How to Say My Name

My name is Ify, a nickname for Ifeyinwa, which means, "there is nothing as great as a child" in Igbo. 

Ify rhymes with the English words "leafy" or "beefy." The "i" is pronounced as a Spanish "i" or as I like to say, an Igbo "i" (My fellow Nigerians will understand). 

1. I see you. Taking the time to get someone's name right is a way of saying, "I see you." The corollary is also true. 

2. Practice. Practice saying the names of others that are challenging for you and ask yourself why you're not getting it right.

Sometimes on a call with a new client I say, "Tell me how to say your name. I may get it wrong, but I will practice and ask you again until I get it right." It's okay to ask for a refresher.

3. You were born to stand out. Don't let people mispronounce your name. Correct them. Stop the conversation and say, "Hey Bob, we're going to be friends one day and friends don't let friends mispronounce their name. My name is Ify - rhymes with leafy."

I let someone mispronounce my name yesterday.

I was ashamed.

It meant I had lowered my expectations for him and also insulted Nigerian parents who dreamt of me before I was born -- all in the same breath.

I sent him a text and said, "You're my friend. Friends don't let friends mispronounce their names" and I gave him a tutorial.

Your name -- which for me encompasses my spirit and dignity -- is the only thing that even in death, they cannot take from you. #SayMyName

Ifeyinwa (Ify) Offor Walker is the CEO & Founder of The Offor Walker Group – a national talent matchmaking firm in the social impact and for-profit sector. Under her leadership, 81% of all OWG C-suite hires into historically white institutions have been leaders of color; women and men of color have negotiated more aggressive compensation packages; and leaders within historically white institutions have confronted and begun to erect bias disruptors to ensure that they hire from the very best – and by definition diverse – talent pools. She is the creator of the viral LinkedIN series #DearBlackWomen and #DearAmara and has been featured in Fast Company and O Magazine. Before launching her own firm, she spent several years raising $40M and opening new offices for Teach For America. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison and University of Wisconsin Law School.