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What happens when your entire identity is built around taking care of others? For Adaku Mbagwu, the journey from family provider to self-discovery required hitting rock bottom before she could rebuild her life on her own terms.
Born in Nigeria and moving to London at age six, Adaku witnessed her family's financial collapse firsthand. The moment she saw her mother with rain seeping through holes in her shoes became the catalyst for assuming a parentified role at just eight years old. As she explains, "I signed away my childhood" that day, beginning a pattern of over-functioning that would follow her into adulthood.
The cultural expectations placed on firstborn daughters only reinforced this dynamic. In Nigerian tradition, firstborn daughters are given names beginning with "Ada," marking them for a lifetime of responsibility. Even when battling depression, Adaku recalls her grandmother's unhelpful advice: "Just pray, because your mom needs you." The message was clear – her worth was measured by what she could provide for others.
This pattern led Adaku to build a seven-figure recruitment business, driven entirely by external motivation to support her family. Yet success brought no fulfillment. After a suicide attempt at 25, she began questioning the beliefs that had shaped her life. The breakthrough came when her coach repeatedly asked, "Who told you you had to do that?" – helping her recognize her own agency in creating these dynamics. "I've trained them to expect this from me," she realized, "and if I've shown up this way, I can show up differently."
Her healing journey included walking away from her successful business, embarking on a meditation retreat in India, and learning the uncomfortable skill of receiving help. Today, as founder of Healed Hero, she guides other high-performing firstborn daughters through breaking free from limiting patterns so they can finally experience what it feels like to be held, seen, and at peace.
Ready to stop carrying everyone else and start living for yourself?
You can find Adaku HERE or visit healedhero.com to learn how you can break the firstborn daughter cycle and reclaim your life.
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