Inside #GEF2024 with Mea Boykins
- Patrick Nwafor
- Dec 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 7
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) 2024 brought together some of the brightest minds from across the world, and one of its standout attendees was Mea Boykins. A global entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Global Management & Marketing, LLC (GMSquared), Mea flew in from the United States to join the 3-day event in Nigeria.
We caught up with her after the festival to hear about her experience, insights, and reflections on Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape.
About Mea
She is a global entrepreneur, speaker, and scholar who has lived and studied in six countries, including the USA, France, England, Spain, Taiwan, and Jamaica. Her academic background includes two international master’s degrees—in Psychology and Global Business—and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Governance and Public Policy, which she aims to attain in 2025.
Through her company, Global Management & Marketing, LLC (GMSquared), she works with clients across government, international business, and entertainment sectors. She specializes in:
Building public-private partnerships
Community engagement strategies
Event management
Branding
Business development
Her work is flexible, depending on client needs, and she leads teams of over 70 contractors to execute projects ranging from business plans to marketing strategies and program development. Additionally, she aspires to lecture in universities across the USA and Nigeria.
GEF x Mea
What inspired you to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Nigeria?
"I was nominated for the Social Impact Award and invited to serve as a speaker."
Was there anything about the GEF brand or Nigeria as a location that piqued your interest?
How would you describe your 3-day experience at GEF?
Did the event meet your expectations?
As someone who traveled from the US, what was your perception of Nigeria before attending, and how did that change during your visit?
What connections or relationships did you build during GEF that you feel will have a lasting impact?
Did the event facilitate any collaborations or new opportunities for your work?
How important do you think platforms like GEF are in connecting entrepreneurs across continents?
Nigeria x Mea
From what you’ve seen, how do you feel Nigeria and events like GEF can contribute to global entrepreneurship?
"Investing in the youth that’s presenting their business ideas—bringing them to the forefront. Helping to develop infrastructure and investments to support the businesses."
What opportunities do you see for international businesses or collaborations here?
What advice would you give other global entrepreneurs considering Nigeria as a destination for business or events?
Any specific takeaways about the Nigerian business ecosystem?
GEF 2025
As GEF gears up for 2025, what would you like to see more of at the next edition?
"I think it was the perfect blend of business and talent—perhaps more on the governmental side."
Would you encourage other global leaders to attend GEF 2025? Why?
What would be your pitch to someone sitting on the fence about coming to Nigeria for this event?
Final Thoughts
If you could sum up your GEF 2024 experience in one sentence, what would it be?
"Intense, but well worth it!"
Do you have any words of appreciation or shoutouts to the GEF team, organizers, or anyone who made your experience unforgettable?
How can people connect with you to learn more about your work or potential collaborations?
#GEF2024 is one for the books, and Mea Boykins’ journey highlights the opportunities and energy Nigeria offers.
Stay tuned for more post-event features as we look ahead to GEF 2025! Tickets are now available at early bird price for 2025: www.globalentrepreneurshipfestival.com
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