So, I host a radio show called “Your Business My Business” on City FM every morning where I talk to small business owners as well as startup owners as they share their experiences with me and basically project their products, services or solutions . In over 1year that I have hosted the show, I have come across really inspiring stories; a good number of startup owners I meet through TechCity and many church members who are building side hustles among other members of the public who are doing amazing things as entrepreneurs.
What I find is, many of these guys need inspiration and encouragement on a daily basis because doing business in Nigeria is in itself, hard work. Based on this, I sought out to share Tedx Talks on Mondays on my radio show. An idea I am eternally privileged to have thought up. The talks I watch and share are nothing short of sensational! And just as I have come across amazing startup/business ideas, I have come across many Tedx talks from different people that inspire me each Monday, but what I am even more inspired by, is the number of Nigerians (or speakers bearing Nigerian name. Haha) who have given these talks – both in Nigeria and outside. As they come to mind:
1. Kayode Ewumi – My favorite so far!!! He is the guy from the “think about it” meme and he is as Nigerian as they come. Well, almost. Lol. His accent is so edible! His talk; funny, witty, personal and oh, so inspiring. He’s not on twitter. Bummer. His team, however post updates here.
2. OluTimehin Adegbeye (@OhTimehin) – “You don’t have to be a new Dubai when you are already Lagos”. Her talk I had heard about on my twitter timeline days before I played it on my radio show. It was such a beautifully delivered talk where she drew the listeners’ attention to Lagos and it’s obsession with being a megacity at the expense of its own “builders.”
3. Bayo Omoboriowo (@BayoOmoboriowo) – Ladies and gentlemen! This is one Ted talk every business owner should listen to. Especially if you are a Nigerian doing business in Nigeria. The climate is evidently harsh for SME’s and startups. He shares a very detailed account of his rise from obscurity to being the first ever official photographer of the Nigerian President.
4. TY Bello (@tybellotweets) – One of Nigeria’s most celebrated and sought after photographers, Toyin was emotional in her TED talk and it was evident despite the usual huskiness of her voice. She drew her audiences attention to beauty and a new way to behold it. Though it sounded like she was racing against time, her talk was very personal (you could tell) and it drew you in in a most enchanting way. What can one say? She has her way with words and images!
5. Mark Essien (@markessien) – I believe what inspires people to aspire (I’m really not trying to play on words) is when they can relate with the experiences of their mentors. Mark Essien embodies guy-next-door-who-did-it-and-so-can-you! And he spews some of that in his talk. While the title of his talk does it little to zero justice, what it contains is dynamite stuff! And you can totally relate!
Which TEDx talks have you watched recently and how have they inspired you? Share with me in the comments and I will do another compilation for more people to see!