In a world the place entrepreneurial success tales typically appear unattainable, Oluwaseun Olatunji stands out as a beacon of inspiration. Rising from modest beginnings in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, he has constructed a outstanding enterprise empire valued at roughly $310 million.
Because the President and Group Chief Govt Officer of Brookfield Group Holdings (Africa), Olatunji oversees a various portfolio that spans mining, actual property, and past. His journey, marked by willpower and a powerful sense of objective, exemplifies the ability of arduous work and resilience. On this interview with REMI FEYISIPO, he shares his experiences and the motivations that formed his path to success. Excerpts:
With the current financial downturn, what recommendation would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
My recommendation is to stay adaptable and centered on worth creation. Financial downturns can create distinctive alternatives for innovation and problem-solving. Establish gaps out there and assume creatively about how one can handle them. Moreover, keep a powerful community and search mentorship from skilled entrepreneurs. Bear in mind, persistence is vital, and with the proper mindset, you possibly can flip challenges into stepping stones for fulfillment.
Within the final 26 years of Nigeria’s democratic journey, how has it affected entrepreneurial improvement within the nation?
The final 26 years have been transformative for Nigeria’s entrepreneurial panorama. Whereas we’ve confronted quite a few challenges, reminiscent of regulatory hurdles and infrastructural deficiencies, the democratic journey has additionally fostered a burgeoning spirit of innovation and resilience amongst entrepreneurs. Extra importantly, it has opened avenues for dialogue and collaboration. Younger Nigerians are more and more embracing entrepreneurship as a viable path, and it is a important shift that may drive financial development and improvement within the years to return.
Your story is one in every of objective and perseverance. What ought to folks be taught from you?
Keep true to your objective. Embrace challenges as alternatives for development, and encompass your self with a supportive workforce. Bear in mind, success is a journey, not only a vacation spot.
Your childhood in Ile-Ife was pivotal in shaping your values and aspirations. Are you able to inform us extra about that?
Thanks for having me. Born on July 15, 1982, in Ile-Ife, my childhood in Ile-Ife was pivotal in shaping my values and aspirations. Rising up, I used to be surrounded by a wealthy cultural heritage and powerful household ties, which instilled in me a way of objective and willpower.
You moved to the UK in your twenties. How did your training there affect your corporation journey?
Attending Seventh Day Adventist Major College and Command Secondary College supplied me with a powerful basis. Later, acquiring a diploma in Laptop Science from Obafemi Awolowo College outfitted me with important expertise. This instructional background was important as I ventured into the enterprise world.
In 2006, you launched Soltun Improvement Ltd. What motivated you to begin your first enterprise?
Launching Soltun was a big turning level for me. It was the start of my entrepreneurial journey. I wished to create one thing impactful, and that firm laid the groundwork for what would ultimately grow to be Brookfield Group Holdings.
Brookfield Group Holdings has expanded into varied sectors. What are a few of your key achievements?
We’ve made strides in mining, aviation, and agriculture, and we’re now trying to enter banking and insurance coverage. Our large-scale gold buying and selling ventures throughout Asia and the Gulf area have considerably contributed to our development.
You’ve obtained a number of prestigious awards, together with the African Enterprise Management Award. How do you view these accolades?
Whereas I respect the popularity, I see these awards as a testomony to the arduous work of my complete workforce. Our achievements are collective, and I’m happy with what we’ve constructed collectively.
Household appears to be a cornerstone of your life. How do your loved ones values affect your work?
My dad and mom have been my best inspiration. My father, a global businessman and politician, and my mom, a retired banker, instilled robust values in me. I attempt to take care of these values in each my private {and professional} life.
As a father of six and a profitable entrepreneur, how do you steadiness work and household?
It’s difficult, however I prioritise household time. My spouse, Bamidele Olatunji, and I make it some extent to be current for our kids. Household is my anchor, and I consider {that a} robust basis at residence fuels my success in enterprise.
