Businesswoman Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes has shared her journey into the world of finance, revealing that her passion for investment banking began at a young age and eventually shaped her commitment to impact investing across Africa.

Speaking on a podcast that has gained attention on social media, Rhodes recounted how she built a career in global finance shortly after graduating from university.

According to her, she had always been interested in the financial industry and has spent the last 16 to 17 years working in investment banking and private equity.

She revealed that she landed her first investment banking role at Lehman Brothers at the age of 18.

By the age of 20, she had moved to J.P. Morgan, where she gained experience in mergers and acquisitions as well as leveraged finance.

Rhodes explained that her time at J.P. Morgan further strengthened her interest in finance before she later transitioned into private equity.

She said her outlook on investing changed significantly while working at a private equity firm focused on investments across Africa.

According to Rhodes, one investment in Uganda became a defining moment in her career.

She recalled that the investment was in a company that manufactured antiretroviral and anti-malaria drugs locally.

The project, she said, delivered strong financial returns while also improving access to life-saving medicines, showing her that investments can generate both profit and meaningful social impact.

Rhodes noted that the experience introduced her to the concept of impact investing, reinforcing her belief that investors can achieve attractive financial returns while contributing to positive change in society.