4 Tips To Help Busy Women Maximize Their 24hrs
Ever wondered how successful women manage to conquer the world while seemingly having the same 24 hours in a day as the rest of us? It’s not about having extra hours magically hidden in their closets; it’s all about their daily habits. Believe it or not, you too can make the most out of your precious 24 hours by following these four tips that will leave you feeling empowered and in control. Get ready to unleash your inner superwoman! What you will learn: How to Powerfully start your mornings Confidently saying no Supercharging your productivity Taking care of yourself Here are four tips to not only help you thrive in your professional life but also savour the joys of a fulfilling personal life: Power Up Your Mornings: Let’s kick things off with the most crucial part of the day – mornings. Successful women know that starting their day on the right foot sets the tone for everything that follows. So, rise and shine, my fellow go-getters! Instead of hitting that snooze button a dozen times, wake up 30 minutes earlier and indulge in a personal morning ritual. It could be sipping a cup of coffee while journaling your goals, practicing yoga, or simply taking a few moments of deep breathing. This dedicated time for self-reflection will boost your energy, clarity, and focus throughout the day, helping you seize every opportunity that comes your way. The Power of No: Repeat after me: “No” is a complete sentence. Successful women have mastered the art of saying no without hesitation. It’s not about being rude or selfish; it’s about protecting your time and energy. Be selective with your commitments and learn to delegate or decline tasks that don’t align with your goals or values. Prioritize what truly matters and free yourself from unnecessary obligations. Remember, every “no” opens up space for a powerful “yes” to something truly meaningful and rewarding. Supercharge Your Productivity: To maximize your productivity, you need to work smarter, not harder. So, let’s think outside the box, shall we? One tip that will revolutionize your efficiency is to embrace the power of batching. Instead of jumping from task to task, group similar activities together. Dedicate specific blocks of time for emails, meetings, creative work, or even social media. By focusing on one category at a time, you minimize distractions and boost your productivity. So, put on your favourite playlist, shut down those notifications, and conquer your to-do list like the boss lady you are! Unplug and Unwind: Last but not least, remember to take care of yourself. Superwomen need their downtime too! Make it a priority to unplug from technology and unwind regularly. Set boundaries for your work-life balance and make time for activities that rejuvenate your mind and body. It could be a workout session, reading a book, spending quality time with loved ones, or pursuing a hobby you’re passionate about. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for your overall well-being and success. Congratulations, fierce businesswomen! You’re now armed with four tips to make the most out of your 24 hours and unleash your inner superwoman. So, go ahead, conquer the world, and show everyone that you’re the boss of your own time!
4 Tips to An Extraordinary Existence
Sis, let me drop some truth bombs on you. Real superheroes? They aren’t wearing capes or shooting lasers from their eyes. Nope, they look just like you and me, living our ordinary lives. But guess what? We have the power to create extraordinary impact in small, yet significant ways. So, get ready to unleash your inner hero, sprinkle kindness like confetti, and buckle up for an awe-inspiring journey into the realm of becoming real-life superheroes! You see, being a superhero isn’t about having supernatural powers or donning a flashy costume. It’s about recognizing the power within us to make a difference, right here, right now. It’s about embracing the extraordinary potential that resides within each of us and using it to create waves of positive change. You don’t need to move mountains or save the world in one fell swoop. No, my friend, it’s the small acts of kindness and compassion that can have a lasting impact on those around us. Buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the realm of real-life superheroes. Tip 1: Embrace Your Inner Quirkiness: Embrace what makes you unique and let your quirks shine! Don’t be afraid to break free from the mold and show the world your authentic self. Whether it’s a peculiar hobby, an unconventional talent, or a quirky sense of humor, let it be your superpower. By embracing your individuality, you inspire others to do the same and create a world where everyone feels comfortable being their extraordinary selves. Tip 2: Start a Random Acts of Awesomeness Challenge: Challenge yourself to perform random acts of awesomeness every day. It could be leaving a heartfelt note for a stranger, surprising a coworker with their favorite treat, or even organizing a community clean-up event. The key is to spread joy and positivity in unexpected ways. Not only will it brighten someone else’s day, but it will also ignite a spark of fulfillment within you as you witness the impact of your actions. Tip 3: Create a Superhero Alter Ego: Tap into your creative side and create your own superhero alter ego. Design a unique costume, come up with a catchy superhero name, and identify the special qualities and powers your alter ego possesses. Embody this persona in your everyday life, using it as a reminder to unleash your inner superhero and make a difference wherever you go. It’s a fun and empowering way to infuse your life with a touch of superhero flair. Tip 4: Organize a Community Impact Event: Take the initiative to organize a community impact event that addresses a specific issue or cause close to your heart. It could be a charity fundraiser, a volunteer day at a local shelter, or a neighborhood clean-up project. Rally your friends, family, and neighbours to join forces and make a collective impact. By bringing people together and working towards a common goal, you not only create positive change but also foster a sense of unity and camaraderie within your community. These unconventional tips may seem a little out there, but that’s precisely what makes them extraordinary. So, embrace your quirks, challenge yourself to acts of awesomeness, channel your inner superhero, and organize community events that leave a lasting impact. It’s time to step out of the ordinary and embrace your extraordinary potential. Let’s make the world a better place, one unique and unconventional act at a time!
Why Personal Branding Matters in 2023: Insights from Inspirational Black Women
In a world where standing out is key, building a strong personal brand has never been more important. Let’s delve into the top four reasons why personal branding matters, drawing wisdom from influential black women who have paved the way. “Your personal brand is a promise to your clients… a promise of quality, consistency, competency, and reliability.” – Kathy Calvin Authenticity is Your Superpower Unveil the words of Janelle Monáe: “The most powerful thing you can do is be yourself.” Among a sea of voices and personalities, authenticity sets you apart. Your personal brand is an embodiment of your unique story, values, and passions. Embrace your individuality, allowing it to radiate through your brand. Stay true to yourself, and watch as the right opportunities and connections align with your authentic self. Your Voice Deserves to Be Heard Audre Lorde once said, “I am my best work – a series of road maps, reports, recipes, doodles, and prayers from the front lines.” Personal branding provides a platform to amplify your voice and share your expertise. Whether through writing, speaking engagements, or social media, your personal brand empowers you to impart knowledge, insights, and experiences to the world. Embrace the courage to speak your truth and create an impact with your unique perspective. Building Trust is Key Trust serves as the glue of life, as Oprah Winfrey aptly states. A strong personal brand nurtures trust with your audience. Consistency, transparency, and delivering value are vital in establishing trust. By consistently showing up, sharing valuable content, and engaging with your audience, you forge genuine connections that foster trust. Trust becomes the bedrock for lasting relationships, collaborations, and business opportunities. Leave a Legacy In the words of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.” Personal branding enables you to create a lasting legacy. Leave a mark and make a difference in your industry or field. Establish yourself as an expert, thought leader, or influencer, inspiring others and paving the way for future generations. Your personal brand becomes a testament to your achievements and impact, extending a legacy beyond your immediate sphere of influence. As you embark on your personal branding journey in 2023, draw inspiration from these influential black women. Embrace authenticity, amplify your voice, build trust, and leave a lasting legacy. Unleash your personal brand and make a remarkable impact in this new era.
4 Reason Why You Should Start Networking and Building Relationships
It’s never too late or too early to start networking. Whether you’re a woman in business, climbing the corporate ladder or still in your “figuring it out” era. It’s important to invest time in building meaningful connections that will help you reach your goals. I’ll be sharing my top 4 reasons why networking and building relationships are important for YOU and offer some tips on how to effectively and practically start networking. Why a boss-lady like you should start networking? Networking… builds a supportive community The beauty of networking lies in meeting people and building relationships, you get to connect with like-minded and completely different individuals that can provide a strong support system and access to mentorship opportunities. Where do you find these individuals? By attending events and conferences, you can connect with potential clients, investors, mentors, and collaborators that can provide a strong support system and mentorship opportunities. If you’re wondering where to start looking for networking events, start by signing up for an events “gig guide”. Networking… opens doors We’ve all heard the quote, “your network is your net worth.” and this quote has stood the test of time. Being associated with someone can get you into boardrooms, meetings and spaces that may be difficult to approach on your own. Networking… gives you access to resources “Networking is not only about trading information, but also serves as an avenue to create long-term relationships with mutual benefits.”- Forbes Knowing people who have certain skills and expertise makes life easier. If you need help with a legal issue and you have an attorney or lawyer within your network, you can simply reach out to them for help. You could need funding for your business and meet someone who can assist you in getting a meeting with “the right” person, there is an abundance of opportunities when it comes to networking and building a community. Networking… establishes your brand Building a personal brand is what I call “social currency” or “social leverage”, networking can be an effective way to build your personal brand and establish yourself as an expert in your field or a thought leader. Positioning yourself as someone who can offer valuable insight and knowledge often builds trust within your network and potentially leads to more clients, collaborations and opportunities. “HOW DO I ACTUALLY NETWORK?” There’s a framework I use called: The 3 P’s of networking (Prep, Pursue and Post-networking) P= Prepare: Don’t go in completely unprepared; research who will be attending and whom you’d like to approach. Prepare 2-5 standard questions you can repetitively ask each person. Remember to be yourself and seek genuine connections. P= Pursue Step 1: Greet, Compliment, Ask and Listen Tone and body language are very important: be friendly, genuine and make direct eye contact Step 2: Authentically Pitch While they were speaking did you notice something that resonated with your business/career/interests mention it and sway the conversation in your favour Step 3: Add Value Here’s where you exchange business cards and do it on the premises of adding value, this is your differentiator. P= Post networking You have to reach out after you’ve made the connection and maintain it through communication. Tip?: Ask them to follow you on social media and vice versa or send a message there a then so you have direct contact. Lastly, always remember to give back: Offer your expertise or resources to them,hether it’s through service exchange, mentorship, volunteering, or offering to connect them with someone in your network. Giving back can help you build stronger relationships and establish yourself as a valuable member of the community. In summary, networking, building relationships and communities are essential for boss babes who want to grow their businesses and corporate climbers who want to achieve their goals. By attending events, joining online communities, hosting events, following up, and giving back, you can build strong relationships that will help you access new opportunities, gain mentorship and support, establish your personal brand, and access a valuable resource.
SLA Top 50 Rising Motherland Mogul of 2023
Recognising 50 Rising Motherland Moguls Disrupting Industries and Trailblazing Across Africa [Lagos, Nigeria] – In commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day, She Leads Africa is announcing her Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls List, which features Under 30 African women who are change-makers, trailblazers, and bold visionaries. Undoubtedly, Africa is bestowed with immense creativity, talent and resilience. Despite the numerous challenges facing the continent – including conflict, inequality, and poverty – young African women are proving themselves to be unstoppable forces. Against all odds, they are defying stereotypes, and making amazing contributions in diverse fields. This is a testament to their determination and tenacity, and it is a story that deserves to be celebrated and recognized. The Top 50 list showcases leading ladies and emerging stars of Africa, who are doing exceptional things in their communities and beyond. These women are trendsetters and role models, paving the way for future generations of young African women to follow in their footsteps. In a comment, Adeola Tobi, the CEO of She Leads Africa, said, “We are excited to recognize and celebrate the achievements of these young African women who are making a significant impact in their fields. Our platform is committed to providing a community for young African women to showcase their talents, network with like-minded individuals, and receive the recognition they deserve.” After numerous nominations and a rigorous selection process, those being honoured were selected based on their achievements, impact, and passion for promoting positive change in their communities. They were selected from various categories, including Film Making, Sports, Social Impact, Agriculture, Mining, Journalism, Public Service, Photography/Videography, Construction, Business & Entrepreneurship, STEM, Content Creation, Healthcare, and Oil and Gas. The 2023 SLA’s Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls are: Healthcare Kemi Olawoye, Co-Founder and CEO of Babymigo (Nigeria) Okoro Chidinma Peace, Founder of The BloodDrive Network (Nigeria) Josephine Murgor, Anti-FGM/C activist, Mental Health Researcher and Educator (Kenya) Oyeronke Oyebanji, Public Health Practitioner and Deputy CEO of Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Nigeria) STEM Adora Nwodo, Software Engineer, Multi-published Author and Global speaker (Nigeria) Oluchi Enebeli, Founder of Web3 ladies (Nigeria) Fama Jallow, Aerospace Engineer and African Space Education Program Coordinator, (Gambia) Ida Faal, CEO of FitaFaal (Gambia) Apemaa Divine Yiganabari, Geologist/Remote Sensing and GIS Analyst, CEO and Co-Founder BPurple (Nigeria) Zipeta Nabwala, UX/UI Designer, Software Developer & Founder Leverage Online, (Kenya) Social Impact Blossom Egbude, Partnerships Associate at Global Citizen (Nigeria) Murunwa Mutele, Chairperson of I AM SHE (South Africa) Grace Mongina, Founder of Street Uproot Kenya (Kenya) Pato Kelesitse, Climate Justice Advocate and Host Sustain267 Podcast (Botswana) Maryann Iberuche, Brand Communicator (Nigeria) Diana-Melissa Ngoumape, Co-Founder of Lengue and former Miss Francophone Ghana (Ghana) Farai Mubaiwa, Strategy Manager at Accenture (South Africa) Oluwaseyi Moejoh, Environmentalist and Executive Director at U-Recycle Initiative Africa (Nigeria) Dr. Ameaka Fatima Nkempu, Pharmacist and Body Positive Activist (Cameroon) Azeezat Oluwaferanmi Adekanye, Communications Officer & Founder She Speaks Power (Nigeria) Winnie Mphafudi, Social Activist (South Africa) Udemeobong Edet Akpan, School/Therapeutic Counselor (Nigeria) Journalism Leungo Mokgwathi,Social Media Manager (Botswana) Karen Takondwa Mwendera, Award-winning multimedia Journalist, Founder at Afrikaren Media (South Africa) Public Service Shannin Samorita Azaleah Jones, Founder Sharing Stories By Shanz, South Africa Idowu Oluwabusola Oladosu,Executive Director, Whispers of Love Children Foundation, Nigeria Titilayo Abigail Obileye, Communications and Media Strategist (Nigeria) Photography/Videography Lufuno Ramadwa, Multimedia Consultant and Founder of Sedzani Media (South Africa) Construction Olive Caroline Mandalasi, Engineering Surveyor at Pamodzi Consulting Ltd (Malawi) Business & Entrepreneurship Chido Dzinotyiwei, Founder Vambo Academy (Zimbabwe) Freda Anyanwu, Founder, EBH Africa (Nigeria) Nonhle Matsebula, Founder of Girl Boss SA (South Africa) Ashley Celia Timbana, Founder of AZALE Communications (South Africa) Chidinma Lynda Nnamani,Content Writer (Nigeria) Victoria Udeme Mojisola King, Founder of The Victoria King (Nigeria) Ebere Angela Ofoedu, Founder of Innovamp (Nigeria) Obiageri odoemena, Fashion Entrepreneur at Zikorah (Nigeria) Content Creation Usman Eleojo Favour, Content Creator (Nigeria) kamsi Nnamani, Digital Creator (Nigeria) Muji Bekomson, Creative Director at The Content Faculty (Nigeria) Omobolaji Ajibare, Social Media Manager Coach & Digital Content Creator (Nigeria) Marketing and Advertising Mwanamkasi Juma, Brand and Marketing Specialist (Kenya) Jaylene Ramalatso, Social Media Strategist and Founder House of Intelligence Marketing Agency (South Africa) Haoma Worgwu, LinkedIn Certified Marketing Expert CEO and Founder of Envisage Hub (Nigeria) Janet Machuka, Social Media Brand & Campaign Strategist Founder of ATC Digital Academy (Kenya) Treasure Ernest Iyoha, Marketing/Sales Expert & Founder of The Sales Ville (Nigeria) Finance Chide Idoga, Disruptive Technologies & Venture Capital Group at IFC (Nigeria) Jennifer Awirigwe, Founder FinTribe (Nigeria) Education Oluwatosin Adedoyin, Customer Experience Consultant & Founder, Olatayo Educates (Nigeria) We understand that there are countless other young African women out there who are doing remarkable things, and we encourage them to keep pushing, keep striving, and keep reaching for their goals. We also call upon individuals, organizations, and governments to invest in programs and initiatives that support the development and empowerment of young African women. Let us all work together to create a world where every woman has the opportunity to succeed and make a positive impact in their communities and the world at large. Once again, we congratulate the 2023 SLA Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented and inspiring women. For more information about the 2023 Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls, please visit or follow us on @sheleadsafrica across all social media platforms.
What Every Career Woman Can Learn from These Black Iconic Women
It can be challenging to navigate the professional world. Especially while trying to find yourself in your career journey. However, there are many black women who have come before us and blazed trails. They prove that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Mo Abudu highlights the importance of pursuing a career you love, while Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma emphasizes the importance of self-confidence. Lupita Nyong’o encourages women to stay true to themselves and never let anyone dim their light. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka motivates women to believe in their abilities and not let anyone tell them they can’t do something. Finally, Wangari Maathai inspires women to stand up for their rights and encourage others to do the same. Here are six quotes from some of the most renowned black women in Africa. Wise words that every career woman can learn from. “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Mo Abudu, Nigeria Mo Abudu is a Nigerian media mogul and philanthropist. She has made a name for herself in the media industry. Her quote emphasizes the importance of loving what you do in order to achieve success. Pursue a career that you’re passionate about.This will keep you motivated to work hard and achieve your goals. “You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.” – Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, South Africa Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is a South African politician. She is also the first woman to lead the African Union Commission. Her quote emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and believing in your own abilities. Trust yourself and your abilities in order to achieve your goals. “Stay true to who you are, and never let anyone dim your light.” – Lupita Nyong’o, Kenyan-Mexican actress and producer Lupita Nyong’o is a Kenyan-Mexican actress and producer who has made a name for herself in Hollywood. She has won numerous awards for her acting, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Nyong’o’s message is to stay true to who you are and never let anyone dim your light. Embrace your uniqueness and let your light shine bright. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.” – Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, South African politician and UN Under-Secretary-General, South Africa Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is a South African politician and activist who has been a strong advocate for women’s rights throughout her career. She served as the Deputy President of South Africa and is currently the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. Mlambo-Ngcuka’s message is clear: don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. With hard work and determination, anything is possible. “The beauty of standing up for your rights is that others see you standing and stand up as well.” – Wangari Maathai, Kenya This quote by Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmental and political activist, can inspire career women to be confident and vocal in advocating for their rights and the rights of others. By standing up for themselves, they can encourage others to do the same and create positive change in their workplaces and communities. The professional world can be challenging, but these six quotes from renowned black women in Africa provide guidance and inspiration for every career woman. These wise words remind us that with hard work, determination, and self-confidence, anything is possible in the professional world.
New Year starter-pack for every business owner
For the umpteenth time – Happy new year all! We are still super excited about 2023, and all the dopeness its about to bring all of us! Before business activities get into full gear, It’s important to decide how you will be doing business this year. [bctt tweet=”Look back at where you have been, where you are and on to where you want to be. ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Choose what to improve, continue or probably stop doing, it’s important to go through the year consciously. Here’s a routine to help you get your business off to a good start… 1. Review your financials to determine how well your business is doing or not doing…Take a close look at your financial records and ask yourself these questions. Is my business making profit or loss? Is my cash flow positive or negative? Do I have loans from the business to repay? 2. Review your business operations How have you been delivering goods/services to your customers/clients? What can you do to improve on that? How will your business serve customers/clients better this year? These are questions you need to ask yourself and provide answers to, before moving forward. 3. Review your customer base, profile your existing customers, determine the ones that bring in the most income and the ones that can potentially bring in more. With this information, you can get more out of the market, and you’ll be able to know what kind of customers you should be advertising more too, how you can provide more value and sell more to them. 4. Service your most vital equipment(s), put them in order. This can be a good way to reduce sudden breakdowns during the year. 5. Sort out your personal/ company taxes; so many opportunities these days are tied to taxes, its best to have it sorted so you don’t miss out on great opportunities. 6. If you did not already do this at the end of the previous year, create your vision for the year ahead (you can do this using a vision board); based on your vision, set goals, write down your action plan and ways you intend to implement these plans as you go through the year In all, stay positive, keep an open mind and don’t start the year without a plan. Cheers to a great business year! Got a business experience to share with us? Share your experience with us here.
Traits to Consider Before Settling on a Business Partner for your startup
You have been working for five years, in this time you have set out a plan to help you become a Motherland Mogul. The plan is getting into the business. You have gone as far as saving up for a couple of years to finance your to be start-up. Recently, you have been toying around with various business ideas, the idea that encompasses both your passion and need to make some extra cash on the side wins. You have looked at the various ways you can implement this business idea and realised you need a partner to do so. This could be because you are a good accountant but for the business to be a success you need a partner who will be the face of the business. Or you are the sassy lady who is good at communication and drawing in the customers, and a manager is needed to make sure all that money you are raking in is properly managed. So currently the idea and the money are in place the only thing that remains undone is getting a business partner on board. What are the things that you should consider to ensure you end up with the right person as a partner in your business? Sharing the Vision of the business. At the beginning, the business is usually just an idea. If implemented correctly, it could impact your lives and those of your clients tremendously in a positive way. The person or people you choose to work with as partners in the business must own the vision of the business as much as you do. If your partner does not agree with you on the levels to which you want to take the business. They will always have negative vibes on the job that will result in your business losing money. A partner is part of management, and if they are pessimistic with regards to the business, the employees will notice and get demoralised. The vision is the business. It’s what positions you strategically against competitors. It is thus a prerequisite that before you decide to partner with someone on a business, be in sync on where you see the business going to in three months’ time or in five years’ time. Honesty and Transparency Honesty is a virtue that is a must-have in business. Individuals who are shrewd and unscrupulous ruin your business. You could have been saving for a really long time to start off this business or you got a loan from your bank to get it running. Therefore, you cannot afford to lose the money or destroy your business name. It is therefore necessary to vet the person you intend to partner with. Inquire into the person’s character from others who have worked with them prior to you considering to partner with them. If the feedback is positive you have a partner. If not, find your business train another station to disembark, as this one is a definite NO! Hard work and Resilience Start-ups are a mountain to climb on their own. The faint-hearted cannot survive this climb. Setting up a business from scratch is not a walk in the park. A partner will share in the business profits. This means they have to put in the work and the time needed to get the business to the top in your chosen field. There are qualities that you will compensate for each other but working hard and smart is not one of them. One could be unquestionably talented but if they never take time to create and get their skills or work to the market no one will ever know of their talent. Moreover, if you partner with a lazy person you will shoulder the whole burden of the business which beats the logic of having a partner in the first place. Resilience is also key in your partner. Quitters run at the first sight of trouble. With new businesses, you will meet challenges that you never anticipated at the start of your journey. This will not mean that you quit. Overcoming this challenges is exactly what you will need to do to solidify your position in the market.
Your ultimate guide to starting and ending the year strong in 2023!
It’s 2023! Whoo hoo… It is not a year to rest on your oars, not a year to be complacent because of the level of success you have achieved so far, it is a year for doing more. There is still much work to be done no matter what your life vocation is. This year is bringing you a new opportunity to start (if you are yet to join the moving train of achievers), and to get better at what we do for our best is yet to come. The following steps will set you on the path of getting more done this year. If you know what you want, you will get it easily: Brain Tracy quote aptly puts it this way, “People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine”. I will put the emphasis here on “clear”-you are very sure what it is you want to achieve, you are not indecisive, thus, when you spot an opportunity that links to what you desire, you grab it with your two hands. Focus: You might have given yourself a pat on the back for the various feats you accomplished last year and this year you have so many ideas and you just want to execute them all at once. This might not turn out well and will slow down your productivity. It is important to balance your creativity with wisdom. Not all your beautiful ideas will fly so focus on your competitive advantage (that which you do so well or makes you stand out). See Success as a journey rather than a destination: When you see success as a destination, not only will you be tempted to wait for it to happen instead of working towards its achievement, but there is also the danger of being complacent. After the achievement of one goal, there should be the desire to get another. So don’t spend all your time trying to achieve one thing. Get it done and move on. Stop procrastinating Most of us are guilty of this habit. We push off what we are supposed to do now to a later time, and before you know it, it’s the year 2024. You don’t want to wake up tomorrow and you are a 105 years old; that dream you had when you were fifteen is still in your heart unaccomplished and you will know you have not lived because you will not feel fulfilled. Start working on that dream now so you don’t have regrets tomorrow. Be accountable: Arese Ugwu the author of the smart money woman in the acknowledgment page of the book mentioned that Steve Harris played a huge part in helping her finish the book in time-he kept checking up on her to make sure she was committed to writing her book. I believe if she hadn’t been accountable to him, she would not have finished the book at the time she did. There is this thing about the right time. If the book had not been published at the time it was perhaps the doors she said the book opened for her would not have happened. Find someone you can be accountable to especially if you are not naturally self-motivated or goal-oriented. Stay close to your inspiration: Life is not a walk in the park so are your dreams or things you desire to achieve. You need to stay inspired to reach the finishing line. Read articles regularly here on SLA, you will find stories that will help you learn from other people’s experiences so you can navigate your world better. Attend seminars and conferences aimed at making you improve the way you do things, watch movies that will motivate you, and surround yourself with people who can talk you up just when you need it. Be flexible: You don’t have to stick to one thing or one strategy if things are not working as expected. This year is for getting things done so don’t get stuck, find a new way for life is full of options. Oprah Winfrey puts it this way “Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” I look forward to a greater you this year 2023!
HGCP 2022 Participants: Oluwatomiisin is fighting new-born malnutrition
It’s interesting how what we think we will be when we grow up changes when we are adults. Growing up Oluwatomiisin Olatunji wanted to care for animals as she couldn’t stand the sight of seeing people suffer in excruciating pain. Today she is the founder of Mamalac Foods Nigeria Ltd and one of the High Growth Coaching Program’s finalists. “My biggest achievement is being able to build a community strong enough that people want to work with us to elevate the brand. I am talking about a community of sisterhood where the members of the community not only look out for each other but see themselves as the brand itself.” – Oluwatomiisin Olatunji What keeps Oluwatomiisin’s motivated is seeing mom’s share their joy at being able to breastfeed exclusively amidst the challenges due to the support received from the Mamalac community. Her greatest desire is to help more mom’s commit to giving their children a healthy start to life especially in relation to nutrition because it’s a very vital need for development of both the child and the country/ world at large Here is what she had to say about her entrepreneurial journey. I hope you get some good advice on how to ensure you build a successful business yourself. What has your experience been like as one of the finalists to the program? It’s been an amazing experience and I have learnt some life skills. I recently raised an issue with my coach and I almost voluntarily left the program but she waded in and helped me view things from another angle. The situation was really a perfect experience for me to learn to always communicate especially with the key players By the end of the 12 weeks, what would you like to have learned from the trainers and coaches? I Learned how to put structures in place so I can run my business with or without my presence. And also Learnt how to grow the business immensely How did you get to this point? I am the first of 3 children. I was born to Mr and Mrs Olakanmi in Ibadan and had most of my schooling in Ibadan. I trained as a veterinarian but was exposed very early to the non-profit/ development sector and it helped me see things differently so I grew up wanting to find a solution to problems around me. What led to you starting your own business? Share your journey. In 2020, when I birthed my child, I had a difficult pregnancy and birth experience which eventually resulted in low breast milk supply. During one of my antenatal visits early in the pregnancy, one of the matrons marketed a lactation supplement to us which I bought. When I had difficulty with my breast milk supply, I used the lactation supplement and realized it wasn’t working like I expected. This double frustration of not being able to feed my child and not getting a solution propelled me to dust my notes as a veterinarian and start doing research on how to increase my breast milk supply. My experiments paid off as it worked amazingly on me as the guinea pig. I had people who paid for samples to test it and I got amazing reviews. This laid the foundation of the business as a standardized the recipes and with time moved forward to have not just one product but at least 7 products at the moment. Introduce your company the way you would to a potential customer? Mamalac Foods Nigeria Ltd helps to fight malnutrition from birth using sugar, and preservative free plant-based supplements such as seeds, spices and herbs to produce lactation supplements and other dietary supplements that helps to ensure the health and vitality of every member of the family. What you would to be remembered for? What impact would you want to make in this world? That I helped reduce malnutrition in children and helped more moms fulfil their primal need to exclusively breastfeed their children. What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur? Being able to take decisions and being able to call the shots with my timing skills What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our community? Building your business online and staying true to your values as a business owner and for the business. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Resilience Perseverance Integrity How do you handle or manage the stresses of being an entrepreneur? Sleeping is a great therapy for me so once it seems the world is conspiring against me, I try to take a break and sleep. What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in? Building an online presence. It’s more important now than before. Building structures in place so that even in your absence, work goes on like you’re there. Invest in sales and marketing because they are the life of the business.