We were lucky to catch up with Tobi Idowu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tobi , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I’ve always known that the long-term goal was to be an owner—I didn’t initially know what I wanted to own. Over the years, I explored many ideas, from becoming a ghostwriter to a fashion designer, and even owning my own practice. As I continued to grow professionally and truly master my skills as a BCBA (Behavioral Analyst), both clinically and operationally, the vision became clearer. I realized I wanted to offer something more to the field of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)—something different. Not just services provided in a clinic or in-home, but also support in natural environments like daycares, where children can learn and grow in real-life settings. I believe this naturalistic approach allows us to help children diagnosed with autism in meaningful ways. Throughout this journey, my faith has played a significant role. I truly believe God gave me the grace and opportunity to start a business where I can help children, fulfill my purpose, and be a blessing to every family I have the chance to work with. That combination is what truly excites me.

Tobi , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the founder of Bridging Behavior ABA, which was built through faith, purpose, and a deep calling to serve children and families. My journey into the field of ABA wasn’t just a career choice—it was accidental. The goal was to become a Pediatrician, because working with children was something I always wanted to do. After earning my first degree and preparing for my Master’s, I came across ABA and immediately fell in love with the joy of helping children. From the beginning, my heart has been to help children reach their full potential while supporting families through one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives.

As I grew in the field and strengthened my skills both clinically and operationally, I began to feel God calling me to do more than provide services within a traditional model. I felt led to create a company that offers ABA services not only in clinics and homes, but also in natural environments like daycares—spaces where children can learn, grow, and thrive in real-life settings. This approach allows us to meet children where they are and support development in a way that feels natural, compassionate, and empowering.

Our services are rooted in individualized care, collaboration, and intentional support. We work closely with families, caregivers, and educators to help children diagnosed with autism develop meaningful skills that carry over into their everyday lives. We aim to solve a common challenge families face—finding ABA services that feel supportive, respectful, and aligned with their values.

What I’m most proud of is being given the grace to build a business that allows me to help children, serve families, and truly walk in my God-given purpose. My faith guides how I lead, how I serve, and how I show up for every family we work with. I see this business as ministry as much as it is a profession, and I strive to be a blessing to every family God places in our path.

What I want people to know about me and my brand is that everything we do is driven by faith, compassion, and excellence. We believe every child is fearfully and wonderfully made, every family deserves support and hope, and real transformation happens when professional expertise is led by purpose and guided by God.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One important lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that being a boss meant being quick to correct or replace people when they made mistakes. When I was an employee, I remember watching colleagues struggle or make errors and immediately thinking to myself, “I would fire that person.” At the time, I saw leadership as being firm, decisive, and results-driven above all else.

However, stepping into the role of an employer completely shifted my perspective. I quickly learned that true leadership requires grace. It means being patient, understanding, and willing to teach rather than react. I’ve come to realize that people grow when they’re supported, not when they’re constantly judged or written off.

Now, as a leader, I focus on meeting people where they are—offering guidance, clear expectations, and the opportunity to learn and improve. This shift has not only made me a better leader but has also strengthened my team and the culture we’re building. Leading with grace has been one of the most humbling and rewarding lessons of my journey.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When I started my business, I was still working full-time. I didn’t have outside funding or investors—my paycheck was my seed. I poured my personal income into marketing, networking, and laying the foundation for the company. When I landed my very first client, that revenue is what allowed me to hire my first employee. Everything grew step by step.

For a long time, it truly felt like I was working two full-time jobs. I was building the business early in the mornings, late at night, and on weekends, while still showing up fully at my full-time role. I decided not to leave my job until the clinic was financially stable enough for me to handle everything through the business itself.

There were definitely moments when things were tight, and it required a lot of patience and discipline. But my faith carried me through that season. I trusted that as long as I did my part and remained obedient to the vision God gave me, He would handle the rest. That combination of faith, hard work, and patience is what allowed the business to grow sustainably and responsibly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bridgingbehavioraba.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgingbehavioraba/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bridgingbehavioraba/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridging-behavior-aba-58567b37a