Apologize when you're wrong. You're too young to be losing genuine people because of pride. Stop thinking everyone is replaceable, and stop searching for quotes to defend your stupidity.
Family businesses sometimes set themselves up for embarrassment. They are in a rush to hand the crown to the chosen child long before that child has touched real work. I once had one of the most embarrassing moments in my career walking into a major meeting with someone like that.
The gentleman came in with this loud, boastful aura around him, someone clearly misled him into thinking that’s what confidence looks like. During introductions, he kept piling titles on himself like decorations “I’m the CEO, proprietor, MD..…” He went on and on, even though everyone already knew who he was. Then he started making claims about the business that were simply wrong; he said things like “we are a holding company,” bra bra bra… all completely incorrect. That’s when it hit me that he didn’t actually understand the company he was running.
The room shut down instantly, you could feel the hosts switch off. We lost that deal without even getting to the real substance. Months of work gone, not because we didn’t have a strong offer, but because our own “CEO” talked us out of a contract we were poised to win.
Founders, I understand the desire to place a son or daughter at the top, but first they must know the business inside out. Our CEO clearly didn’t. And watching seasoned executives quietly switch off because the supposed leader could not articulate or demonstrate depth was a painful lesson.
If you want family succession to work, start the heirs at the bottom. Let them feel real pressure, i.e. customers, suppliers, tight deadlines, etc. Titles should be the last thing they earn, not the first. Grooming means giving them the worst tasks early; complaints, cash-flow headaches, the tedious spreadsheets. Let them know how it feels to report to someone, to be supervised and to face consequences when they fail to perform or miss deadlines. If they survive that, then maybe they are ready for the boardroom.
Titles feel nice and all, but it’s competence that counts in these corporate streets. If you want the job you will inherit, start by doing the jobs you will never inherit.
Listening to Dangote’s speech, all I can say is money brings freedom and courage to be your true self.
It empowers you to live your life with authenticity, and allows you to say it as it is, you don’t have to worship anyone.
Gents, having money is a must, I strongly recommend.
Yesterday, as I was picking out my clothes for washing, I found a K500 note in one of the pockets; money I wasn’t expecting. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, a little surprise.’ A few moments later, I was pacing outside when I overheard my neighbour’s gardener talking to his friend. He said that the previous night, his baby got very sick, and he and his wife had to walk to Chelston Clinic very early in morning because he had no money. He left his wife there and walked back home to prepare for work, afraid that if he didn’t show up, he’d lose his job. Silverest to Chelston is not a short distance.
When I heard that, I knew instantly that the K500 I had found wasn’t mine to keep, it was meant for him. I called him, gave him but he looked shocked so I told him, ‘I overheard your story.’ He thanked me and I watched him immediately rush to the booth to send the money to his wife on AirtelMoney. And right there, I realized something…. sometimes doing good and sharing doesn’t need to come from abundance; it just requires a willing heart to respond when God whispers. I feel so good I helped someone at that point. 🙏
There’s wisdom in knowing what 6-inch blocks cost or how many bags of cement go into a slab. Not just whiskey flavours. You don’t need to build a mansion, but start somewhere you can afford. You can still have fun in your life, but balance it; extremes are bad. Life is short, yes, but it’s longer for those you leave behind with nothing or sometimes maybe just debt!
Sometimes, I just look up and say, "Thank you, God." Life may not always be easy, but even in the challenges, I am deeply blessed. Gratitude reminds me that every struggle is shaping me, and every blessing is guiding me forward. No matter how tough the journey gets,
The world was never meant to be a competition of appearances. It was meant to be a beautiful gallery of individuality. where every person brings their own color, their own texture, their own story.
Each of us is meant to add something unique, not compare or compete.
Starting from nothing and trying to connect with big people is really tough. People will call you a “chola boy” just for trying to fit in with those doing well. But when things start working out and you begin making money the same people will start complaining, saying it’s only because you have “connections”
#Life
Lately I’ve been reflecting on high school days in boarding, had friends who'd sneak off to nearby Zambia Compound to drink and all kinds of truancy, later years we'd reunite in Lusaka/Copperbelt, nostalgic for old times, but our paths diverged. Some pursued their dreams, while others struggled with habits. Sometimes as early as 7:30 weeks would meet them in town with beers in their hands and it was as though it was mandatory to keep giving them money. Learned with sadness recently that 2 were gunned down by police after an armed robbery attempt. I still meet guys who used to do weed and they are a sorry sight. Some habits die hard. Boarding school is good but it can be overwhelming to some, however, it's not the institutions, it's personal choices. Another lesson is that learn to let go certain old friendships, don’t be a slave of nostalgia; but also learn that people change, so judge no one. 🙏
You know that overwhelming feeling when you look at all that God has done, and a tear slips down your cheek?
I’ve been feeling that way a lot. Gratitude is a must. Through every season, every blessing, and every trial, God remains the greatest, now and forever.
I want to remind you that success doesn't always mean more money, more achievements, and more 'things'. It's so easy to believe that it does. This is what you've always been told. But it's time to look at it a little differently.
You are not behind.
The time you've spent retreating has not been a waste.
The time you've spent in the slowdown has not been in vain. The time you've spent tending to your deepest wounds has not been thrown away.
There’s a chance someone will be lucky and clinch one deal then life changes. There’s a chance someone will make it through an inheritance. But for the most of us our own works is what will make a difference and speak for us. Get up, keep going and believe in what you’re doing.