Dr. Ifunanya Lilian Igweze is a medical doctor and founder of Preggify. A start up that helps career women and young female professionals with preconception, antenatal and postpartum care at their convenience. In this interview session with our correspondent, Mercy Ezeokonkwo, she shares her story to fertility, and how that motivated her to start up Preggify. She firmly believes that young people can get to the spotlight by following through their unique process by learning skills and collaborations. Excerpt;
Briefly tell us about yourself
My name is Ifunanya Lilian Igweze. I am a medical Doctor and a start-up founder. I lead the team at Preggify where we help career women and young female professionals to start a family of their own without endangering their career or businesses. We do this by providing them with affordable Preconception, antenatal and postpartum care at their convenience. I am also the author of The First-Time Mom, a mother child friendly book that help women to navigate pregnancy and early child care routines.
What’s your definition of purpose? From your definition, do you think you’re fulfilling purpose?
For me, purpose is walking your path. Everyone has a path destined for them. Going by this, I will say that I am walking my path. I’ve always wanted to change the way women view their health, to see women thrive in their career while raising their families. Every woman can have it all – a successful career and a healthy lovely family. Seeing that happen with clients through Preggify gives me utmost fulfilment. So, yes, I believe I am fulfilling my purpose.
What motivates you to do all you do?
I will say, circumstances and chance. First, I grew up in a place where healthcare was a luxury. Women had no choice of when and where to have their babies. As a teenager and young adult, I witnessed how some women who were highly gifted got married and never fulfilled that purpose as a result of challenges associated with juggling motherhood and career. I want to see a different life for women – a life where they can have a thriving career or business and still raise a healthy family. Preggify is set to make this happen in Africa. Our disruptive solutions are all that women need to lead a happier life.
What are the challenges you’ve faced and how were you able to overcome them?
I think my most recent challenge was losing my pregnancy while working in the hospital. Although this was a devastating experience for me, but it also turned out to be a game-changer in my career. The pain of my loss made me to resign from my job, I had time to read books and meditate. It was at this point that Preggify was birthed to solve problems like this for other women.
How can one move from shadow to spotlight?
This is an interesting question to ask because I see that the spotlight is where many young people are anxious to know and get to, irrespective of the process. For me, the spotlight is not a destination. The most important thing is the journey. First, one needs to identify her purpose, nurture this purpose, fuel it through acquiring knowledge and mentorship and persevere on the journey. It is definitely not a day journey or even a rosy one. It is a journey that demands constant practice and focus. You can’t show up for only a day and be on the spotlight tomorrow. You need to consistently do what you are called to do and of course, smartly. It is said that “he that loves to walk will walk further more than he that only loves the destination”. This emphasizes on the importance of doing what you love and consistently showing up at it. With consistency, it will only take a short while and the light will be shone on you.
How can young people remain relevant in this time?
Well, I don’t think it’s that difficult in our present times. We have technology at our beck and call. Every young person should adjust to this changing time and maximise the benefits of technology. To remain relevant in this fast-paced generation, you must be ready to unlearn, learn and relearn certain idealogies. Connect with like minds, foster collaboration, and above all, fuel your passion.
What skills would you advice young people to learn?
I have always believed that our generation is fortunate. Anyone can learn anything, anywhere and anytime as long as you have access to the internet. This was not the case for previous generations.
So, I will advise young people to use their smart phones smartly. There are a lot of resources shared on the internet. Relevant skills that can solve real-life problems. Don’t limit yourself and don’t choose to learn a particular skill because your friend did. You may find yourself burning out sooner than you thought. Take your time, research on skills and pick one that you believe you will feel fulfilled with.
Kindly leave an advice for our readers
Dear reader, when you look around you, it may seem as though the world is leaving you behind. I encourage you to stamp out the noise and shut your eyes to the distractions. Focus on your own journey and see how successful your life will look like in 3 years.
