback as it helps me become more culturally aware and refine my approach to navigating diverse interactions. Finally, I show respect for cultural traditions, as honoring them helps build trust and strengthens relationships.
How do you see your work contributing to the preservation and celebration of African cultures and heritage?
As someone passionate about mental well-being and cross-cultural understanding, I see my work as a platform to not only promote mental health but also celebrate and preserve African cultures and heritage. By encouraging conversations about mental wellness through a culturally sensitive lens, I aim to highlight how African traditions, values, and communal practices contribute to emotional well-being. This can help shift perspectives on mental health within African contexts, creating space for dialogue that bridges modern psychological practices with indigenous healing methods.
In addition, by collaborating with global media houses and using my voice on social media, I can raise awareness about the richness of African culture showcasing its diversity, strengths, and resilience. Highlighting African storytelling traditions, music, art, and rituals through these platforms offers an opportunity to celebrate the heritage and pass it on to future generations. I hope my work can inspire others to value and embrace African cultures, fostering pride and unity while contributing to a more global appreciation of cultural diversity.
You recently became an author for the first time- tell us about that journey.
Becoming a co-author for the first time was an exciting and transformative experience that added a new dimension to my journey as both an entrepreneur and a psychotherapist. It gave me the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded women who shared similar life experiences. The process of co-authoring enriched Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change by weaving together diverse yet interconnected stories of resilience and perseverance, creating a multidimensional narrative.
The journey began when I first learned about the project and decided to approach the team. I was drawn to the concept and mission of the book, Women Leaders Who Shaped Tomorrow. At first, I felt a bit uneasy about sharing the spotlight, but I quickly realized that this was an opportunity to contribute to something much bigger than any one individual. It was a chance to connect with other women in leadership and bring together multiple voices to amplify our collective message.
Throughout the process, open communication and collaboration were essential. I spent considerable time reflecting on my own life journey and experiences, as we each worked to define how our individual contributions aligned with the project’s goals. It was inspiring to see how each co-author’s story, shaped by unique cultural perspectives, professional backgrounds,
and personal insights helped bring the project to life. Our differences, coupled with similar shared experiences, made the project truly special.
