Nigerian-born entrepreneur and technology innovator, Chaste Inegbedion, has recounted how years spent working in warehouses and as a caregiver in the United States shaped his rise to becoming the founder of ConcordeApp and a participant in major global policy and business discussions.

Speaking in an interview with Punch, Inegbedion said his journey was marked by hardship, resilience and a determination to transform personal challenges into opportunities for innovation and impact.

According to him, his early experiences as an immigrant exposed him to limited opportunities and systemic barriers, despite a strong willingness to work hard.

“Working in warehouses taught me the dignity of labour. Every shift reinforced the value of discipline, consistency and endurance,” he said, adding that caregiving helped him develop empathy and a deeper understanding of resilience.

Inegbedion noted that there were periods when the American Dream seemed out of reach, but he remained motivated by the belief that his experiences could become valuable assets rather than limitations.

The entrepreneur said his corporate career at major firms, including Amazon, AT&T and Paycom, provided him with critical business and leadership skills that later influenced his decision to establish his own company.

“At Amazon, I gained a deep appreciation for operational excellence and scale. At AT&T, I learnt about infrastructure and how large systems operate, while Paycom exposed me to workforce management and human resources technology,” he said.

He explained that his understanding of how large institutions function enabled him to identify gaps and create solutions through entrepreneurship.

Inegbedion, who has participated in global forums , said he views himself as a bridge between grassroots communities and decision-makers.

According to him, policy discussions often occur far from the realities faced by ordinary people, making it necessary to ensure that the voices of entrepreneurs, community leaders and underserved populations are represented in global conversations.

He also highlighted his advocacy for menstrual equity and the fight against period poverty, describing the issue as one that affects education, health, economic participation and human dignity.

“Period poverty is not simply a women’s issue. It is an economic issue, a public health issue and a human dignity issue,” he said.

The entrepreneur further explained that his experiences as an event organiser inspired the creation of ConcordeApp, a platform designed to improve networking, communication and engagement at conferences and professional gatherings.

He said the idea emerged from repeated frustrations with fragmented communication and missed opportunities at events.

“The platform helps simplify networking, streamline communication and improve engagement before, during and after events,” he said.

Reflecting on his decision to leave the corporate sector, Inegbedion said the turning point came when he realised he was helping build other people’s visions while postponing his own ambitions.

He added that entrepreneurship offered him the opportunity to create solutions to challenges facing communities rather than merely contributing to existing corporate structures.

Despite his growing international profile, Inegbedion said he remains actively involved with the Nigerian community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, stressing that community engagement helps him stay connected to everyday realities.

Looking ahead, he said he hopes to leave a legacy of “borderless impact,” encouraging young Africans and members of the diaspora to combine professional expertise, advocacy and storytelling to drive meaningful change.

“I hope to be remembered not for titles or positions, but for helping others recognise their capacity to create change,” he said.