Christiana Fatoki
Visionnaire is an alternative ethical investment firm that promote financial inclusion. We drive social change by providing advice and financial education for institutions and vulnerable people.
Ex private client manager starts innovative financial education program and helps to grow sustainable businesses in Africa
The rat race - wake up every morning and pray for a different evening. Waking up at dawn...rest at sun down. Too little time for enjoyment and even less time for the welfare of others. Questioning the status quo is just not done in the City!In February, I left and formed Visionnaire Consulting. The name Visionnaire is formed from the French term for Visionary. And that is what we are. A Visionary and radical alternative to conventional forms of finance. We work in partnerships with charities and local businesses to help them promote financial education. Every day I wake up with a sense that we are going to achieve something that makes a genuine difference.
How I can help Esc members
I would like Esc members who have a passion for definitive change - who want to use their skill-set to help people to understand themselves and their circumstances better.
We are seeking: business partners; opportunities that we can back; founders; corporate partners; volunteers
Currently...
Currently, Visionnaire are working on a project that will allow us to work with the Fons (Tribal Leaders) of key locations in Cameroon to help them attain investment and build genuine sustainable businesses that can help the nations economy to grow and provide education and work for the people for years to come.
Before I escaped...
Helping high net worth individuals to avoid paying tax.My moment of truth...
The morning of the London Riots - upon hearing the opinions of my less than open minded colleagues. I sit in silence, filled with sombre regret. I listened to them talk about the London Riots and why 'these people' are rioting and 'what is there problem'? Finally my blood boils and all that was fire within me turns to ice. It is time for the volcano within to erupt. "Those people' are disenfranchised" I almost shriek. The system does not allow them to progress, they have no support and no prospects because we live in world that recognizes qualifications before talent, that places perception before reality and they are socially excluded.That was it... the breaking point - when I realized the system was not working for me...
I want to use my knowledge for social good and to create a system that can significant affect life in a positive way.
Planning for it...
With a lot of help and support from my mentor, strategists who gave their time pro bono and people who cared enough to help. Mostly, by the grace of God.The worst and best bits...
The best thing is the vision for change and by far the worst is the constant fear of failure.Best advice...
Plan your time and plan it wisely.Useful resources and information...
Martin Woolf- Fixing Global FinanceMike Dixon- Please Take One