allure 19042020
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INTERVIEW<br />
There are many answers to this. However, the bottom<br />
line will be that we would build new habits and alter our<br />
consumption patterns—as well as the way we engage with<br />
digital as a whole.<br />
This will include people connecting with friends and<br />
loved ones across the globe on the Houseparty app, having<br />
virtual dinner parties or company TGIF (thank God it’s<br />
Friday) sessions and engaging in fun games and banter;<br />
children attending class online and parents being more<br />
involved in class activities; people taking part in virtual<br />
exercise and dance classes, DJ sessions and live cooking<br />
activities using LIVE; thought leaders and subject matter<br />
experts using digital video streaming apps and webinars to<br />
engage; increased adoption of the work-from-home culture<br />
by employers; and a rise in the use of mobile devices (both<br />
phones and tablets) to replace computers as people get<br />
used to using hand-held devices to perform their duties.<br />
We would have people becoming content creators on<br />
platforms like Tiktok. We would also see a significant<br />
reduction in pointless face-to-face meetings, and will use<br />
technology to be more efficient in client interactions.<br />
These new habits and experiences will lead to changes<br />
in consumer behaviour and increase the demand for virtual<br />
services. Among other things, it will shoot up digital literacy<br />
rates.<br />
How did you succeed in growing Future Software<br />
Resources into one of Nigeria’s leading IT firms?<br />
Lots of blood, sweat and tears. Years of working hard,<br />
being consistent, paying attention to detail and being<br />
patient. At the centre of it all though, is my team’s constant<br />
drive to deliver excellence and to go over and beyond.<br />
The boardroom is traditionally a boys’ club; how did<br />
you break in?<br />
There are a few factors besides focus, consistency and<br />
determination that played a role in getting a seat at the<br />
table. These key contributors were expert knowledge,<br />
reputation and visibility. That is, being a recognised thought<br />
leader and subject matter expert from my over 15+ years of<br />
providing technology services, being actively engaged in<br />
building the local ecosystem, driving policy at a national<br />
level and being recognised as a global subject matter<br />
expert.<br />
Having the reputation of having integrity, being<br />
extremely hardworking and always putting in 150%, as well<br />
as always speaking out regardless of how unpopular my<br />
stand may be.<br />
In terms of visibility, having invested in building my<br />
personal brand over the years definitely helped. I frequently<br />
speak at local and global conferences, write a blog and<br />
have active social media channels. These various activities<br />
gave me a lot of visibility—as they say, you cannot be<br />
called if you are not noticed.<br />
What drives you?<br />
A deep passion for transforming Africa<br />
using technology.<br />
What is your biggest lesson learned in the business<br />
arena?<br />
You must be willing to pivot and change your business<br />
model many, many times.<br />
How do you cope with challenges?<br />
A challenge is a problem that is in need of a solution. So<br />
when I am faced with a challenge, I try to figure out how to<br />
solve it, or who can help in solving it. Having a capable<br />
team, a strong network and a firm support system is really<br />
key—you cannot do it alone.<br />
Some say mentoring is overrated; do you think<br />
otherwise?<br />
I am part of a lot of mentoring networks where I<br />
volunteer my time to share my experiences with young<br />
business owners. I think it’s invaluable to be able to learn<br />
from others, and know that you are not the only one in a<br />
particular situation. So yes, I think mentoring is very<br />
important.<br />
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?<br />
I usually spend time with my family and friends or catch<br />
up on sleep. If I have an extended period off, I love exploring<br />
new places.<br />
What’s your favourite travel destination?<br />
It depends on what kind of trip it is. I would say that so<br />
far, my top destinations are Italy, Cyprus, Vietnam and<br />
South Korea.<br />
What won’t you ever be caught wearing?<br />
Hahaha...now that’s a funny question. Baggy jeans and<br />
a hoodie and ugly shoes.<br />
You must be<br />
willing to<br />
pivot and<br />
change your<br />
business<br />
model many,<br />
many times.<br />
April 19, 2020 / 5