Hey there, fellow dreamers and risk-takers! Today, I want to share an incredible story that will inspire both founders and career-driven individuals who are itching to make a big move.
Picture this: you're faced with the daunting task of starting a business from scratch, with all the risks and uncertainties that come with it. But guess what? The potential rewards can be mind-blowing. Just ask Mayowa Ali, the co-founder of Traction Apps, who recently shared their awe-inspiring journey of launching his startup in the midst of a global pandemic. Let's dive into their story and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way.
Mayowa Ali started out as an engineering student (my classmate for that matter), passionate about technology and eager to address the needs of underserved SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in Africa. This burning desire led him to co-found Traction Apps, a venture that would change the game for many businesses in the region. But here's the twist: they launched their startup right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Talk about taking risks!
As you can imagine, Mayowa and his co-founder faced numerous challenges on their path to success. They encountered failure not once, not twice, but three times when their initial products didn't quite hit the mark. However, they didn't let these setbacks deter them. Instead, they embraced the lessons learned from each failure and pivoted to a payments-focused approach. This ability to adapt and persevere is a crucial ingredient in the recipe for success.
This willingness to learn from setbacks is a key aspect of the risk-reward matrix. Mayewa emphasizes the importance of adapting, applying lessons learned, and staying true to their mission of helping SMEs grow.
The reason I shared the image above is to show that while it is important to make ‘risky’ moves, you also have to balance the outcomes/reward. However, successful people take it a bit further, they persevere in whatever path they choose.
Let's take a moment to hear from other notable individuals who have spoken about the importance of failure and taking risks. Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple, once said, "I'm convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance." In other words, success isn't just about having a brilliant idea; it's about having the determination and resilience to push through the obstacles that inevitably come your way.
Another renowned figure in the business world, Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, also emphasized the role of failure in the entrepreneurial journey. He said, "You don't learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over." Branson's words remind us that failure isn't something to be feared or avoided; it's an essential part of the learning process. Each stumble and fall brings us closer to our ultimate goals.
Returning to Mayowa’s story, their success didn't come solely from overcoming failures. Another crucial element was fostering a collaborative remote environment within their team. Mayowa emphasizes the importance of clarity, ownership, and going above and beyond to build a strong team. By fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered, Traction Apps was able to thrive.
But what motivates Mayowa personally? His ultimate motivation lies in helping businesses grow, adapting to the ever-changing business landscape, and staying true to their mission. And this is true for most people, you are motivated to start something, change careers etc because you want to change the status quo, make an impact or build something great.
Mayowa left us with a bit of advice for all you aspiring entrepreneurs and career-driven individuals out there. He emphasized the importance of understanding your motivations, staying true to yourself, and embracing the resilience of the human spirit. In other words, taking calculated risks and learning from setbacks are key ingredients for success on your journey.
So go out there, take risks, learn from failures, and let your dreams take flight!
Catch the full conversation here - https://pod.link/the-grinders-table/episode/2946173150be2466ac58bd82687f9170
or listen on your favourite podcast platform - Apple, Spotify, Google