In this new chapter of “Purposeful Careers”, we meet Moses Etinosa, our International Full-Time MBA participant, whose journey spans Italy and Nigeria and is shaped by a strong focus on connecting markets and creating value across borders.

In his story, a clear thread emerges: identifying where value exists and building structured solutions to make it accessible, bridging gaps in supply, quality and market access. This approach combines entrepreneurial thinking, cross-cultural awareness and the ability to translate complexity into scalable systems.

 

Looking back at your journey — from your early work experience in logistics to becoming an entrepreneur bridging Italy and Nigeria — what has been the constant thread guiding your professional choices?

If I look back at my journey, the one thing that has stayed consistent is how I think about moving value from where it exists to where it’s needed, in the most efficient way possible.

At Esselunga, I was exposed to the reality of logistics — how products move, how systems are structured, and how small inefficiencies can scale into big problems. That experience really shaped how I see business.

Since then, whether it’s working on ideas or building businesses between Italy and Nigeria, I’ve naturally leaned toward opportunities where there’s a clear gap — either in supply, quality, or access — and tried to build something structured that bridges that gap.

So I’d say the constant thread in my decisions has been a focus on creating practical, scalable solutions that connect markets and make things work better, especially across borders.

 

Your idea to introduce Mutti products into the Nigerian fine-dining market reflects both cultural sensitivity and strategic vision. How does your Purpose guide the business opportunities you choose to pursue and the way you build value across different cultural contexts?

My idea of introducing Mutti into the Nigerian fine-dining market says a lot about how I approach business.

I don’t just chase opportunities — I pay attention to the ones that feel right based on my own experience and perspective. I’m naturally drawn to ideas where I can take something I’ve experienced and genuinely trust, like the quality and heritage I’ve seen in Italy, and bring it into a different environment in a way that actually makes sense there.

Being Nigerian and now living in Italy, I see both sides clearly. So when I think about something like Mutti, I’m not just thinking “this will sell.” I’m thinking about how it fits into Nigerian food culture, how chefs would actually use it, and whether it truly adds value — especially at the fine-dining level.

That’s really what guides me. I choose opportunities where there’s a meaningful bridge to build, and I focus on building it in a way that feels natural and respectful to both sides. Because in the end, real value comes from making different worlds meet in a way that feels authentic, not forced.

 

How has the MBA experience and the School’s environment helped you refine your Purpose, strengthen your leadership mindset, and prepare you to generate broader impact — both in Africa and internationally — going forward?

The MBA at POLIMI Graduate School of Management has helped me take something that was already there and make it clearer, more structured, and more intentional.

Before the MBA, I was already driven by the idea of connecting markets and building businesses across Italy and Nigeria. But being in this environment has pushed me to think bigger and be more deliberate about it. Through the people I’ve met, the different perspectives in class, and the way we break down business problems, I’ve started to see my path not just as building businesses, but as building systems that can scale and create long-term impact.

It has also shaped how I see leadership. I’ve learned that leadership is not just about having a vision, but about bringing people along, working with different cultures, and making decisions with a broader perspective. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds has forced me to listen more, adapt faster, and think beyond my own way of doing things.

Most importantly, the MBA has made me more confident in the direction I’m taking. It has helped me connect my experiences to a bigger purpose — one that goes beyond just business and focuses on impact, especially in Africa, while still operating on an international level.

Going forward, I feel more prepared to build something meaningful, lead across different environments, and create value that goes beyond borders.