By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – Prominent entrepreneur and founder of the United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu, has disclosed how he mentored select African women to mark the recently held International Women’s Day.
Elumelu said that one of the life lessons he shared with them was to always be in control of their narratives, whether as business owners or career people.
According to the founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation, it’s important to always tell your own stories, so that others would not tell it for you in a way that you would be misrepresented. That, he said could lead to damaging lasting misconception.
He revealed that one of his past mistakes in the formative period of his journey as a businessman, was being publicity-shy.
Elumelu:”I particularly loved a question on a mistake I made starting out – for me, it was being publicity-shy and not telling our story ourselves. If you don’t tell your own stories – others will do. Misconceptions, once made, take time to correct. As business owners and career persons you have to tell your own story – and get it right! ”
He continued: “On March 8, I marked #IWD2022 by mentoring a group of over 80 audacious and dynamic African women.
“What united us was our commitment to driving change in Africa. I spoke with businesswomen, founders of NGOs, young professionals with fiery ambitions – and from across Africa.
“I was so inspired by the achievements, plans and energy of these women – The future is certainly female!
“Our conversations are ones I will remember for a long time. I was asked about building a strong business and I spoke from my experience of building UBA Group to the global bank it is now – The importance of a clear vision, that can inspire a team – setting clear, tough, but achievable milestones along the journey to your goal. Hitting those milestones gives you the motivation you need to keep going. I also highlighted what is important to me – assembling the right team, imbibing the right culture, handwork, resilience and governance.”
Elumelu also disclosed the role his wife, Awele and their daughter played on that day to support him.
He enthused, “I also got a pleasant surprise – my wife – an entrepreneur in her own right – and daughter joined me on stage as I rounded up our conversation and one thing Mrs TOE said as she addressed the audience stuck – Succeeding in whatever you do as a woman, opens doors for other women. We don’t yet all have the access but do right in your own space and other women will be inspired to do better.
“I appreciate all the women who came from far and wide to join the session with me physically or virtually… we will do this again soon!”