Business Advice // 14 Quotes by African Opinion Leaders

Business Advice // 14 Quotes by African Opinion Leaders

We’ve made it!

The end, of what has been the longest year ever, is with us. Most likely you are experiencing some sort of burnout or just an overall lack of inspiration about the upcoming year.

However, not all is lost. We realize it’s a good time to pause, and reflect, so we’re sharing some business advice. They are drawn from African opinion leaders who have hosted #AfterOfficeHours, Workshops & other business-oriented events in our 3 locations across Nairobi as well as virtually.

Business Advice on ROI

“To drive investor conversations, you need to demonstrate the path to profitability and their Return on Investment, use growth metrics that investors understand and avoid jargons”- Harry Hare, Founder DEMO Africa.

“As an entrepreneur always be very clever and meticulous in your spending to ensure you get the most out of every shilling and dollar used” – Tony Wood CEO MyDawa

Competition

“Never fear competition, every healthy business needs competition, this gives you a chance to learn, and think harder. Competition is a sign that your industry is growing on the right path.”- Dr. Joyce Gikunda, Founder Lintons Beauty.

4 Important Lessons CEOs and Founders Can Learn From Eliud Kipchoge

Defining Success

“Do not dance at the tune of anyone else’s definition of success. Strive to walk your own unique journey” – Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Vice-Chancellor Designate Strathmore University.

“Success is a flipside of the coin in a failing in business. The only difference is how many times as a businessperson, are you willing to fail, fall, stand-up and try again.” Kiprono Kittony former Chairman KNCCI.

Feedback

“As an entrepreneur, you need to put your product out there and wait for customer feedback. Your product will never be perfect until you get feedback.”- Kenfield Griffith, Founder Ajua (formerly mSurvey).

Innovation

“25 years on 75% of people in Africa own phones, a revolution driven by entrepreneurs and not Governments. With this in mind, we cannot have so many young people without the energy of innovation. We need a massive push for Intra-African Exchange of youth to make the demographic dividend work.” – Strive Masiyiwa Founder & Executive Chairman Econet Group.

Opportunities

Dr. Muthoni Ntonjira, Country Manager, Philips (R) demonstrate how the new Philips E30 ventilator works during the official launch at the Philips office // Image Courtesy The Star

“The world offers so many opportunities and all you need to do is find your balance and gender should not stop you from achieving your dreams”- Dr. Muthoni Ntonjira – Country Director Philips Kenya.

“Don’t fear the unknown, however, embrace every opportunity that comes your way.” Rina Hicks Director Faida Investment Bank

Relationships

“Don’t be transactional in your relationships with people, be genuine – trust will grow from there and that is a currency you can’t buy but is worth so much more!” – Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman Econet Group

“We are the sum of the people we spend time with. Surround yourself with people who you aspire to be like. Go to networking events, request meetings, and get to know the movers and shakers in your industry and related fields. Not only will they inspire you to improve, but since business is so relationship-based, these networking efforts can open doors.” Lizz Ntonjira- Mutuma Senior Corporate Communications Manager at AMREF

Technology

“Technology makes the entire health system more efficient. Saving time and money for patients and other stakeholders.” Tony Wood CEO My Dawa

Use Your Gut

“As an entrepreneur, you are constantly faced with decisions you haven’t read anywhere or seen before; so being able to follow your intuition and know that every decision you make, you will need to iterate anyway – you’re forced to make them really quickly. You are constantly building new heuristics.”- Kenfield Griffith, Founder Ajua

We hope the quotes shared by these African business leaders, will help you align your priorities, and prepare for the future.