Aisea Naikawakawa Toribau

Meet Aisea Naikawakawa Toribau, a man whose journey exemplifies resilience, redemption, and relentless determination.

Once faced with the unimaginable —serving within the confines of prison, he has now defied the odds, preparing to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship & Business Management from the Fiji National University (FNU) next week.

Toribau’s story is not just about academic achievement; it’s about transformation. In 2022, the Viwa, Bau in Tailevu native graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management from FNU.

Today, he is making a positive impact as a Senior Global Operations Controller at Mindpearl Fiji, demonstrating that setbacks do not define a person’s potential.

“I have faced challenging personal chapters, including being incarcerated. This was an experience that could have broken me, but instead transformed me,” he shared.

“After serving my sentence, I returned with renewed determination, completed my studies, graduated with my degree, and began searching for work.”

Despite his qualifications and solid academic record, Toribau faced the harsh reality of stigma.

“This experience made me realise that many others with similar histories still face barriers to employment, no matter their capabilities or dedication,” he stated.  

His journey to pursue a postgraduate qualification was driven by his desire to grow beyond his current role and deepen his understanding of business, leadership, and innovation.

“Working at Mindpearl Fiji in a fast-paced, global environment motivated me to strengthen my academic foundation and equip myself with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to any organisation,” he said.

“I am deeply grateful to Mindpearl Fiji for being the organisation that gave me the second chance to prove myself. Here, I have been able to demonstrate my abilities, grow professionally, and contribute meaningfully—showing that resilience, determination, and skill can overcome past mistakes.”

As the eldest sibling in his family, Toribau carries a sense of responsibility to set an inspiring example.

“This Post-Graduate Diploma is not just a qualification for me, it is an essential part of my journey to lead with purpose, break cycles of stigma, and inspire others to believe in the power of redemption and second chances,” he explained.

One of the most valuable lessons he has learned is that growth begins with the right mindset.

“Entrepreneurial thinking taught me to see opportunities where others might see setbacks. This has shaped not only my learning, but also my personal journey of rebuilding, improving, and moving forward confidently.”

He also shared insights into the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs in Fiji.

“For some iTaukei entrepreneurs, there is also the challenge of learning to say ‘no’ to all the kerekere (requests for contributions) from the numerous occasions (soqo) happening every week,” he noted.

“Many struggle with market research and gaining exposure to real-world business environments, which are crucial for building sustainable ventures.”

Despite these hurdles, Toribau remains optimistic saying “Resilience, creativity, and proper guidance can help entrepreneurs rise above and thrive. With the right support systems, strategic planning, and determination, aspiring business owners in Fiji can still make meaningful contributions to the economy.”

His powerful advice to future students is: “Treat challenges as lessons, setbacks as sharpening tools, and success as a chance to lift others while you climb.” Toribau’s story is a testament to the fact that with perseverance and purpose, anyone can turn their life around and inspire others along the way.