Do you know yourself well enough to love yourself?
In this episode of Fearless Creative Leadership, Charles Day speaks with Ndidi Oteh, CEO of Accenture Song — the $20 billion digital, creative, and technology transformation arm of global consulting firm Accenture. Named successor to founder David Droga, Ndidi brings to the role a lifelong creative sensibility, a deeply rooted leadership philosophy, and a belief that nothing great is ever accomplished alone.
She traces her relationship with creativity back to childhood — to a four-year-old girl in St. Louis who knew exactly what she wanted to wear and why — and reflects on how growing up as the eldest of seven, with significant family responsibility from a young age, quietly shaped her instinct for leadership. Ndidi discusses what it means to lead as an introvert, how a five-point personal ethos (developed over 20 years) guides her decisions daily, and why she approaches her role not with fear, but with a profound sense of honor.
She and Charles also explore the evolving definition of creativity in business, the myth of the leadership playbook, what it takes to build cultures that don't just tolerate mistakes but learn from them, and why Ndidi believes the most powerful legacy a leader can build is one that gets better after they're gone.
This is a rich, grounded conversation about servant leadership, self-knowledge, and what it truly means to make things better for the people around you.
00:00 — Opening Question: Do You Know Yourself Well Enough to Love Yourself?
The question that frames everything.
03:57 — Guest Introduction: Ndidi Oteh, CEO of Accenture Song
Stepping into a $20 billion role and what it demands of a leader.
04:10 — Creativity's Early Roots
A four-year-old with a vision, growing up one of seven in St. Louis.
07:39 — Nature vs. Nurture
Where does the instinct to make things better come from?
09:54 — Creativity as Culture
Music, food, sports, and what brings people together.
11:12 — Self-Expression Through Making
Sewing, jewelry, and learning the difference between appreciation and practice.
13:37 — Do You Think of Yourself as Creative?
On being a creative thinker versus a creative — and why both matter.
14:08 — Redefining Creativity in Business
Is the word too narrow, or do we need to educate people about what it really means?
18:19 — Was Leadership Always Part of the Plan?
On introversion, responsibility, and learning to lead without being the loudest voice in the room.
21:14 — The Weight and Honor of Leadership
Why Ndidi doesn't find the role terrifying — she finds it inspiring.
23:33 — Putting the Role On Every Morning
Early rising, journaling, movement, and the centering practice that starts every day.
29:16 — A Conscious Leadership Ethos
Five principles, 20 years in the making, that guide every decision.
34:41 — Spirituality and Intentional Leadership
The faith practice behind her grounded, forward-looking style.
35:44 — Distributing Intention Through an Organization
Knowing what you stand for — and making sure your team does too.
38:07 — Who Thrives Working for Ndidi?
On surrounding yourself with people smarter than you, and the non-negotiable of treating people well.
40:44 — The Conditions That Unlock Creativity
Creating the right environment — not putting creatives in a corner.
43:52 — The End of the Leadership Playbook
Why the checklist never really worked, and what today's leaders actually need.
46:32 — Imposter Syndrome
On never feeling alone going into a room, and where real confidence comes from.
50:24 — The Founder Transition
Taking over from David Droga and building a legacy that belongs to everyone.
57:07 — Defining Success
Learning every day, creating space for others, and driving value for clients.
58:49 — What She Wants to Leave Behind
Great leadership creates infrastructure that excels even when you're gone.
01:00:07 — Advice to Her Younger Self
Work a little less. Have more fun. Say "I love you" more.
01:01:50 — What Else Do You Want to Find Out About Yourself?
Why Ndidi's answer turns outward, not inward.
01:02:21 — Hope for the Future
Human ingenuity, connection over separation, and believing the arc bends toward good.
