Back in the days
I grew up in a pretty much regular family. We weren’t by any means wealthy, but I’d say we were comfortable. My parents were and still are people who value education. To be honest, I used to envy the neighbourhood kids who had the freedom to fly kites, play street soccer and roll tyres. My folks would whoop my behind if they saw me on the street, fraternizing with the other children. They involved my siblings and I with countless hours of study with lessons to keep us out of trouble.
What influenced your book ‘from college drop out to corporate sell-out?’
I’d be the first person to tell you that I wasn’t so sure I wanted to write about my life experiences, but I came to recognize that I’m a limited resource. I would get tonnes of invitations to share my life experiences with several audiences and I figured that after a while, it wasn’t sustainable, so I decided to put it all together. I’ve been privileged to get a lot of emails from people who tell me my books have inspired them to believe in themselves and take action on their dreams.
Passion in Life
I usually define myself as “the shortest distance between where you are and where you want to be”. My passion is to assist individuals and corporations bridge the gap between their performance and their potential.
Assisting corporates and individuals
I’m privileged to be the Chief Executive of a fast rising Management Consulting practice, EdgeEcution. Through our Consulting and training interventions, we’re privileged to have several blue chip companies as not only our clients, but as partners. We assist these partners become Number 1 or 2 in their industries.
Synergy between a life strategist and motivational speaker
They are incredibly interwoven. I’ve heard some people disregard the importance of motivation. They couldn’t be so wrong. Allow me to explain. Motivation is a compendium of 2 words: Motive and Action. It helps people identify what motivates them to act and that’s incredibly important.
But after the motivation, sometimes, there’s an execution gap, which is where life strategy comes in. I assist clients develop strategy for the areas of their lives that need change and I also help them execute and get results in 90 days. As a Life Strategist, I’m your personal Jillian Michaels. And like her, I have a ‘no excuses’, ‘ruthless execution’ approach to assisting people get things done.
Holding head above water despite challenges
I trust God implicitly. It can be pretty tough, but I have the confidence that God’s got my back. All I need do is just remember where and what He’s brought me from and I know I’m going to be alright. Then I have the love and validation from my beautiful family.
Greatest lesson in life
It’s not what you don’t have that limits you, it’s what you have, but don’t know how to use.
Importance of mentorship
Mentorship is critical. It reduces your learning curve. I have mentors such as Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Fela Durotoye, Tonye Cole, Lanre Olusola and Charles O’Tudor who are leaders in their fields as well as great family men and who love God.
Dropout not ousted
I can’t take all the credit. I’ve been mentored by the best speakers and consultants in the world. I’m also incredibly hungry and driven, but most importantly, I’ve discovered what I can be the best in the world at.
I’m continually learning. I’ve taken courses from the University of Wales, certifications in Life Coaching and so much more. Education is so important. Dropping out of school twice wasn’t a choice for me, life happened. Don’t be fooled. Dropping out of school does not guarantee success. Excellence can never be discriminated against. You’ll never go for an interview and hear them say, ‘if you have a 1st class degree, this interview is not for you’. But anything less than the best can and will be discriminated against.
Possibilities abound in Nigeria
I believe that Nigeria is a great nation, despite the present challenges we face. I believe that Nigeria will undoubtedly, become the world’s most desirable nation to live in’. I believe our biggest problem, so to speak is our lack of values. It’s our lack of values that causes someone to drive against traffic, run a red light, throw garbage on the street, jump queues, foster ethnic and religious bigotry. I’m a nation builder and I am committed to positive change.
Final words
It’s not what you don’t have that limits you, it’s what you have, but don’t know how to use. I hope you find it, I hope you work it and I hope you use it..
Kemi Ajumobi
