RECAP: Excellence in life series 2.0

In spite of the current downward trajectory of the Nigerian economy, it is believed that an individual can be economically buoyant by discovering, nurturing and maximizing new opportunities.

This was the submission of speakers at the Excellence In Life Series (EIL) Series 2.0 held on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Standard Alliance Events Hall, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

With the theme, Breaking New Grounds, the speakers such as, Dr Femi Paul, who is also the Convener, Excellence In Life; Bukky George – Founder & CEO, HealthPlus Pharmacy; Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank offered valuable insights and ideas on how to spot, seize and maximize opportunities in the current economic downturn.

Bukky George - Founder/CEO, Health Plus

“Most people don’t listen until they are in the classroom. But the best lessons are taught along the way…in the ordinary course of daily life,” said Dr Femi Paul at the event.

He charged the audience to aspire to break new grounds. He said, “Ordinary people look and admire; winners look, observe and aspire.”

He further noted that “aspiration fuels Pertinent Enquiries and Propels People; admiration only generates simplistic applause and awe.”

Another speaker at the event, Bukky George, emphasized the need for an individual to explore his or her passion, noting that it is only when the individual did that he could get to the promised land. She also mentioned that it was important for people to seek to fill the gap that exists in their areas of specialization instead of just making up numbers.

“Your promised land is where your passion lies. It is where your heart quickens, where you feel an almost supernatural hunger to intervene and improve a situation,” said Bukky George.

“Seek out a gap in a product or service delivery that you have the qualification, skill, experience, inspiration and passion to fill. Fill the gap excellently.”

We don't have all the time in the world ....

Today is meant to be #inthespiritofenterprise but my heart is torn in and I can't bear to write the usual stuff.

I can't bring myself to put "RIP" I just can't

You assume that bad things only happen to bad people, that you and all your "good" people will always be around. It's just there in the background and so as everyone is busy carrying on with their daily lives. We hardly stop to pick up the phone to call or even visit. Once in a while we say hey and hey back on BBM and share a quick laugh or two without really connecting. When we call each other, the calls are rushed because of course, everyone is busy...... and hey, he/she's still going to be around for a long time so we will catch up at some point. 

I won't be catching up with my cousin Oluwatosin though.... Time has run out and something bad happened to him. I got off air yesterday when the call came in, "where are you sade?" I am in Yaba I said. "So you're done with the show for today?" Yes, why? "We have a situation"  my Dad said. "Your uncle lost one of his sons and your mum is in bad shape, can you come home?" Who!!! Everything just faded when my Dad said Tosin. I was numb for a couple of hours, I was in yaba area and I think my car drove me to the nearest place which was my friend, Maureen's office. Being the crier that I am, I was barely through the door when I broke down and cried my heart out! 

He called me just two days ago! I was in a hurry as usual, I didn't say how are you Tosin, I didn't say we really miss you in Lagos Tosin.... None of that. Just nonsense mumbo jumbo about wedding planning, in a rush too. I hate that he had to go just like that, I hate that I never took the time to chat with him about things that mattered, I hate that I will never have that opportunity on this earth again. But I have to deal with it. He is never coming back.

Tosin was just a kid in his early 30s, such a peaceful and caring guy. He would do his best to move mountains for anyone that had a problem. He was just so easy going and he loved the lord. When I had my moments with mo interview, even with the short notice, he came to the hotel in calabar where I was from Uyo straight after work. We played and laughed together, just like when we were kids... I want to remember that and never forget the beauty of quality time spent with family and friends. Those are the truly precious moments....

I love you Oluwatosin Olajide, but God loves you more.......

P.S

Take time out to call someone you haven't spoken to in a while today. Say "how are you" and mean it. Life is short, let's stop wasting time chasing things that don't matter.

Cheers fam!

The things that matter......

Hi guys.

I saw something today that got me thinking.... As we grow older more and more things fight for our attention, there's kids to attend to, there's a business or career to pursue, there's places to see, bills to keep up with, friends to catch up with, TV series to finish..... aaaaargh!! This is even just a generalized list, I can break each heading to sub headings and sub subs... Its crazy guys. A few weeks ago, I had an event I had signed up for online. I got up early, dressed up and drove all the way from my Isheri village to Four points by Sheraton only to find I was a week early! Hahahaha!! Funny and not funny. How does one maintain her sanity? Guys, If you didn't know this before, I am telling you, it is no joke being a woman. I know men will start to go on about how hard they work to provide for their families bla bla bla. We appreciate you ehn, but still..... you don't know till you know. I digress, let me get back to the why of this post, in the next paragraph.

If you found out today that you had just one month to live, what would be top on your list?

..........

.............

I didn't put the pauses up there in error, I did that because I know that would be the reaction most people would have to such a question, others would probably just say, this girl is mad and take off. But for those of you who are still here, let's think about this.

I trust most Nigerians to begin to go all spiritual on me, but I want last days on earth answers, not heavenly thereafter type ones. I have drawn up a list to set us off on a path;

- Close account and go on a vacation alone
- Close account and go on vacation with family
- Call up everyone special to you and let old grudges go
- Go on an extreme adventure
- Just shutdown everything and wait for the last day
- Give all you have to charity
- Do one thing you have always wanted to do but never did

Why am I thinking about this anyway?

Sometimes thinking like this helps you remember to focus on what is most important. Yes it is great to be a filthy rich, mighty famous business tycoon but after that, then what? In our quest for this ultimate success, let us not forget the things that matter.

I'll leave you with these thoughts;

"You are not the car you drive
You are not the house you live in
You are not the money you have in your bank account
You are not the number of followers you have on twitter or friends you have on facebook

No.... You are that person you are when nobody is watching, where non of these things matter......."

Here's wishing you a great week ahead!

Cheers.

P.S
Do a bucket list and if you care to share mail to me @ mofolusadesonaike@gmail.com. I'll share mine soon.