In today’s interconnected world, few stories embody resilience, representation, and purposeful leadership like that of Dami Ayeko. Born in Nigeria and raised in the United Kingdom, Dami’s life has been shaped by the experience of living as what she calls a “third culture child” rooted in the values of her Nigerian upbringing, while navigating the opportunities and challenges of growing up in northern England.
That balance of identity has shaped her outlook on the world: the belief that one’s value is defined not by where they come from, but by what they bring to the table. Growing up, she often found herself as the only Black person in the room, yet her parents instilled in her a quiet confidence: “We should be occupying the spaces we are in, being the best we can, and excelling with the opportunities given to us.” Today, she works to extend that same confidence to others, ensuring that young Black professionals feel empowered to step into any space with assurance.
A Career Shaped by Mathematics and Risk
Dami’s academic path began with a Mathematics degree from Imperial College London, where she embraced the challenge of a subject that valued objectivity and precision. “I enjoyed that mathematics had clear answers, you either got it right or wrong,” she recalls. While her parents had hoped she would pursue a vocational course, she fought to study mathematics, knowing it would leave her career options open. That decision proved pivotal.
Her professional journey began in risk management just after the 2008 financial crisis, where regulatory reforms created opportunities in documenting and managing risk. She honed her skills at investment banks and the Bank of England, where she risk-managed portfolios including the foreign currency reserves. These experiences sharpened her ability to analyze constraints, weigh risks, and craft solutions. A foundation that continues to guide her today.
Driving Development at British International Investment
Currently, Dami serves as a Portfolio Manager at British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution. For over 75 years, BII has invested in private companies across Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia with the intent of creating jobs, supporting sustainable infrastructure, and promoting resilient, inclusive economic growth. As a founding member of the 2X Challenge, BII is also scaling investments that support women-led businesses and gender-inclusive organizations.
“My role is about looking after the assets we invest in to ensure they deliver both financial returns and development impact,” she explains. The stakes are high: every investment must balance commercial viability with real-world outcomes that uplift communities.
Dami is particularly attuned to the challenge of channeling capital into emerging markets, where funding gaps remain vast. “To achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, trillions of dollars are needed. That can only be done by mobilizing private investors,” she emphasizes. This requires innovative structuring to attract global capital while maintaining impact-driven objectives.
Championing Women and Representation
Beyond finance, Dami is deeply committed to advancing women in leadership. Yet she acknowledges persistent barriers: “Recruitment is not the problem, retention is. Many women leave the workforce or slow down their careers due to caregiving responsibilities. Organizations must focus on mentorship, equity, and return-to-work programs to truly close the gap.”
Her leadership extends beyond the corporate sphere. As President of the London Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, a global nonprofit of professional Black women, she works to uplift communities through mentorship, service, and advocacy. For her, governance means knowing when to delegate, seek advice, and create opportunities for others to shine.
Lessons for the Next Generation
For students and young professionals, particularly in the African diaspora, Dami stresses the importance of three things:
- Academic Excellence – “Focus on your degree and be able to demonstrate the value you gained from it.”
- Networking – “Speak to people across industries and learn their journeys. No two paths are the same.”
- Mindset – “Be open to learning, solving messy problems, and collaborating. These are skills AI can’t replace.”
She also underscores the power of giving back. Each year, she returns to her university to encourage Black mathematics and computer science students. “It does not take much, sometimes just a word of encouragement but it can make a huge difference,” she says.
Balancing Work, Service, and Self-Care
With so many responsibilities, Dami takes self-care seriously. Whether it is stepping outside her daily routine with short trips, or treating herself to massages. She ensures her “cup is full” so she can pour into others.
Looking back, she has a few regrets. If anything, she wishes she had explored more hobbies at university and invested in London property before the 2012 Olympics. But her bigger reflection is on being present: “I have tried to make decisions that made sense at the time. I do not live with regrets because I am grateful for the community and life I have built.”
This article is made possible with the support from the following organizations:
Dr. Eric John Nzeribe is the Publisher of FunTimes Magazine and has a demonstrated history of working in the publishing industry since 1992. His interests include using data to understand and solve social issues, narrative stories, digital marketing, community engagement, and online/print journalism features. Dr. Nzeribe is a social media and communication professional with certificates in Digital Media for Social Impact from the University of Pennsylvania, Digital Strategies for Business: Leading the Next-Generation Enterprise from Columbia University, and a Master of Science (MS) in Publication Management from Drexel University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Temple University.
