(Inspiring Interview) My 3 Fastest Route to Success - Sam Obafemi

As one of the top coaches in Nigeria, what three ways would you say are the fastest route to success?

Self Mastery and Self Belief, Trade and Industry Knowledge, and Progressive Association with the right People.

There has been some buzz about your forthcoming book, tell us about it. Why should we read the book?

When I set out to become self-employed, there was no written account anywhere by a Nigerian who had weathered the storm of the switch. In retrospect, I believe if I had the opportunity to read from seniors in the industry, I could have made fewer mistakes or even had the courage to attempt larger dimensions using their tips as a guide. This is why #MyValleys, my 5th Book, is very dear to my heart. I have put the book out as a guide, my own testimony and my boot strap account of what has transpired since I left paid (or salaried) employment.

You referred to your failures in the book, what are the lessons failure has taught you?

The lesson failure has taught me summarily is that he who has a will, a way will open to him. Until you mortify failure in your mind, there is still a chance you will fail. But if you develop grit for success, a way will always follow you.

Your life seems to have turned out well after leaving paid employment to start your own business. What would you have done differently looking back now?

I really have done nothing different. My former colleagues and employers attest to the fact that I am still as efficient as I always was. I have only grown wiser and more reflective but in terms of productivity, pace, and focus, I am still on track.

How can we get the free chapters of the book you released and how do we buy it when it's out?

I shared 2 free chapters of #MyValleys for the world to taste from the puddy (smiles). These can be downloaded from www.bookdey.com. Readers can also pre-order the full autographed copy from www.bookdey.com or via Phone Orders to 08073610884. Commercial release of #MyValleys comes out on April 1st, 2015 and then it will be available on www.amazon.com, Laterna Bookshop, Bible Wonderland, Lokay Bookshop (Abuja) and via www.bookdey.com, www.chukzbooksonline.com and many other stores globally.

What kind of background did you have and did it in anyway contribute to your success?

I am a graduate of Computer Science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. I suppose that my degree has been a plus only from the dimension that it has granted my leverage for the places I have reached via education. My education has helped me dimension my passion effectively to the extent that I can apply procedural components so as to build systems for my passion properly. I am also a Process Consultant in practice which is drawn from this degree. So summarily, my qualification plus my passion equals an institution for me, gratefully.

How can an average employee rise to the top of the ladder in a very short time?

Well, ‘very short time’ may not be practical, especially depending on the strata in the organisation they work in. but one truth is sacrosanct, an employee who is ever learning, both professionally and behaviourally, will grow through any ladder of career.

As a certified emotional therapist, what are the causes of depression and how can an average youth get out of it fast?

Causes of depression are very many; top of which are Stress, Failed Expectations and Personal Dysfunction. Usually, the first place to start coming out of depression is Self-Compassion, then Self-Mastery (from Emotional Intelligence) then Social Intelligence for appropriate association and organic growth in life. I have discussed this effectively in my 3rd book titled SALT LAKE THERAPY: Healing Yourself through Emotional Immunity. This can be ordered via www.bhousegroup.com/samobafemi

How does a young person deal with persistent failure?

If failure is persistent, the individual is being persistent with the root of failure. Nobody wants to fail but when failure becomes a repeat experience, it is necessary to ask appropriate questions like: what am I doing wrong? Who in my network is my weak link? What new resources must I acquire, in knowledge, people and wisdom terms? Most times also, it is important to have a Life Coach in your life who helps you ask the right questions in the right frequency. This can change one’s game always.

Any parting word to our readers and tell us about your family?

I am thoroughly grateful to everyone who has believed in my works. The cumulative feedback and support is overwhelming. I am very grateful. I encourage open feedback. Please help me grow to serve you better by talking to me. I am easily accessible via @sobafemi (twitter) or coach@bhousegroup.

I am blessed in marriage with a Wife, Olori Funke, and two Daughters, Sharon Inumidun & Delight Jesuferanmi. We live in Abuja. Glory to God.

Thank you for having me here.

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Exclusive Political Interview: I Don't Believe in Complaining ButContributing - Dr. Eniola Ajayi

After a brief delay at her private establishment somewhere around Ikeja, Dr. Eniola Ajayi who is contesting for the House of Representatives seat in Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1 was ready for me. She is one of the most unassuming personalities I have met and her response to every question I fired at her proved to me that she knew her onions and would serve Ekiti people and indeed Nigeria well if she finds her way to the chambers. This is the first time we are interviewing a politician on this blog, although deliberate, we can vouch that this interview is worth reading. Gabriel Olatunji-Legend conducted this interview.



How did you find yourself at this point of contesting for an election?

Let's just say that, I'm one of those people who don't believe in complaining but contributing. I was invited by the former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, to be a Commissioner in his cabinet. I started as Commissioner for Education, Science and technology and rounded up as commissioner for environment. So having contributed at that level, I was encouraged by members of the party and my friends to go further, and because there was an obvious vacancy in my constituency. And from that constituency I was encouraged to go for the house of rep. That's why I contested in the primaries with four men and won.

How to stay married for 17 years and keep going stronger - OmotolaJalade's Husband

culled from Encomium Magazine



What is the secret of your 17 year old marriage to Omotola?

I won’t say we have been good because I am a fine boy (laughs), but it is just the grace of God. I am so lucky and also blessed by God to have married my God given partner.
That is a very important thing about marriage, you have to find and marry your God given partner. That is why a lot marriages breakup. Some men marry women because of their hips, their boobs, legs and some other side attractions. But after sex with her so many times, what happens next? Does she have a good attitude, character or good human relationship with others? I am not saying we are perfect couple, we have our own differences but we are compatible.
We have been married for over 17 years with four beautiful kids. One thing that has been working for us as a couple is that I always encourage her to be who she wants to be. I give her full support always. Lots of married women that are caught cheating on their husbands could be traced to the fact that some of their husbands don’t allow them explore their talents.  I encourage my wife and kids to be what they want to be.Most of the influential men and women we have in this world didn’t even go to school. So it is all about exploiting your talents. Some women love acting but their husbands won’t let them believing that other men would touch or exploit them sexually. It is all about discipline. Those that want to cheat will cheat; it is all about self control.

So when you see your wife kissing on set, you don’t get jealous?

No! Not all. My wife tells me about her acting. Most times she even complains that some actors she acts love scenes with have mouth or body odour that she can’t wait to leave this scene.  So I even pity her on what she has to go through and endure being an actress.
This acting thing is just some minute acts and that is it. Will she follow the actor home? Lots of homes have been broken because of too pressure on the wife or even the kids.

For the 17 years that you have been married, what are those special moments you can’t forget in a hurry?

Hmmm! Truly and honestly, I can’t forget the very first day I made love to my wife.



Source: Encomium Magazine



Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of OLATUNJISPEAKS.com.

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I am not a Millionaire but a Multi-Billionaire - FuntoOni, 'Beautified' Author

Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'

[caption id="attachment_315" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Funto Oni[/caption]

In a fun chat with the beautified one, the author of the classic beauty book, 'Beautified'; the co-founder of LACE Royal and the CEO of Beautified Concept, a beauty firm that not only beautify faces but beautify lives. Funto Oni bares it all in this chat with Gabriel Olatunji 'Legend'.

She talks about the death of her father, her book launch, relationship status and her financial strength; this is an interview that will propel you forward. Enjoy!



Your name is fast becoming a brand among young people. How did you get here?



Honestly, I can't say it's because of anything magnificent I've done. It's just a simple decision I made a few years ago to have fun, fulfill purpose and add value to lives of people around me. I try to do all three in my everyday life and maybe that's how I got here.



Have fun, fulfill purpose and add value, can you expatiate further?



I think that's very simple. Whatever I do, I make sure it’s fun; I love to play, laugh and just have fun; I don't take life too seriously and I really believe having fun should be a priority in the life of anyone who wants better health, greater happiness and less stress. Fulfilling purpose is about finding out what exactly God's will for my life is and seeking His direction per time; its different from being ambitious and having my own goals and vision different from what God wants me to do; so at every point, I'm asking "God is this your will for me?" or "What would you have me do, Lord?"; adding value to people is about being there when they need you, helping them achieve their goals; giving a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and just being a good friend. Like they say, "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care"



That's profound. You launched a book recently and you have also been an inspirational figure on Twitter, what are you doing that other young people are not doing?



Yes I launched my first book 'Beautified' in August and the responses and feedback have been great so far, thank God. At being an inspirational figure on twitter, well, I've been doing all the three things I listed above - Having fun, fulfilling purpose and adding value to people. I am just being me. I don't try to be like anybody; like I always say, even though my number one role model is Michelle Obama, I don't want to be the next Michelle Obama; I want to be the first Funto Oni. A lot of young people need to learn to be themselves and not try to copy or be like anybody else, that's the only way they can really stand out and be unique.



How many copies of your book has been sold and is it true that you raked in millions from your launch?



Millions? (Laughter) Hmmm! Amen! Well, so far just about 200 copies have been sold. I've not really had the time to focus fully on the sales but its moving slow and steady. I'm working towards selling much more by the end of the year, by God's grace.



[caption id="attachment_317" align="aligncenter" width="300"] 'BEAUTIFIED' FRONT COVER[/caption]

And a copy goes for how much?



#2500 naira initially, however, my publisher and I have agreed to drop the price by 40% even though that's not even up to the cost price.



What other things do you do apart from being an author?



Apart from being an author I'm a chartered accountant. Used to work as an accountant till I decided it was boring and wanted to do something more; then I got a job as an Executive Assistant but resigned two weeks ago. I dint like the work environment and I wasn't having as much fun on the job; right now after taking time out to seek God's face for direction, I've gotten ideas I'm currently working on; I do makeup for bridal, television and runway; also, I'm the co-founder of LACE (Ladies After Christ's Example) a Faith-based club for young ladies between the ages of 13-19 centered on reviving, renewing and rejuvenating the spirit, mind and body of young teenagers through informal gatherings, meetings, and outings. We've had about four events this year and we're planning our end of year concert in December.



Would it be safe to assume that you have been able to command respect and fulfill your dreams because you had rich parents or because you attended Covenant University?



Lol! That will be very unsafe. Rich parents? Well not exactly.  We were quite comfortable as a family, my dad was going to get me my first car when I was in 300 level but he died when I was in 200 level. From then till now, it has simply been God's grace. I can say attending Covenant University was one of the best things that happened to me because that gave me the foundation for being who I am and who I'm destined to be. I'm a very proud alumnus of CU and daughter of Bishop Oyedepo.



Would you say you are successful?



I don't think I have even started yet. Success is not a destination you arrive at; it's a journey and I hope I never 'arrive'.



What is the difference between success and greatness?



Success I think in one way or the other is about getting results; it has to do with status and money while greatness is about fulfilling purpose and leaving a positive mark in your generation and beyond.



Are you a millionaire?



No. I'm a multi-billionaire; I know it in my heart. Only a matter of time, it will be evident for all to see.



Five things to do to move from survival to greatness?



1. Surround yourself with people who are doing great things; they say you're the average of five people you surround yourself with.



2. Work hard to be the very best at whatever it is you do. There will be so many people doing the same thing, do your best to stand out.



3. Let excellence be a habit in all that you do. God is not glorified by your being mediocre and playing small, He's glorified by the excellence portrayed in the works of your hands.



4. Forget about money and focus on adding value; when you give people value, money will surely come. Money flows in the direction of value.



5. Serve God! That's the surest way to greatness - Deuteronomy 8:18



Hmmm! You come across as a born again christian?



Yes! I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ :D #unashamed



Has it always been this rosy for you? What is the challenges life has thrown at you?



Life is full of challenges and I've had my fair share. It hasn't been rosy but God has been so faithful. There were times I cried all night; prayed all night; felt like giving up. It’s just been God's grace all through and I get better through every challenge. Losing my dad was really challenging for me, it came like a shock because he was still very young. He was just 40 years old. I was on a first class in school then, but I was so down, I dropped to a second class upper. I think I cried all night for about two weeks; I was just getting close to my dad so it was hard to absorb the reality that he was gone. And I didn’t even get to see him; I was in school when he died. Life after that really changed. That's when you know the true color of some family members - but God has been faithful.



How old are you? In all of these years what are the notable things you have been able to achieve in your life?



I'm 23 years old; sometimes I feel like I’m too old. Becoming a chartered accountant, publishing a book; co-founding LACE; running a beauty firm would be few of my notable achievements at the moment. Soon I'd be taking over the beauty industry.



What's the name of your beauty firm and who are those you have serviced?



It used to be Hadassah Creations, but we are rebranding to Beautified Concepts. It’s not just about beautifying faces but also about beautifying lives.



Mention 10 worthy role models for young people in Nigeria?



(Thinking) Steve Harris, Fela and Tara Durotoye; Toyosi Akerele; Lanre Olusola; Jumoke Adenowo; Oby Ezekwesi; Ndi Okereke; Kunle Soriyan; Alibaba; Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva;



What will you be doing 10 years from now?



Ten years from now, I'd be having more fun, adding more value, making more money; helping others achieve greatness; publishing bestselling books; inspiring and beautifying more lives globally... Before ten years, I'd be recognized by TIME Magazine as the most inspiring woman.



Are you in a relationship? What does it take to keep a man for life? And when will the wedding bell be ringing?



Yes I'm in a relationship. First, it takes the grace of God and the help of the Holyspirit to keep a relationship for life; then a lot of selflessness, compromise and sacrifice. Wedding bells will be ringing soon and you'd definitely hear when they ring.



Someone somewhere will love to achieve the level of success you have been able to command. Steps to making that happen?



Trust God, be yourself and just do it!



Thank you very much for your time Funto.



You're very much welcome

Follow Funto Oni on Twitter @funtoonie



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