Debola Deji-Kirunmi, widely known as DDK, is a Nigerian best-selling author, transformational coach, keynote speaker, public policy advisor, corporate trainer, and faith-based leader whose work has empowered leaders, innovators, and change-makers across Africa and beyond. She has built a reputation for blending strategic insight, personal transformation, and spiritual mentorship, creating programs and communities that enable individuals and organizations to achieve lasting impact.
Her journey began with a strong academic foundation at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Estate Management. The discipline sharpened her analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, providing a solid foundation that shaped her leadership philosophy. Driven to expand her influence, DDK pursued executive education at Pan-Atlantic University and the Lagos Business School, specializing in Social Sector Management as a Coca-Cola Foundation Scholar. She further enriched her expertise through executive studies at the United Nations University for Peace, gaining valuable insights into governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
DDK’s global exposure was further strengthened when she participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship, a prestigious U.S. government program for young African leaders. There, she studied public policy and civic leadership at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, experiences that broadened her perspective and reinforced her capacity to influence policy and institutional development. Complementing her academic pursuits, she has earned multiple professional certifications, including Certified Visionary Leadership Coach, Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, and Certified Masteries Practitioner, as well as qualifications in workplace personality profiling and job evaluation analysis. She is also currently engaged in postgraduate studies in Public Policy under a PASGR-supported doctoral pathway.
Professionally, DDK has translated her academic and leadership expertise into practical platforms that empower leaders and organizations. She is the Founder and CEO of IMMERSE Coaching Company, a global coaching practice dedicated to leadership development, personal transformation, and mindset growth. She also serves as Executive Director of Ideation Hub Africa, a public policy and impact advisory firm supporting non-profits, social innovators, and early-stage changemakers. Through these platforms, she has created structures that provide guidance, mentorship, and actionable strategies for sustainable impact.
In addition to her corporate and policy-focused work, DDK is a prominent faith-based leader. As President of Kingdom Leaders Global Alliance and the FIREBRAND Movement, she leads non-denominational initiatives committed to spiritual discipleship, leadership training, and community impact. This blend of professional and spiritual guidance allows her to address both the personal and organizational dimensions of leadership, helping individuals develop clarity of purpose while cultivating their influence.
Her influence extends globally through her work as a corporate trainer, author, and keynote speaker. DDK has written over 20 books and addressed audiences on multiple continents, inspiring thousands to embrace leadership, purpose, and transformation. Her coaching programs and communities have reached tens of thousands of people worldwide, while her advisory roles on organizational boards allow her to provide strategic guidance on leadership development, policy execution, and institutional growth.
DDK’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a Mandela Washington Fellow, being named among the 100 Most Inspiring Nigerian Women, and receiving the Nigeria’s Leading Coach award at the Motherland Awards. Yet, beyond awards and recognition, her legacy lies in her ability to cultivate leaders, strengthen institutions, and create lasting social impact. Through her work, Debola Deji-Kirunmi demonstrates that purposeful education, disciplined growth, and a vision-driven approach can transform not just individual lives but entire communities and nations.
