Book Title: Working on a Dream: Lessons in Life and Business
Author: G Fagbure
Publisher: Vartis Strategic Partners
Year of Publication: 2017
Number of Pages: 192
Category: Self Help
Many young Nigerians have big dreams and some of Nigeria’s life coaches and motivational speakers are always quick to say “follow your dreams.” But they often forget to mention the difficulties of achieving their dreams, especially in a tough environment like Nigeria. Nonetheless, it is possible to have your dream, keep it alive and avoid making certain mistakes – even in Nigeria. A little inspiration and guidance from one of Nigeria’s most accomplished young entrepreneurs, Gbolahan Fagbure, can help you get started.
From the outset of Working on a Dream, Fagbure does not shy away from sharing his dreams and ideas, presenting honest account of some of his experiences in life. He explores his life – as a dreamer, student, employee, business man, event organiser, husband and father. He lets the reader into his college come-back story (graduated with a third class from college, went back to get another degree and finished with a 1st class), starting Supermart and Jumia his e-commerce companies, the setbacks and failures in his businesses, starting Speaker Series Africa, a monthly forum where leading CEOs are interviewed and building a family.
Read Also: Covid-19: NIMC adopts booking system for NIN enrolment
Fagbure does not merely motivate, he shares hands-on facts. Within the 192-page book are some treasures of life lessons and immutable wisdom. Fagbure’s message is of the power of resilience, believing in oneself and actualising a vision. More importantly, his story goes the full yard of reminding young people that they can achieve their dreams as Nigerians.
Straightforward and well-rounded, Working on a Dream invites the reader right in and touching on various aspects of life and business. Written in short chapters that start with either a story, an advice or a quote, each phase ends mostly with music lyrics or poems relevant to the topic at hand. Working on a Dream suggests that there is no perfect timing or condition in achieving a dream; if you want to achieve what you want in life, you must start to work on it now. The author is direct and forceful when speaking about self-identity – knowing who you are. Knowing yourself can help you make effective decisions and achieve goals.
What sets the book apart is that this real-life story is from a young man who achieved success at an early age. His story would help many aspiring entrepreneurs who are in their 20’s and 30s have ambitions to launch and grow a company but do not have people to learn from. Fagbure spare no words in revealing the dark truths about entrepreneurship.
Fagbure’s Working on a Dream is a gift to those struggling with pursuing their dreams and those who aspire to become more. It is a book to be bought, read and re-read!
About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: [email protected] Social: @tiipree
