STORYTELLING & WHOLEHEARTED LEADERSHIP FROM SPORT TO THE MARKETPLACE.
— Nosa

First-generation Nigerian American, speaker, philanthropist and social entrepreneur, Nosa Eguae lives a life of impact, and service. Born into a family of migrant scholars, Nosa grew up knowing the power of education, community, and leadership through sport. Those gifts allowed him to build relationships that nurtured his core talents, and coupled with an unwavering work ethic—success quickly followed in sport and in the classroom. After graduating high school in Dallas, TX Nosa had over 40+ Scholarship offers to continue his education and play football collegiately. His collegiate pursuits planted him at Auburn University where Nosa remains the only athlete in the school’s storied history to start in two National Championship games. Through both tragedy and triumph, Nosa learned the power of perseverance at Auburn, Post-college, Nosa played professionally for the Atlanta Falcons before being cut on the hit HBO show Hard Knocks. After his playing career ended Nosa embarked on an 8-month journey of setbacks, failure, and overcoming that led to a purpose-filled awakening.

“When reality set in that football was over, I had to pick myself up off the ground, I had to look at myself in the mirror; look deep…way past the surface, and in the midst of my identity crisis, I came to the life-giving reality that I was enough—I had everything in me to not just make the transition successfully from sport, but to change the world, through my gifts, my talents, and my story.” 

Nosa’s journey post sport led him to the Medical Field; where he made headlines as an award-winning team member at the Chicago based healthcare giant Baxter International, where Nosa currently serves as Business Manager in the company’s Advanced Surgery division. Nosa shares his story of overcoming, hard work, and purpose-filled awakening to young men and women across the country as a Keynote Speaker. His work as a change-agent has led to philanthropic works throughout the city of Chicago, and beyond.  As co-founder and Managing Partner of the Prolific Company he wears the hat of a social entrepreneur; working with a team of former athletes, to bring forth holistic solutions for athletes transitioning from sport. The heart behind his work is simple; he wants to eradicate the Disease of Low Expectation in athletes and young people.

“For the rest of my days I will remain committed to serving a generation of people. Whether it’s young men and women on the south or west sides of Chicago, or an athlete that struggles to embrace an amazing skill set that adds value to the world outside of sport. Every day I will set the example and champion the work to empower, uplift, and impact the masses."

What I Do

IMPACT | VULNERABILITY | POWER

“ We are living in generational defining times. We have a collective opportunity to create a more equitable society, and to drive diversity into every crevice of our marketplace. To engage in dialogue that brings forth discomfort in order to drive change now and for the next generation. If this moves you share it! But don't stop there, take time to reflect, identify what moved you, heart stirring is good, but action behind is better. We ALL can champion this work. Take time to listen to black stories, honor your black colleagues by identifying how you can champion them. Move from sympathy to empathy by listening, and increasing your understanding. We are the change we seek, vulnerability is power, failing is temporary, love and impact last forever.”

This video was shot and edited in Chicago, IL by my friend and ally Dmitri Yakovlev and his team at Indrik Productions.

“When you walk onto a stage you don’t go alone, bring everybody who has loved you with you. But for the sacrifices of your ancestors you would not be here; they have paid for you. So, when you enter a challenging situation, bring them on the stage with you; let their distant voices add timbre and strength to your words. For it is your job to pay for those who are yet to come.”
-Maya Angelou