“As an entrepreneur, you need to be able to expand your horizon, and constantly reinvent yourself. Yes, you would be afraid, but your fears are valid. The difference between successful people and unsuccessful individuals is that successful people feel the fear but they act in spite of it anyway.” – Omilola Oshikoya
The second edition of the Do It Afraid Conference which held on Sunday, December 4, 2016, at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, was a success. The purpose of the event was to encourage entrepreneurial individuals to quit being stuck in an otherwise unfulfilling job/field, and pursue their dreams.
“We have an economic crisis, and a lot of people are losing their jobs. But just think how much better things would be if more people created jobs as opposed to just being job seekers …,” Omilola Oshikoya told Ventures Africa. Africa’s premier wealth coach and convener of the Do It Afraid Conference, explained further why the event focused on entrepreneurship. “Most people maintain their salary paying jobs because they are afraid to venture out on their own even though they have great business ideas that they can pursue.”
The conference was also aimed at individuals who were “in the process”; people who had started businesses but were being weighed down by several challenges and were considering giving up. Hence the theme, “The flourishing palm tree and its process.” The conference achieved both.
“This conference is not necessarily to inform, a lot of people already have all the information they need, the problem is their mindset. Hence the need for encouragement, a morale boost, which they can get from listening to successful business owners tell their story,” explained Oshikoya.
The event started with a testimonial from Oluwatoyin Olatunji Daniel, Nigeria’s only female special effects and lighting specialist who got inspired to launch her company after attending the debut edition of the Do It Afraid Conference in 2015. Followed by an opening speech by Oshikoya on the event’s theme, “The flourishing palm tree, and its process”, and what entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs should learn from its growth process.
“Regardless of where the palm tree is, it survives, and so can you. In this recession, put your heart in the right condition, and flourish like the palm tree.”
When Deji Alli, the Chairman and CEO of Mixta Africa SA took the stage, he shared some simple yet profound wisdom from his decade long experience in the financial industry. Alli who served as the founding CEO of Asset & Resource Management Company (ARM Group) until mid last year, dwelt on the importance of planning and giving oneself a fair chance as an entrepreneur. “Draw a business plan, and be realistic with your expectations,” he advised. “And always understand that you cannot do it on your own; take advantage of the people around you.”
After an enlightening session with Alli, the DIA team assembled a panel of distinguished Nigerians; actor, Iretiola Doyle, Adebola Williams, founder of Red Media, Modupe Fagbohungbe, Head Chef, Salt Lagos, and Wunmi Williams, CEO of Nakenohs, to each share their individual stories of success.
Anchored by advertising specialist, Taiwo Oniru Akintokun, the story of each panellist aligned with the theme of the conference. Although they were now successful reputable individuals in their careers, each panellist had a not-so-smooth journey to success. But the key lesson was they each endured the process and stayed committed to their passion in spite of the challenges.
Iretiola Doyle, who is an acclaimed actress and award-winning producer said she did not always have it easy in the movie industry – Nollywood. When Akintokun asked, “how did you resist the temptation of picking every script?” Her reply was surprising, “I wish that were the case, but it was not.”
According to her, after several years of getting turned down at auditions, she decided to become a gofer, and slowly build her way up the ladder. Although she was frustrated that the industry didn’t immediately embrace her as she had hoped, she did not throw in the towel. “You can approach your dream from a different angle”, she said, “just re-strategize.”
The final speaker for the conference was critically acclaimed motivational speaker and best-selling author, Fela Durutoye, who expounded on the process of flourishing. “Have a clear sense of purpose,” he stated, as encouraged attendees to explore their passion. “Greatness can only be achieved whilst working on something you are naturally good at, and your passion is both an indicator and a reward.”
Prior to the event, Oshikoya told Ventures Africa what her expectations were from the conference, “I’m looking forward to the launch of so many new ventures. I’m looking forward to jobs being created. I’m looking forward to wealth being created for Nigeria and Africa.” In the end, it is safe to say that attendees left profoundly impacted and inspired to move in the direction of their entrepreneurial dreams and purposes.
It’s not about being fearless, it’s about acting in spite of fear.” – Veronica Roth
