Tech Innovation, Confidence, and Mental Wellness with Nonye Ekpe, Co-founder of Balm.ai

Nonye Ekpe is a Co-Founder of Balm.ai, a wellness and coaching platform dedicated to bringing happiness to the world by providing accessible and affordable wellness and productivity solutions for businesses and their staff. With a background in sociology and technology innovation, Nonye has made significant contributions to the technology ecosystem in Africa and is now on a mission to expand the platform's reach to North America. With extensive experience collaborating with various organizations and establishing impactful programs, including working alongside the FGN (Federal Government of Nigeria) and the Bank of Industry to establish an iDice fund, Nonye is committed to leveraging technology to improve business processes and promote mental wellness for a happier and healthier world.

In our interview, Nonye shares how her faith guides her as an entrepreneur, and her views on leveraging exponential technologies and collaboration to power the future.

How do you cultivate confidence?

I have a background in sociology and technology innovation, and I've made significant contributions to the technology ecosystem in Africa. I'm now on a mission to expand to North America. I've also collaborated with various organizations to establish programs and cultivate partnerships, including working with the FGN and the Bank of Industry to establish impact programs for a $618 million iDice fund.

My experience in supporting over 5,000 startups in Africa as a startup operator has taught me the importance of leveraging technology to improve business processes. At Balm.ai, my team and I are committed to promoting mental wellness to create a happier and healthier world.

I believe that personal development is crucial, and it involves instilling certain principles that give us the confidence to know that we are doing the right things and deserving of the best things in life. I also believe that by walking in the assurance that we are children of God and that the lines are fallen unto us into pleasant places, we can achieve great things and lead a fulfilling life.

What does being a woman-owned business mean to you?

Before starting my own business and writing a book, Divine Principles, I volunteered and worked for several organizations over the past 10 years, gaining an understanding of the business world and connecting with amazing people who supported my personal and professional growth. Building a business is a way to intentionally create the future you want to see and I am loving this learning experience.

What was your business origin story?

Working in social enterprises and business incubators gave me exposure to the power of ideas and turning them into tangible products and services through strategy, network, and execution. With the emergence of AI, I asked myself how I could leverage technology to scale the work I do and improve the lives of others. Thus, building Balm.ai to help working professionals with on-demand therapy, wellness, and coaching services as well as empowering experts and providers to monetize their time, skills, and knowledge.

Okay, coming up with a great idea and actually taking the steps to become an entrepreneur and launch your company are two very different things. How d

I believe that God gives ideas to millions of people at the same time, but the only difference is who takes action and at what pace. I write down my ideas and begin with the atomic unit of progress I can make for each idea. Even though I cannot execute all the ideas at the same time, I focus on the skills required to get the resources, funding, and people to bring each idea to life.

Sometimes entrepreneurship can be a hard and isolating journey. How do you stay confident along the way?

I ask God for wisdom, clarity, and direction daily. I pray for helpers and to find ways to add value to those I come in contact with based on my natural abilities. I ask questions and seek help when needed.

If you had to list three traits or attributes that have been pivotal for your success, what would they be?

The acknowledgment of the grace of God upon my life, the ability to discern quickly, and my ability to learn and serve people.

What's one myth you'd like to debunk about your line of work?

As a mental health advocate, one myth I would like to debunk is the idea that seeking help for mental health concerns is a sign of weakness. In reality, it takes great strength and courage to recognize when we need support and to take action to prioritize our mental health. Seeking help for mental health concerns is a sign of self-awareness and a commitment to personal growth and well-being, and it is important for individuals to know that they are not alone in their struggles.

What advice would you give to burgeoning entrepreneurs?

Every day, I remind myself to have unwavering self-belief and think audaciously. I encourage myself to take bold risks and pursue great ideas that can make a difference and leave a lasting legacy. As a woman, I know it's essential to take quantum leaps and leverage exponential technologies to build tech-based businesses that can attract customers globally. Building a technology company may require the same energy and time as a brick-and-mortar business, so why not invest in the future and build a business that has the potential to reach a wider audience and have a greater impact?

What words do you live by?

Keep doing the right things, even when nobody is watching, follow the tenets of the Ten Commandments, and live a life of service.

Any final words of wisdom?

Put God first, let your joy be dependent on the fact that you are alive, and not on marital status, financial status, or life situations. Live your best life, be happy, and build relationships intentionally.