Bernadette Akpeko
Bernadette Akpeko is a business and technology leader specializing in enterprise strategy and transformation, with a focus on designing operating models that improve how organizations execute complex initiatives. She works at the intersection of strategy and execution, helping regulated and unregulated organizations translate technical work into clear, executive-ready insights. Her expertise includes stakeholder management, portfolio alignment, and organizational diagnosis, with a strong emphasis on reducing decision latency and improving cross-functional clarity.
With over six years of experience in the technology and enterprise transformation space, Bernadette has worked across financial services, home improvement, and enterprise technology environments. Her career includes roles in Agile delivery leadership, Scrum and Kanban coaching, and enterprise operations, where she has led modernization efforts, improved delivery predictability, and developed reporting systems that enhance visibility for leadership teams. She also brings entrepreneurial experience as a founder and consultant, building capabilities in business development, operating strategy, and organizational effectiveness.
Bernadette holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from The Ohio State University, an MBA in Technology Management, and is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration with a focus on leadership and servant leadership. She is also a published author and holds certifications in Agile methodologies and cloud fundamentals. Grounded in a servant leadership philosophy, she focuses on helping teams and leaders work with greater alignment, accountability, and purpose while building systems that support sustainable organizational performance.
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C01) Cert Prep: 1 Cloud Concepts
• Agile Foundations
• Leading SAFe 5.1 Certification
• Certified Entrepreneurship Coach
• Ui Path Robot Automation
• Financial Analyst Certification
• Leadership & Management
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• Western Governors University - MBA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to servant leadership. When I first encountered Scrum and Agile, I was skeptical about balancing flexibility with deadlines, but as I studied the frameworks and earned certifications, I became inspired by leading through service. Researching notable servant leaders, including Jesus, showed me the power of putting others first—even imagining a CEO serving as a janitor to support the organization. That perspective shaped my approach, and I strive to embody servant leadership in every role, guiding how I mentor, collaborate, and drive impact.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: never give up. Stay confident in your abilities, embrace challenges as opportunities to learn, and keep pushing forward even when the path feels difficult. Persistence, resilience, and self-belief are the keys to making your mark and achieving success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are bridging the gap between delivery teams and leadership—translating complex team realities into clear, actionable insights so leaders can make informed decisions—and balancing the flexibility inherent in Agile approaches with fixed deadlines and diverse stakeholder expectations. These challenges also present opportunities to improve collaboration, streamline communication, and create more adaptive, high-performing teams.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are servant leadership, relational collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning and curiosity. Personally, I also deeply value family and embracing my new role as a mother, which continually shapes my perspective and priorities.
Locations
Private Company
Lewis Center, OH 43035