Victor Bella, Founder/CEO, Socialander

Cohort 14

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your personal background? Who is Victor Bella when he’s not wearing the hat of a founder or strategist?

A: I’m Bella Victor, a curious kid from Nigeria who stumbled into the world of business out of necessity and stayed because I fell in love with the thrill of building. I started my first company, Socialander, in a tiny dorm room with no capital, no connections, and honestly, no clue, just a fire in my belly and a belief that digital could change everything. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of growing it into a Global Digital Marketing Agency serving over 600 clients across 30+ countries.

Well, I like to describe myself as the simplest guy you would ever meet. I tend to find joy in simple things, deep conversations, long walks especially at the beach, a good book, or a playlist that makes me feel something. I’m also a big believer in nurturing relationships, so I make time for family, close friends, and moments that live with you forever. When I’m not in founder mode, I’m also a curious learner and an observer of people.

Q: What initially drew you to the world of digital marketing and branding? Was there a defining moment or personal spark that led to Socialander?

A: What initially drew me to digital marketing was a natural love for storytelling and human behavior, I was that student in university who knew how to make anything trend. I was always experimenting with social media, growing pages, running campaigns for fun, and helping student groups gain attention online. That’s actually how the name Socialander came about, a mash-up of “social” and “commander,” because I was always seen as the guy who could command attention online. One defining moment was when I helped my mentor grow his personal brand on Instagram from under 500 followers to over 6,000 in just 28 days. That unexpected success led to my first paid contract, and he encouraged me to take it seriously and turn it into a business. 

Then COVID hit, and the world went fully digital. I saw the opportunity: businesses everywhere were trying to pivot online. That was the spark that made me double down and turn Socialander into a Global Marketing Agency focused on making world-class digital marketing accessible to African brands.

Q: Building a business like Socialander must come with real challenges. What’s one personal challenge you’ve had to navigate on this journey, and what did it teach you?

A: I will say the major one is letting go. As a founder, your instinct is to hold everything together. But growth demands trust in your team, your process, and your vision. Learning to delegate and empower others taught me to lead with clarity rather than control. This is something that can be clearly seen in Socialander of today.

Q: Can you share a moment in your journey that felt like a true breakthrough, professionally and personally?

A: There have been many defining moments in my journey from signing our very first client to launching campaigns that moved markets but one that truly felt like a breakthrough was when we helped a client 10x their revenue through a digital strategy we built from the ground up. That single success didn’t just boost their business; it validated our belief that African brands can scale globally without losing their identity. 

Since then, Socialander has grown into a powerhouse, currently ranked as the No. 1 digital marketing agency in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya on Google, and recognized as the most reviewed marketing agency in Africa. We’re also proud to be one of the few official Premier Partners for Google and Facebook on the continent. 

But beyond the accolades and milestones, what gives me the deepest joy is our team. Watching both past and present team members go on to do incredible things even beyond Socialander fills me with pride and gratitude. It’s an honor to know we played a part in their journey.

Q: We know the digital space never sleeps. How do you protect your peace and personal space to stay emotionally grounded?

A: Well, I am a morning person, first off, so I ensure I protect mornings to help me get my day started on the right note. No screens, just journaling or stillness. It helps me reconnect with purpose before the noise begins. Also, I don’t chase balance, I prioritize presence. When I’m working, I’m all in. When I’m off, I unplug fully.

Q: . If you weren’t in the digital marketing industry, what’s another path you think you’d have taken? Do you have any hidden passions or dreams?

A: If I weren’t in the digital marketing industry, I’d probably be either a private pilot or a professional chef, two paths that deeply reflect my love for traveling and cooking. There’s something about exploring new places and creating beautiful meals that feels both adventurous and grounding to me. In fact, I’ve already started my journey in the culinary world, I’m currently undergoing professional culinary training, and in just a few months, I’ll be able to proudly call myself a professional chef. It’s been a fulfilling creative outlet and a dream I’ve always wanted to pursue. 

Looking ahead, once I eventually step down from my role as CEO of Socialander, I plan to begin my private pilot license training. For me, it's not just about career titles, it's about living fully and embracing all the passions that make life rich and meaningful.

Q: What excites you most about the people and communities your work impacts?

A: Their resilience and ambition. African entrepreneurs are some of the most innovative people I’ve met. We’re not just solving problems, we’re rewriting narratives. Being part of that is a privilege.

Q: What’s something surprising you’ve discovered about yourself since starting Socialander?

A: I’m more patient and calmer in difficult situations than I thought. Building a business trains your long game, you start to value progress over perfection.

Q:  What are some hobbies, interests, or even small joys that light you up outside of work?

A: Outside of work, I find joy in the simple things that keep me grounded and connected. Cooking is a big one for me, it’s not just a hobby but a creative escape. I also enjoy reading biographies, watching classic interviews, and documentaries. I've always been fascinated by how people think and what shapes their journey. 

On the physical side, I’m an amateur golfer, I try to swim every weekend, and I occasionally surf at Tarkwa Bay Beach. There's something about being in or near water that resets me. I try to hit the gym at least three times a week, though I’ll be honest, it’s not always my favorite thing to do..lol. And of course, I love to travel. Anything that brings me closer to nature, that’s my happy place. It’s in those moments that I recharge and reconnect with what matters most.

Q: What’s one thing most people might not guess about you?

A: I’m introverted by nature. Most people see the public-facing founder, but I am quite introverted.

Q: As a thriving African leader, what’s one message you’d share with other founders who want to build meaningful brands in Nigeria and Africa at large?

A: Start with people, not products. The most enduring brands are not just profitable,they are relevant and rooted in real needs. Culture is your greatest asset. Don’t copy the West, craft what’s true to where you are.

Q: Finally, what’s next for you and for Socialander? Are there any dreams or goals you’re working towards?

A: What’s next for me and for Socialander feels like both a continuation and an evolution. After leading the company hands-on for the past eight incredible years, I feel it’s time to step aside from day-to-day operations and allow some of the amazing talents who’ve grown within the company to take the reins. I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built, and I believe in empowering them to lead, innovate, and shape the next chapter of Socialander.

That said, I’m not stepping away, I’m stepping forward into a new role focused on expansion and innovation. My next challenge is taking Socialander global, with strategic pushes into new markets like the USA, Canada, and the UK. The vision is to make Socialander a truly international digital agency, while still staying rooted in the bold, creative energy that defines African entrepreneurship.

Beyond that, I’m deeply passionate about building and innovating for the African marketing ecosystem. Right now, almost all the tools, platforms, and technologies we use are imported and frankly, they weren’t built with our unique market dynamics in mind. I want to create homegrown products and solutions that truly solve problems for marketers, brands, and consumers across the continent.

Ultimately, I’m creating more space in my life for mentorship and bold innovation, amplifying voices, developing tools, and building platforms that empower the next generation of African business leaders.