I had a boss that tied every acquisition to a deal. He sees a car he likes, Sam, let’s work out a deal that will buy this car. We rustle up a proposal targeting an MDA, get it approved, execute the deal & he buys the car with the proceeds while I get a healthy bonus.

Same thing across different needs. He needs to go on vacation, pay for something, etc. Never from pre-existing funds. We always structured a deal from where the funds will come. I understood the power of networks and initiative.

Cultivate relationships, maintain friendships. Don’t bug them with requests, offer them service that will benefit them too. Don’t call & say please give me a job in your organization. Nope. Do your research, submit a proposal on what they need. Easier for all concerned.

Don’t say John is occupying a big office & he doesn’t want to help me. Well, that’s because you want John to think for you how to help you. Make it easy for everyone by coming up with something along the line of what John is doing & see how things flow seamlessly.

In addition, your classroom education will give you certificates. The real education will come from practical mentoring & actual doing. Don’t be in a hurry to answer CEO. Learn at the feet of others. Experience means you’ve seen a situation arise & get resolved.

I can do a lot of different things & innovate around different challenges because I’ve undergone extensive pupilage. I’ve served. I’ve learnt at feet. No bad teacher. Only bad lessons. Igbos say missing your way is knowing your way. Learn. Grow. Evolve.

Udo diri unu.

Ugwu Ngwu