As the world (and individuals) are forced to slow down, I decided to take this opportunity to be more introspective. Duke Ellington said “Grey skies are just clouds passing over”, so, amidst the frustration, confusion, fear and uncertainty of these temporary times, I’ve made a conscious effort to be aware of what’s going on around…
CHINESE WHISPERS I had instructed our receptionist not to be disturbed just before I went to my favourite chaise lounge in my office. This was my sanctuary, where I had been repeatedly baptised from all the stress from work. It had the perfect view and as I looked out of my window at the Abuja…
We The Citizens Of One Nation I felt completely at home as I looked around the room and listened to what our facilitator had to say- a feeling that often eludes me even in my own country, a country in which I was born and raised. Wondering why I felt this warmth, I studied my…
INSEAD SINGAPORE Explored parts of my Business mind I never knew existed ! Leading the Business of Sustainability INSEAD – Unilever campus, Singapore 2nd -6th November 2015.
She will Survive Amaka had been acting strange at work for 3 weeks now. We didn’t notice at first, it was a subtle change, but by the second week it became apparent. She started becoming forgetful and filing documents in wrong folders, then she seemed to neglect her work and make up excuses, later she…
ALL HAIL THE KING There’s a reason for the business phrase -“ The Customer is King”. In truth, all business concepts are designed with the customer as first consideration – How to lure them, how to please them and most importantly, how to keep them. I’ve rummaged my mind and tried to…
The Millenials I invited my 21 year old niece out to dinner last week – I usually get together with her from time to time to get clarity on the culture and experiences of her generation (generation “Y” or the Millennial generation as they are called – children born in the early 1980s…
My African Standard So our organization won a project to renovate and upgrade a mini estate after the former occupants who had stayed there for 4 years moved out. Excited about this new prospect, we set out to scout for the army of artisans we needed for the job. Half way through the…
Starting Right in Africa – The Inspirational Push Its great to talk about having a business concept, writing business plans, and doing everything to stay humble when we start off our business, but after all is said and done, every entrepreneur needs some motivation to push him or her forward, at the darkest…
Starting Right in Africa Tip #3 After sharing 2 personal start-up experiences in the last few weeks- choosing the right business, and writing your business concept and plan, I’d like to share an observation which in my opinion may be an obstacle for some start-ups in Africa: The thin line between African pride and arrogance….
Starting Right in Africa Tip #2 So you’re at the second stage of your brilliant business idea? Done a bit of homework and research and are ready for the next steps? Let’s share a few: Your Business Concept Statement After gathering all your data, I’ll suggest you summarize to form your Business Concept Statement. Recently, I…
Starting Right in Africa Tip #1 Decided to start a business in Africa? You have a brilliant idea and are 100% sure it’ll turn into a goldmine? Well the reality is – deciding and actually starting are two different things altogether. For those of us that have actually started a business in Africa, we…