Exclusive By Nico Abote – A few days ago, I attended what I can confidently describe as one of the most inspiring book launches of the year, a celebration of excellence, grit, and grace led by Nadine Niba, a powerhouse leader in Risk Advisory Services and now a bestselling author in Canada.

The event, themed around her debut book Quarterback: An Immigrant’s Guide to Corporate North America, was more than a launch, it was a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. The panel discussions touched on “Winning Where You Are: Playing Your Current Role Like a Quarterback” and “Future-Proofing Your Career in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” It was clear that Nadine’s story is not just about personal success, but about transforming challenges into strategy, and turning adversity into advantage.

As I spoke with Nadine’s family, it became evident that her foundation was built on faith, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

“We are from Cameroon,” shared Simon Suh Niba, Nadine’s father, beaming with pride. “She didn’t know she would go this far, but from her secondary school days, she was always among the top students, best in Grade 10, best in Grade 12. When she came to Canada as an international student, everything she’s written in the book, she truly lived it. There were nights my wife and I couldn’t sleep because we couldn’t reach her, but she never gave up. She saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Nobody raises a child to be the best, but when the world sees her performance and calls it the best, we give God the glory.”

Her mother, Florence Niba, recalls those early signs of brilliance:

“From childhood, Nadine loved reading, that was the first thing. She started reading at two, recognizing words on signboards. Even in nursery school, she’d tell her sisters to take care of their faces,” she laughs. “By the age of one year and ten months, she was already in school. At O-level and A-level, she was among the best in Cameroon. Today, seeing this multitude gathered because of Nadine, I can only say, it is by God’s grace.”

Her aunt, fondly known as her “Canada mum,” Fanny Forbeteh, adds another layer to Nadine’s story, one of resilience and triumph.

“I call Nadine my first daughter,” she said warmly. “When she first came to Calgary, she lived with me, so I’ve been part of her journey from day one. This Quarterback book feels like a family story. Nadine is a fighter, she’s faced challenges, but like any true quarterback, she found a way to win. She’s making our immigrant community proud. I know she’ll move mountains.”

With that foundation of love, discipline, and faith, Nadine’s journey from Cameroon to Canada stands as a beacon for many across the diaspora, a testament that leadership knows no borders, and success has no single accent.

Below, our exclusive conversation dives deeper into her journey, her leadership philosophy, and the vision behind Quarterback.

NA: You left Cameroon and arrived in Canada with ambitious goals, big dreams, yet ‘alone’ in a fast-moving place that can often be lonely. What was the turning-point moment when you realised you could not only build a career in North America but also become a corporate leader and published author?

NN: I arrived in Canada with hope in my heart and a burning desire to build something meaningful. Yet, like many immigrants, I faced loneliness, uncertainty, and moments of doubt. The turning point came when I realised that I did not endure the challenges of migration simply to survive. I came to thrive. That shift in mindset happened during my early days in the workforce, when a mentor said, “Nadine, you do not need permission to lead.” It was a powerful reminder that leadership is not given, it is earned through courage, consistency, and service. From that moment, I stopped waiting for affirmation. I started owning rooms, building strategic relationships, upskilling continuously, and stepping boldly into opportunities. Over time, I realised that my story and lessons were not only mine, but a guide for others who needed a playbook. That is when the seeds of Quarterback were planted.

NA: Your book Quarterback: An Immigrant’s Guide to Corporate North America reflects your personal path navigating corporate culture as an immigrant. What inspired you to translate your career learnings into a book, and how did you decide on the quarterback metaphor?

NN: Quarterback was born from both lived experience and a deep desire to serve others walking a similar path. For years, immigrants reached out to me asking how to navigate corporate rooms that often feel foreign, hierarchical, and coded. I recognised a recurring pattern: talented people were shrinking themselves, believing they had to fit in rather than stand out. I decided to create the playbook I wished I had. The quarterback metaphor came naturally because a quarterback is a strategist, decision‑maker, communicator, and leader under pressure. Immigrants must develop these same traits as we navigate a new culture, build trust, and deliver results. We are constantly reading the field, adjusting plays, and moving the ball forward, even when the odds feel stacked against us.

NA: You have achieved a rare combination of leading a major risk‑advisory practice and reaching bestseller status as an author. How have your early experiences in Cameroon and your adjustment to Canada shaped your leadership style and writing voice?

NN: Growing up in Cameroon shaped my foundation. I was raised to believe that discipline, humility, and community are non‑negotiable. In Canada, I learned resilience, grit, and the art of reinvention. Together, these experiences shaped a leadership style anchored in empathy, excellence, and intentionality. I lead with people first. I believe true leadership is not about titles, it is about impact. My writing voice reflects the same values. I write to empower, to demystify corporate systems, and to remind people that success is not reserved for the few. It belongs to those who are willing to prepare, persist, and believe that their voice has value.

NA: Immigrant professionals often face barriers like undervaluation, cultural disconnects and “Canadian experience” requirements. Based on your own journey, what are the top three strategic moves you recommend to immigrants aiming to thrive in corporate North America?

NN: First, build credibility fast. Earn trust by mastering your craft, speaking with clarity, and delivering results that build your reputation before you enter the room. Second, build relationships intentionally. Relationships accelerate opportunities, and visibility is fuel in corporate North America. Do not only work hard; ensure the right people know your work. Third, treat your career like a strategic investment. Upskill continuously, seek mentors and sponsors, and move intentionally, not emotionally. Your resilience and perspective are unique advantages. Do not shrink. Stand tall, and let your work and your presence speak with confidence.

NA: Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to build, not only through your corporate work and book, but for the next generation of immigrant talent in Canada and beyond?

NN: My mission is to build pathways and lift people as I rise. I want every immigrant to know that their story, accent, culture, and journey are strengths, not liabilities. Beyond corporate leadership, I aim to build platforms through Quarterback that empower others to rise higher, faster, and with confidence. I want to open doors, shape policy discussions, and inspire new leaders to build businesses, occupy boardrooms, and lead global organisations. Legacy is not what I achieve. It is how many people I help become their strongest, most courageous selves.

Editor’s Note:
Quarterback: An Immigrant’s Guide to Corporate North America is available across major platforms in Canada and online. It’s a must-read for every professional navigating new beginnings, a testament that resilience, strategy, and self-belief can rewrite any story.

Nico is an award winning filmmaker, media professional, creative strategist, lead consultant at Abote Media and co-founder of 263 Africa Media. With over 20 years of experience spanning Africa and North America, he specializes in digital storytelling, content strategy, and film production.
Nico currently serves on several boards including Vice President – LOUD Art Society (Calgary, CA), Chengeto Africa (Southern Africa), Blackstar Int. Film Festival (Ghana), a mentor with TEF (Nigeria), Zimbabwe Fashion Week, and Hunhu Council of Fashion (Zimbabwe) boards. He advocates for positive & uplifting narratives through media and the arts.