Recently, I called one of my mentors for a casual catch-up. In the course of our conversation, he revealed a truth that many entrepreneurs often keep hidden: his business had hit a rough patch, and the cost-of-living crisis had forced him to revert to a 9-to-5 job after nearly a decade of being self-employed.

I wasn’t so surprised when he told me about his business; I’ve seen firsthand the battles founders endure as they try to sustain their companies while handling the demands of daily life. His honesty, however, left me humbled. Here was a man who was once an employer of labour, embodying discipline, dedication, and passion, now revealing his struggles and also his wins even at his new job, just to encourage and inspire me.

The Impact

Days later, I reached out to express my gratitude for his honesty. I know it took courage for him to open up, so in my message to him, I reminded him of the impact he has made on many lives over the years by choosing the entrepreneur path—a sentiment often overlooked amidst the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Reflecting on that reminded me of a recent masterclass with Sim Shagaya, hosted by Miva. When asked what Sim would advise his younger self to focus more on, he said (paraphrased) that he wished he had worked with large tech companies much longer before venturing into startups in Nigeria. While his reasoning was valid, it made me ponder: If only Sim understood the number of individuals who have benefited—both directly and indirectly—from his early decision to establish startups in Nigeria. If he knew the number of successful businesses launched by former employees of his startup and the individuals like myself, whom he once employed, continuing to effect change both locally and internationally, I sincerely hope he is aware of the profound impact he has had.

The Lessons

Entrepreneurship demands courage, persistence, determination, passion, and decisiveness. It calls for individuals who are not afraid to fail forward and are willing to persevere through setbacks. Persistence doesn’t always mean immediately launching another venture when things don’t work out; it sometimes requires understanding when it is time to take a break, try something fresh, and then maybe give it another attempt.

In the wake of the revelations, I’ve extracted five invaluable lessons from my mentor’s experience:

1. Be real with yourself. The journey of entrepreneurship demands authenticity. Acknowledging challenges and being vulnerable sometimes isn’t a sign of weakness but a testament to strength and self-awareness.
2. Share your story:Vulnerability fosters connection. Sharing the good and bad not only humanises the entrepreneurial experience but also empowers others facing similar struggles.
3. Keep making an impact:Despite the setbacks, the essence of entrepreneurship lies in its capacity to effect positive change.
4. It is okay to start over: Entrepreneurship is a journey of highs and lows. But it is important to discern when to pause and try something different. Embrace the opportunity for reinvention and growth.
5. Circumstances don’t define you:Your worth as an entrepreneur extends beyond your successes or failures. Rather, your tenacity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to your vision define you.

As I continue on my career path, I carry with me the lessons from my mentor’s story. His transparency serves as a guiding light, reminding me of the power of authenticity, empathy, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

As an employer or a professional, navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship or your career path with courage, compassion, and determination, and remember that your story, however imperfect, has the potential to inspire and encourage others. Know that by sharing, you will be contributing to a resilient community—one that is driven by the common goal of making a positive impact.

Until next time,

Bukola Osuntuyi

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