Teju Adeyinka

Stanford Graduate School of Business

“Founder expanding access to global work for Africans, writer, Afrobeatsconnoisseur.”

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria

Fun Fact About Yourself: I run a 5K in every new city I visit. It’s one of my favourite ways to explore new places, and I’ve built a collection across cities in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. I’m hoping to add South America, Antarctica, and Australia before the MBA is over!

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Lagos, Akoka

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: 0x Labs, Product Manager

What has been the best part of living in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley so far? You’re close to the beating heart of technology and entrepreneurship, while being constantly reminded to step outside and connect with nature. One moment you’re on campus learning about AI and emerging technologies from world-class practitioners, and the next you’re whale watching in Monterey, hiking Big Sur, camping in the redwoods, or skiing in Tahoe. Even daily walks across campus at sunset feel special. The contrast is part of the magic of being at Stanford.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Stanford GSB’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school, and why was it so important to you? Stanford GSB’s strength in social enterprise was a major draw for me. From a dedicated social impact curriculum and advising staff to classes on designing business models for impact, the ecosystem is incredibly thoughtful and well-resourced. Being part of the Center for Social Innovation and access to practitioners who teach these topics both mattered deeply to me. Having grown up in Nigeria, I have seen firsthand that enterprises can leverage market incentives to generate impact and expand economic opportunity. I want to build businesses that expand access to opportunity for young people in Africa, and the GSB gives me the tools to do just that.

What has been the most important thing that you’ve learned at Stanford GSB so far? The importance of intentionally charting my own path. The GSB offers an overwhelming number of opportunities, which forces you to be clear about your values and your trade-offs. One of Stanford’s primary application essays asks the question “What matters most to you and why?” My time at the GSB feels like a continuous exercise in answering that question through both reflection and action.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Stanford GSB? Surprisingly, my favorite class so far has been the core Accounting course taught by Professor Ed deHaan. Over my first quarter at the GSB, I went from basic familiarity to a strong working grasp of accounting as a manager. The class was practical, engaging, and purposeful, and it motivated me to take additional accounting courses to deepen my understanding.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Before the GSB, I spent six years as a product manager building blockchain and stablecoin products focused on financial access, first in Africa and later globally. One highlight was leading the transformation of a core product used by the world’s largest blockchain companies to a professional, enterprise-grade platform. I managed a globally distributed, cross-functional team spanning engineering, design, data, and marketing – and helped turn emerging technology into a scalable, revenue-generating product for the company.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? I built namestories.app, a side project that collects and shares the stories behind my classmates’ names. Names carry deep meaning in my culture, and as I met more people at the GSB, I wanted to celebrate the diversity I encountered. It has been a meaningful way to connect with people, celebrate identity, and build community. I’ve featured over a third of the class with names from 20 different languages, and hope to capture stories from the entire class by graduation.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? Right before starting the MBA, I joined a week-long Summer Global Study Trip to China with classmates, faculty, and staff, visiting Xi’an and Shanghai. We explored the evolution of trade and globalization, from the Silk Road to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It was the perfect introduction to Stanford’s community: generous, curious, and globally minded. From visiting historic sites and companies to walking through Yiwu – the world’s consumer goods export hub – to sharing countless meals with my new friends, the trip gave me an early glimpse into what my life would be like within the GSB.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant looking to join the Stanford GSB Class of 2028? While applying, I heard the admissions office emphasize that there is no “cookie-cutter” Stanford candidate. After just a quarter here, I see exactly what they mean. Everyone in the class brings a distinct set of experiences and perspectives.

My advice is to spend real time reflecting on what genuinely matters to you, particularly where you feel called to make a positive impact on others. Then, tell a clear narrative that shows why this matters to you, using concrete stories and anecdotes. Highlight moments where you’ve exercised leadership, whether directly or indirectly. I wish you all the best, and I hope to see you in Town Square soon!

DON’T MISS: MEET THE STANFORD GSB MBA CLASS OF 2027

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