Skip to content

01My Story

My story. My perspective.

I’m Okikiayo Ishola, but I prefer to be called Kiki. I am an entrepreneur, business leader and student pilot, born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and now living in Canada.

  • Lagos → Canada
  • Founder, GoNow
  • Student Pilot
Okikiayo Ishola seated in a tailored ivory suit.

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, I am the firstborn child and first daughter in my family. Growing up came with expectations, challenges, and many moments when I had to find my own answers. I spent much of my early life in my own company, learning to think independently, adapt, and work through difficult situations.

Those experiences shaped my resourcefulness. I became someone who looks closely at problems, questions what could work better, and brings structure where things feel uncertain. Over time, that instinct developed into an interest in entrepreneurship—and a determination to create possibilities beyond what I had known.

My journey has included working in different environments, founding GoNow, and developing ventures across several industries. It has been a journey of setbacks, learning, and persistence. Each experience continues to shape how I lead, make decisions, and turn ideas into practical action.

Okikiayo Ishola in a tailored black suit.

Building businesses has also challenged me to grow from someone who finds solutions independently into someone who helps others succeed together. I am learning to set clearer expectations, build stronger systems, and create space for people to contribute.

Beyond business, I enjoy travelling, flying, horse riding, learning to skate, and the quiet of my own space. I am still discovering new interests, and I value the freedom to grow without having every part of life figured out.

My ambitions include establishing businesses internationally, becoming an aerospace engineer, building my future airline, Echelon Airways, and contributing to aviation policy and public leadership. Alongside those goals, I hope to build a loving family, inspire others, and live peacefully. For me, success includes meaningful work, independence, contentment, and the ability to help others.

Values

What matters to me

01

Resourcefulness

I look for a way forward when circumstances are difficult.

02

Independent thought

I value the space to think carefully and make intentional decisions.

03

Learning

I want to keep developing my knowledge and questioning my assumptions.

04

Responsibility

I care about the quality of my work and the people affected by it.

05

Generosity

Helping others matters to me, whether or not it is seen publicly.

06

Peace

I want my ambitions to support a meaningful, contented life.