How Owen Odigie Of Opulence Entertainment Is Helping To Make the Entertainment Industry More Diverse and Representative

An Interview With Guernslye Honoré

You have your own unique journey and destination. Spend less time worrying about what others think.

As a part of my series about leaders helping to make the entertainment industry more diverse and representative, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Owen Odigie.

Owen Odigie is the Founder and CEO of Opulence Entertainment, a media and entertainment company dedicated to connecting people through authentic storytelling in film, TV, and live experiences. A dual degree graduate of Columbia University, holding an MBA from Columbia Business School and a Master’s in International Affairs from the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs, Owen also served as Student Body President of the business school. His latest venture, “Osa’s Vantage,” is a groundbreaking TV series inspired by his experiences in New York City and at Columbia Business School, exploring themes of identity, ambition, culture, and the American dream through the lens of a Nigerian American protagonist.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

From a young age, I aspired to work on Wall Street, overcoming the odds by securing a role at Goldman Sachs despite coming from a non-target school. I spent five years in finance, but I longed for a career that fueled my creativity, storytelling, and passion for bringing people together. This led me to advertising, but just a few months into a new job, the pandemic hit, and I was laid off.

Faced with uncertainty, I decided to pursue a dual degree at Columbia Business School and the School of International and Public Affairs. My time in New York and Columbia, especially serving as Student Body President at the business school, reignited my passion for leadership and storytelling. Inspired by these experiences, I took a chance on myself, founding Opulence Entertainment and creating “Osa’s Vantage,” a project that embodies my journey and aspirations.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

Absolutely. The pandemic flipped everything upside down for me. In January 2020, I had just started a new job in advertising in Los Angeles, feeling optimistic about the future. However, by March, the pandemic hit, and I was laid off, leaving me uncertain about my next steps.

Fast forward to January 2021, I found myself living in New York, pursuing a dual degree at Columbia Business School and the School of International and Public Affairs. I also became the Student Body President of Columbia Business School. This dramatic shift taught me that crises can often lead to the biggest opportunities, propelling me towards new heights and inspiring me to create “Osa’s Vantage.”

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I’ve made so many mistakes along the way, it’s part of why I truly believe in never taking yourself too seriously because it helps soften the blow when you make a mistake. What I will say is this — don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They help you refine and become better. At the end of the day, that’s all we can do. Constantly refine and improve.

Ok, thank you for all that. Let’s now jump to the main focus of our discussion. Can you describe how you are helping to make popular culture more representative of the US population?

Through “Osa’s Vantage,” I’m committed to making popular culture more representative of the US population. Osa, the Nigerian American protagonist, symbolizes the rich diversity within the American experience, offering a fresh and unique perspective. The show delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, resonating universally while highlighting the Nigerian American experience.

Moreover, “Osa’s Vantage” incorporates modern African music, celebrated daily around the world, adding an authentic and vibrant cultural layer to the storytelling. By bringing these elements to the forefront, we aim to bridge cultural gaps, promote inclusivity, and showcase the beauty of diverse narratives in popular culture.

Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by the work you are doing?

Well, I am truly writing this for everyone who wants to be inspired to follow their dreams, take chances and maximize their potential. I think that’s a show that everyone can relate too.

As an insider, this might be obvious to you, but I think it’s instructive to articulate this for the public who might not have the same inside knowledge. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why it’s really important to have diversity represented in Entertainment and its potential effects on our culture?

 Representation Inspires Aspiration: Diversity in entertainment lets young people see themselves on screen, fostering a sense of belonging and aspiration. When viewers see characters who share their backgrounds and dreams, it empowers them to believe in their potential. “Osa’s Vantage” showcases a Nigerian American protagonist, helping diverse audiences realize they too can chase their dreams.

 Cultural Understanding and Empathy: Diverse stories offer a window into different cultures, fostering empathy and understanding. “Osa’s Vantage” bridges cultural gaps and promotes inclusivity by highlighting the Nigerian American experience and exploring universal themes. This show helps break down stereotypes and build cultural appreciation.

 Authentic and Relatable Narratives: Authentic representation ensures stories are told with depth and accuracy, making them more relatable. As a new uncle, I believe “Osa’s Vantage” serves as a powerful tool for the next generation, instilling pride and inspiring them to embrace their identities. It’s crucial for young viewers to have role models who reflect their realities and encourage them to dream big.

Can you recommend three things the community/society/the industry can do to help address the root of the diversity issues in the entertainment business?

 Increase Access to Capital: Providing financial support for diverse creators is essential. More funding opportunities, grants, and investments dedicated to underrepresented voices can help bring a wider range of stories to the screen. Financial backing empowers diverse storytellers to produce high-quality content that reflects their unique perspectives.

 Diversify Decision Makers: Increasing diversity among executives, producers, and other decision-makers ensures a broader range of voices and ideas are considered. When leadership reflects the diversity of society, it naturally leads to more inclusive storytelling and equitable opportunities for all creators.

 Provide More Opportunities for Underrepresented Groups: Allowing underrepresented creators multiple chances to succeed, even after initial failures, is crucial. Like their counterparts, diverse creators should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and improve through repeated opportunities. This approach fosters innovation and resilience, leading to a richer and more varied entertainment landscape.

How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?

Leadership to me is action. It’s being proactive and doing things that others simply talk about. It’s about following through and inspiring people to bring the best version of themselves to work towards a vision and achieve a common goal. True leadership invites people in and celebrates their contributions.

For example, when I was at Columbia Business School serving as Student Body President, my goal was not just to lead but to create an environment where every student felt their voice mattered. By organizing inclusive events, fostering open communication, and recognizing individual achievements, I was able to cultivate a strong, united community. This experience taught me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most authoritative voice in the room — it’s about uplifting others, providing clear direction, and driving forward with a shared purpose.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

1 . Focus on the people who support you, and support them.

2 . It’s okay to go against the grain and do what’s true to you.

3 . You have your own unique journey and destination. Spend less time worrying about what others think.

4 . Follow your curiosity and focus on what you are good at.

5 . Enjoy your life and stay in the present. Life moves quickly.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I am actually trying to inspire a movement right now through the important question asked in the teaser of Osa’s Vantage. “Who is *insert your full name? and What inspires to succeed”? This question revolves around the American dream an important theme of Osa’s Vantage.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

I have so many life quotes I live by it’s hard to share one. If I had to pick one though I would say you only get to live this life once. Do all that you can. Live purposefully, and don’t take yourself too seriously.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

Barack Obama. He fundamentally changed my relationship to America as a first-generation Nigerian American. Jay-Z is very close second. Robert F. Smith a very close 3rd.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

Instagram:

• @Triple0papi
• @OsasVantage

Website:

• Osasvantage.com

Linkedin:

• Linkedin.com/owenodigie

This was very meaningful, thank you so much!

About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.