Foreigner to Founder and how to Rewrite the Diaspora Story: Marcelino Marrundo on Veronetta – New Faces of a Neighborhood
In the world of international business and media, we often hear about “integration”, the idea of blending in. But for Obehi Ewanfoh, a Narrative Strategist and the creator of the Story to Asset™ framework, integration isn’t enough. The goal isn’t just to fit in; it’s to own your genius and build a future where you aren’t just a “tenant” in someone else’s country, but a “sovereign” owner of your own life.
Learn How to Leverage Your Story through Our Story To Asset Framework.
Over the last 10 years, through his research project “The Journey” and over 1,000 episodes of the Obehi Podcast, Ewanfoh has interviewed leaders across the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe.
One of the most powerful voices he ever recorded was Marcelino Marrundo, a Mozambican scholar living in the Veronetta neighborhood of Italy at the time of the interview.
Marrundo’s story is a great example of how to move from being “just another immigrant” to becoming a person of impact. Here is how his experience fits into Obehi’s 5-Phase framework for turning your life story into a valuable asset.
Digging Past the Labels
Most people see “migration” as a problem to be solved. Ewanfoh sees it as a goldmine of data. When he interviewed Marrundo, he found a man who understood that Italy’s friction with foreigners wasn’t personal, it was a lack of experience.
Marrundo explained: “Italy is new to this. Unlike France or England, they don’t have a long history with other cultures. This creates a barrier: the fear of the unknown.”
The Lesson: Before you can build your brand or career, you have to “excavate” the truth of your surroundings. Are people rejecting you, or are they just “ignorant” of your value? Once you realize they simply don’t know who you are, you can start the work of showing them.
Translation – Changing the Channel on Your Life
If you don’t tell your story, the media will tell it for you. In Veronetta, the local newspapers focused on “the nightlife”, stories of fights and smashed bottles. But Marrundo’s reality was different.
“I never went out at night. I was at home studying. I only knew about the ‘trouble’ by reading the papers.”
The Lesson: In Obehi’s framework, Translation means taking your quiet hard work and turning it into a clear message.
If Marrundo had stayed silent, the world would have labeled him based on the actions of a few “bad apples.” You must “translate” your late-night study sessions and your resilience into a professional brand that demands respect.
Alignment – Breaking Out of Your “Shell”
Marrundo noticed a sad trend in his neighborhood: both the locals and the migrants were living in “shells.” They would cross paths on the street, lower their heads, and never speak.
“It’s like everyone lives inside a guscio (shell). Even when we share a building, we don’t know each other’s names. This indifference is a kind of suffering; people are lonely and afraid to connect.”
The Lesson: You cannot build a legacy if you are hiding. Alignment means finding “Points of Encounter”, places where you can share your skills with the community. Whether it’s a park, a coworking space, or a boardroom, you must step out of your shell to align your goals with the world’s needs.
Seeing Beauty Where Others See Decay
Veronetta is famous for its old, crumbling buildings. But Marrundo saw something else. He saw that while the outside looked like it was falling down, the inside of these palaces held “unimaginable beauty.” He saw the “different colors” of people on the street as a form of art.
See also From Tenant to Sovereign: Reclaiming the Soul of African Education with Jeewan Chanicka
“For me, Veronetta is the most beautiful neighborhood. You see different colors every day. If you want to survive, you must learn to live with this beauty.”
The Lesson: Creation is about building your “Fortress of Peace.” Even if the system around you feels “broken” or “decaying,” you have the power to create a beautiful interior life and a high-impact business. This is what Obehi did by creating AClasses Academy—he built a school of thought where the Diaspora could thrive, regardless of the “outside” politics.
Legacy – Protecting the Next Generation
Marrundo’s biggest concern was his children. He didn’t want them to grow up in a world where they were judged by their skin color or their parents’ struggles.
“My children were born here. I want them to grow up with friends of all colors. If they see their family being discriminated against, they might find it hard to love the society they live in.”
The Lesson: This is why Obehi Ewanfoh founded WeDiasporan and wrote his books. The goal is to leave a Legacy of sovereignty. We don’t want our children to be “Economic Tenants” who are always asking for permission. We want them to be “Sovereign Owners” who know that their story is their greatest asset.
How Does This Help You?
Marcelino Marrundo’s journey from a quiet student in a “closed” city to a voice of wisdom in Obehi’s research is a reminder that your perspective is your power. * Stop waiting for “acceptance.” Build your own platform.
- Stop hiding your roots. Use them as your unique selling point.
- Stop living in a shell. Reach out and create value for others.
Ready to Own Your Genius?
The bridge between where you are now and where you want to be is your Story. But you need a framework to turn that story into an asset.
Obehi Ewanfoh’s AClasses Academy was built specifically for people like you—the dreamers, the migrants, and the leaders who are ready to stop being “tenants” and start being “owners.” Our Story to Asset™ courses will teach you how to excavate your past, translate your skills, and build a legacy that protects your family’s future.
Join AClasses Academy Today – Turn Your Story Into Your Greatest Asset
