Digging Deep’s Post

The best part of my job is definitely getting to connect with other students and professionals to share their inspiring stories. Check out my latest blog for The University of Kansas School of Business and follow our social media if you want to see more of my writing and content creation!

Last week, I had the privilege of serving as panelist alongside Seye Olurotimi, Emmanuel Isika and Clement Atapo at the Graduate Employability and Enterprise Summit, graciously sponsored by Bet9ja Foundation. This dynamic event is crafted to equip recent graduates with the vital knowledge, skills, resources, and networking opportunities essential for thriving in today's fiercely competitive job market. Among the event's enriching sessions, I found myself on a panel titled "Dream Big, Grow Fast: Turning Your Startup Idea into a Sustainable Venture." As someone who values sharing firsthand experiences, I typically rely on personal journey insights rather than extensive research. Thus, I approached the panel with an open mind, eager to provide authentic perspectives because the audience was made of majorly fresh graduates serious about succeeding in life – they most definitely aren’t coming for an academic session. Unexpectedly, the first question threw me off guard: "What are the top three considerations for anyone venturing into business in 2024?" With countless valid responses with subjective rankings, I anchored my answer on timeless entrepreneurial principles: Identifying and solving real problems: Successful businesses start by understanding what problems people face and then offering solutions that genuinely address those needs. The business should be built around a solution to a pressing problem Making sure your solution is profitable: But providing a solution alone does not make it a business. It's crucial to set prices such that that the solution is provided profitably. This is what differentiates an enterprise from a non-profit or hobby. Ability to Consistently deliver your solution at scale: For any business to be successful, it has to be sustainable at scale. This can only be achieved when we are able to create processes that systematize value delivery. These are timeless check boxes that must be ticked if you want to consider running a successful and sustainable business Engaging with the participants beyond the panel was equally rewarding. I fielded additional questions and was then pleasantly surprised to be invited as a judge for a mini ideas/pitch competition immediately afterward. Reviewing the innovative ideas presented by the finalists filled me with hope for the next generation. Unlike my generation, where entrepreneurship wasn't as prevalent, these young minds showcased remarkable ideas across various sectors—from fashion and health to agriculture, logistics, and interior décor. Though each idea was unique and promising, one stood out to me: Feedbag Agrihub. With refinement and strategic execution, I believe this venture holds the potential to revolutionize the agribusiness landscape in Nigeria. My participation in the summit was truly fulfilling, reaffirming my belief in the power of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among today's youth #BusinessDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #ProfessionalGrowth

🌟Wrapping up the 23rd edition of Give a Day, focusing on strengthening Cambodia's entrepreneurial landscape. Here are the top highlights from the "Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Roadmap Consultation Workshop." 🚀 1️⃣ 💡 Give a Day 23 Focus: The event gathered key stakeholders to discuss and refine the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Roadmap, aiming to bolster Cambodia's entrepreneurial environment. 🌿 2️⃣ 💰 Investment Readiness: Highlighted the need for innovative financing options tailored to startups and SMEs, including blended finance to support early-stage and operational SMEs. 🏦💼 3️⃣ 🎓 Human Capital Development: Emphasized tailored training and mentorship programs, integrating entrepreneurial skills into education, and public-private partnerships for nationwide entrepreneurship training. 👩🏫👨💼 4️⃣ 📜 Policy and Support: Recommended enhancing policies with tax incentives, streamlined business registration, a “Business Starter Package” for new SMEs, and market access programs to help entrepreneurs scale. 🏛️📈 5️⃣ 🌐 Market Access: Suggested better market entry strategies, support mechanisms, and grants for global exhibition participation to expand SMEs' market reach. 🌍✈️ What do you think is the most critical element for boosting our entrepreneurial ecosystem? Share your thoughts! 💬👇

Global Entrepreneurship Academy continues to grow

🌟 Exciting Opportunity for Egyptian Exporters! 🌟 I'm delighted to share an email I received introducing the 4th edition of the Egypt Entrepreneur Awards (EEA). This prestigious platform recognizes, celebrates, and connects Egypt’s most innovative and resilient entrepreneurs across various industries. Here’s the full message from Tarek Afia, EEA Strategy Director: ============================================== Good morning Dr. Tameem, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to introduce you to the 4th edition of Egypt Entrepreneur Awards (EEA). EEA is a platform that recognizes, celebrates, and connects Egypt’s most innovative and resilient entrepreneurs across various industries. Through our awards program, we aim to inspire and empower emerging entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world. The Global Reach Achievement Award recognizes the entrepreneurs that have successfully navigated the complexities of international markets, demonstrating excellence in export strategy, market penetration, and global competitiveness. We are reaching out to the Egyptian Food Export Council to seek your valuable support in circulating this opportunity within your network. By encouraging companies to apply, we hope to identify and honor those who have made significant impacts in the food export sector. Here are the key details of The Global Reach Achievement Award: Eligibility Criteria: Companies must have a proven track record in exports, showcasing significant growth, innovation, and commitment to quality; and have between 2 to 10 years of operation. Application Process: Interested companies can apply by submitting their application through our official website: https://lnkd.in/d4MduXrs Deadline for Submission: 4th of July 2024 Evaluation and Selection: A panel of industry experts will review the applications based on criteria such as market reach, export volume, innovation, and sustainability practices. Thank you for your time and assistance. We look forward to your cooperation in making the Global Reach Achievement Award a resounding success. Best regards, Tarek Afia EEA Strategy Director ============================================ I encourage all eligible companies to seize this opportunity and apply. Let’s showcase the incredible talent and achievements of our local businesses on a global stage! For more details and to apply, visit the official EEA website. Best of luck to all applicants! #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Exports #EEA #EgyptianEntrepreneurs #GlobalReachAchievementAward

Sofonie Dala the founder of the startup Talentos Multiplus joins Project "Envolver" in launching the New Training Season for Entrepreneurs and Managers of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Luanda During an intensive two-day training session with highly qualified Portuguese specialists from the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, participants were trained in entrepreneurship, business management, and corporate finance. The vision of the Projecto Envolver is to create a conducive environment for financing, where financial institutions, incubators, investors, the judiciary, trainers, schools, and businesses collaborate to facilitate economic growth. The scope of the "Envolver" project includes an integrated and comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders, ranging from commercial banks to both public and private sector actors, whose activities significantly impact the country's economy. Rosa Galvão Oswaldo De Jesus, M.Sc Projecto Envolver

Overlooking Wisdom: How Bureaucracy is Stifling Singapore's Entrepreneurial Spirit in Retired Executives A recent letter published in The Straits Times dated 11 Jan 2024 highlighted a issue very close to my heart, where a retired senior executives attempted to form a informal group to assist micro businesses, I've come to a profound realization about strong lack of entrepreneurial thinking in Singapore.The challenges they faced, including bureaucratic roadblocks from entrepreneurship-oriented organizations like Association of Small and Medium Enterprise (ASME) and demands for consulting certifications so they could consider a potential partnership, illuminate a broader issue. Here were individuals with decades of invaluable experience, yet they were equated to fresh graduates in the eyes of a certification process. The author stated that although they are given a shorter 2 days programme compared to 4 days for fresh graduates, the Institute of Management Consultant (IMC) had the same 1000 hours consulting work requirements before they could be certified. Are we genuinely fostering learning, continuing education, wisdom and entrepreneurial thinking in Singapore, not just among business owners, but across all career levels? Are we not able to gain value from people who really have the experience? This situation highlights a troubling trend in our pursuit of entrepreneurial spirit in Singapore. We often witness inexperienced individuals dispensing advice on entrepreneurship, career choices, and marketing. Yet, here we have seasoned professionals, whose wisdom is sidelined by rigid criteria and a system favoring theoretical knowledge over practical experience. Are we truly valuing experience in our quest to foster entrepreneurial thinking across all career levels? Or are we getting entangled in a web of bureaucracy and commercial agendas, missing out on real opportunities to learn from those who have truly navigated the complex waters of business and life? This is a wake-up call. We need to reassess our approach. Entrepreneurship isn't just about meeting criteria or holding certificates. It's about real-life experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Let's not undermine the invaluable lessons that these seasoned executives can impart to the next generation of entrepreneurs in Singapore. The current system, with its emphasis on certifications and theoretical knowledge, often overlooks the depth of practical experience. Although, having any formal certificates is important to render the authenticity of one's learning. It's a stark reminder of how we often undervalue real-world wisdom in favor of formalized education. This is a call to broaden our perspective. Let's recognize that entrepreneurial thinking extends beyond the confines of business ownership. It's a valuable approach to life and work that should be nurtured at every level and in every individual, leveraging the diverse experiences that each person brings to the table.

Transforming economies and paying it forward with Endeavor Malaysia!

Have you ever wondered if entrepreneurship skills can truly be taught? 🤔💡 Yesterday marked the start of Protégé Kita, a 5-month entrepreneurship program by the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SMCCI). It's the 4th entrepreneurship course I've attended this year. Someone once told me that entrepreneurship can't be taught; you just have to do it. Yet, entrepreneurship classes in Singapore are abundant and often free or affordable. I tried the "just-do-it" approach for the first few months of Uli's Kitchen and got lost. That's when I joined the Supermom Business Programme by SMCCI, took part in 3-month mentoring by the Asia Institute of Mentoring, attended the IDEAS Workshop by the Singapore Business Federation, and completed the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp by BlackStorm Group x National Library Board. My conclusion? Entrepreneurship can be taught, and you should attend these workshops and courses. Here’s why: You won't just learn one skill. You'll gain a myriad of skills: communication, networking, sales, marketing, content development, digitalization, social selling, financial management, business registration, business model canvas, customer persona, SWOT analysis, and more. Attending multiple classes reinforced my learning and introduced me to new concepts. Best of all, it expanded my network beyond the tech sector of my corporate role. In the Protégé Kita class, our trainer, Huda Hamid, covered Business Foundation and Digitalization, where I learned: 💡 Entrepreneurs are project managers who take risks for profit goals 💡 Exabytes Singapore cloud hosting is women-entrepreneur-friendly 💡 Do a SWOT analysis on yourself, not just your business 💡 Marketing funnel: TOFU, MOFU, BOFU 💡 Create value-driven content by identifying gaps in the buyer's journey 💡 Rotimatic - I need to own this printer 😁 So, TLDR: Attend an entrepreneurship class or workshop, preferably in person. You'll come out feeling like a superhero ready to save the world—or at least with a myriad of skills for personal and professional growth. 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙧: 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴—𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦, 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 🤖. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦. P.S. Thank you, Cedric Lee🧬(DNA Storyteller), for encouraging Disclaimer use. #Entrepreneurship #Networking #ContinuousLearning #ProtegeKita #SMCCI #UlisKitchen

🌟 Unlocking Success: The Vital Role of Mentorship in Canadian Entrepreneurship 🌟 When it comes to entrepreneurship, having a guiding light can make all the difference. That's why a good mentor is critical.  Here's why mentorship can fuel the entrepreneurial spirit: Building Bridges Mentors build bridges, connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with valuable insights, expertise and networks. Research by KPMG Canada shows that 89% of startups with mentors report having a positive experience, highlighting the importance of mentorship in navigating the complexities of business. Sharing Wisdom Mentors bring a wealth of experience and wisdom to the table, offering guidance and advice based on their own entrepreneurial journeys. According to a study by Futurpreneur Canada, entrepreneurs who receive mentorship are five times more likely to launch a successful business. Accelerating Growth Mentorship accelerates the growth trajectory of startups, helping entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and capitalize on opportunities. A survey by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) found that businesses with mentors achieve 50% faster growth than those without. Nurturing Talent Mentorship nurtures talent and fosters a culture of learning and innovation within the entrepreneurial community. By sharing knowledge and fostering skills development, mentors empower the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs to thrive in a competitive landscape. Empowering Success Stories Countless success stories in Canadian entrepreneurship have been fueled by mentorship. From Silicon Valley startups to Main Street businesses, the impact of mentorship resonates across industries and regions, driving innovation and economic growth. So, let's celebrate the invaluable role of mentorship in Canadian entrepreneurship and recognize the mentors who generously share their time, expertise and passion to empower the next generation of business leaders. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! 👇 #MentorshipMatters #CanadianEntrepreneurship #ShiftCanada #GoCanada #Inspiration #growthmindset #Entrepreneurship #CanadaNeedsYou 🍁 #NurturingTalent #EmpoweringSuccess #BusinessDevelopment