Since the launch of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme in 2015, over 1000 mentors from 33 countries in Africa and 23 countries worldwide, representing over 20 sectors have participated in the programme. They have provided guidance to 3000 entrepreneurs from 54 African countries, helping them to build businesses from the ground up. Today these entrepreneurs are deploying their skills, creativity, and innovations for the economic development of Africa. Tinashe Gombiro is a mentor on the programme, who is passionate about guiding Africa’s future business titans.

Tinashe Gombiro is the managing consultant of TFG consulting group operating in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Starting his entrance into business consultancy in 2012, he discovered he had a gift and passion for performance and training and this he harnessed by becoming a mentee to established business practicioners “I began to seek mentoring from established consultants and coaches who had experience in leadership development, analytics, change management and organizational culture transformation”

With little capital to do business and no capacity to get loans from financial institutions, Tinashe started by offering business development, company registration, tax advisor and corporate branding services in 2013 and this helped him to build a reputation and slowly gain an audience for training activities. He has now further introduced program curriculums, impact assessments and consulting specialization alongside goal setting and career development trainings. Over the past five years he has witnessed steady growth and satisfactory business expansion and this he says he owes to perseverance “My biggest success driver has been perseverance. Consulting services in a developing economy are not valued and appreciated as in developed countries. This means consultants need to work very hard to prove their value and worth to corporate clients and government departments that would need their services. Perseverance helped me to stand out and distinguish myself in a dormant market.”

With financial and operational challenges along the way occasioned by unpredictable cashflows, he has had to develop robust financial planning and modelling to keep his business running and he remains inspired by testimonials of change, improvement and transformation in organizations and individual lives and by the evident impact on the lives of his clients.

Passionate about sharing his experience with upcoming African entrepreneurs and help them become successful without struggling in the areas that he did, Tinashe took to mentoring on the TEF programme. “This program keeps me responsive to my goal of sharing my entrepreneurial experience with those who has business ambition and hope to become future entrepreneurs. As a consultant, I am committed to empowering people and this mentoring engagement fits perfectly into that commitment. Being a mentor benefits me through the learning opportunity from my mentees stories of triumphs and difficulties. TEF mentoring experience has been good with several learning points particularly on the matching of mentors with mentees. I feel that while every mentor may have some useful information to share with their mentee, they may not be the most ideal to develop the mentee holistically. I believe a matching system along business or career lines would go a long way in mentee, mentor alignment. “

Currently a mentor to Albert Olodi, Agriculture , (Agri-business,. Farming), Tinashe openly shares his personal and professional values with his mentee as he believes sharing values gives an opportunity to appreciate other cultures, industries and nationalities on the African continent. For Tinashe, Time management is essential in mentoring. Balancing mentoring duties with a demanding personal schedule requires a regimented approach to time and maintaining exceptional levels of organization consistently. He is however appreciative of the benefits that come with mentoring on the programme, “TEF entrepreneurship programme has helped me to appreciate the opportunities in other parts of the continent and challenged me to broaden my horizons for business growth and expansion. My business has adopted a renewed philosophy of warming up to potential African clients starting with offering services in Portuguese, French and Arabic. I am grateful for the opportunity of mentoring African Entrepreneurs”

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Karin is an executive management professional with more than 25 years of experience in both private and public sector. She is the owner of HMK Consult Global, a company that specializes in complex projects in Healthcare, Executive Management Services, Strategy Development, Investment Monitoring for Investment Funds and Trusts, Aviation Training, Project Management, Project Management Training and IT Security. Her team has worked throughout the world with great success.

She is also Senior Director of Projects and Physical Planning, her newest appointment as the Chief Steward of Sustainability Council will see her as part of the team that will spearhead the drive to make AUN an influencer in sustainability in Nigeria, Africa and the world.

Karin’s published articles on management practices are widely read, with her being the most read author of her organization for the last 2 years. Additionally, she was the project manager for the pilot project for New Health Insurance Act in South Africa for the Western Cape. She was the founder trustee of both the South African Women’s Entrepreneurs Network and the WHEAT Trust. On the political field she drafted the Sandton Declaration and the legal framework for the Unification of Africa. Internationally she assisted in developing a healthcare system for the Ukraine government. On the agriculture front she was part of the team that drafted the Natural Farming Bill for South Africa. She was also a key member in the development of a disruptive medical aid, credit management system and asset manager’s overview program.

With such a rich portfolio, she has received numerous awards in the course of her professional life. These awards include: the Global Leadership Excellence Award 2014 and 2015; Cambridge Institute – one of the most influential people in the world 2005; she was also shortlisted for the Forbes list 2008; Special recognition award from President Nelson Mandela for her contribution to entrepreneurship and financial upliftment in Africa 2003; Manto Tsbala-Msimang award for recognition of her contribution to healthcare in South Africa; Top 4% of Nigerian executives Award 2015; outstanding staff award at AUN for both University and Department 2014/2017.

She is passionate about Africa and its economic development and has been a Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) mentor for the past three years. She spoke to the TEF team about her work on the Entrepreneurship Programme so far.

Q: Why did you decide to become a TEF Mentor?

A: I saw the write up of the first TEF Forum and was hooked. Mr Tony had started the ball rolling for Africa’s emancipation, I wanted to be part of it. I have worked with President Nelson Mandela and President Thabo Mbeki to create opportunities for women and youth. I was founder member of both the SAWEN and WHEAT initiatives. TEF is an expansion of my passion for the African entrepreneurship ecosystem. I want my Africa to be proud and independent strong and fierce.

Q: What’s the most encouraging experience you have had while working with our entrepreneurs?

A: Their passion, determination and focus to become successful even against some dire odds.

Q: What are the challenges you have faced so far mentoring the TEF Entrepreneurs?

A: Time is a major constraint. It is difficult to manage the time of both a budding business person and one’s own work commitments.

Q: How has your experience as a mentor in TEF Programme benefited or affected the way you run your own business?

A: It is a very good programme, it encompasses most questions that should be asked. It helped in fine tuning some factors of my own business.

Q: Beyond the TEF Module that you use for your mentoring duties, what other life lessons do you constantly share with your mentees?

A: I have many training programmes, articles and “short cuts” which I share.

Q: Any advice for budding entrepreneurs who will read this piece?

A: Do your homework, make sure you make returns from your investments. Also, think before you act, ask people for advice, observe the industry that you are involved in, go and see what your competitors are doing and be adaptable.

To reach Karen Jesuis or HMK Consult Global, send an email to:  karin@hmkconsultglobal.com

The post Meet Karin Jesuis as She Fuels the Fire Of African Entrepreneurship appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

She spoke to the Tony Elumelu Foundation team about her decision to become a mentor on the entrepreneurship programme in 2018 and her experiences so far.

Q: Tell us about yourself and your business?

A: I am a speaker and a trainer in the area of business start-up, entrepreneurship, non-profit start up and sustainability, fund development, proposal writing, public/private partnerships, human capital management, career development, and social entrepreneurship/ B-Corp. I serve and guide individual entrepreneurs or companies to new levels, expand growth and scale businesses to make a significant impact to produce an increased value that stands out among others. I love working in a collaborative way with leaders to translate business vision into strategic plans that are aligned to execute with excellence and sustainability.

Q: Why did you decide to become a Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Mentor?

A: I decided to become a TEF mentor because I believe entrepreneurship is the key to job creation and decreasing the level of poverty in Africa.

Q: What’s the most encouraging experience you have had while working with our entrepreneurs?

A: It was very rewarding to see the entrepreneurs that I work with believe that they could move their idea forward if they put in the work.

Q: What are the challenges you have faced so far mentoring the TEF Entrepreneurs?

A: The biggest issue was internet connection. However, we utilized several communication methods to make sure they received that support they needed to be successful.

Q: How has your experience as a mentor in TEF Programme benefited or affected the way you run your own business?

A: This experience has allowed me to understand even more how important it’s to prepare the next generation to lead well and the importance of not just thinking about your own success but the success of others. I also learned from them about the new ways to look at business innovation when you lack all the resources.

Q: Beyond the TEF Entrepreneurship Module that you use for your mentoring duties, what other life lessons do you constantly share with your mentees?

A: The one thing that I always share with mentees is the importance of collaboration. We all need help to succeed so it is important to seek meaningful collaboration to enable us to move faster and sustain what we are creating.

Q: Any advice for budding entrepreneurs who will read this piece?

A: To become an empowered leader or entrepreneur, you need to be confident, teachable, a lifelong learner, humble, a giver and a great listener.

To reach Yolanda Shields or YES Builds Coaching & Consulting, visit www.yesbuilds.com

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In addition to this, she is an economist, mentor, coach, entrepreneur, TV Personality, author and brand ambassador. With numerous awards to her name, she is a public speaker who advocates for the entrepreneurship and leadership ecosystem to be more inclusive, dynamic and efficient. Her purpose is to create awareness, empower leaders, promote philanthropy and facilitate connections that lead to outstanding outcomes.

Tomé decided to become a Tony Elumelu Foundation Mentor in 2018, receiving an invitation after being named one of the most influential people in the world under 40. Here is her account of her experience on the entrepreneurship programme so far.

Q: Why did you decide to become a TEF Mentor?

A: My purpose and passion are to empower people and companies to be their best and achieve their maximum potential. Creating sustainable and more inclusive entrepreneurial ventures in Africa is key to the continent’s future economic success. However, that requires the development and training of a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders who can build businesses capable of growing and succeeding. I decided to join Tony Elumelu in his vision of changing the Africa Narrative by building that entrepreneurship ecosystem we need to make the vision a reality.

Q: What’s the most encouraging experience you have had while working with our entrepreneurs?

A: In the time I’ve spent working with the entrepreneurs, I realised that though these entrepreneurs have different realities, they all have similar challenges, motivations and passions. This has been a really fulfilling experience because, in the end, it doesn’t matter what your current position is, what matters is what you want to build and the impact you want to make.

Q: What are the challenges you have faced so far mentoring the TEF Entrepreneurs?

A: Connecting with entrepreneurs via online platforms such as WhatsApp or Skype was one major challenge as we were all in different countries and sometimes internet connection wasn’t at its best.

Q: How has your experience as a mentor in the TEF Programme benefited or affected the way you run your own business?

A: We are animals of habit and interaction is one of the best ways of learning. In the process of growing, sometimes we forget the basic needs. Usually, while clarifying concepts through mentoring entrepreneurs, I dig deep into knowledge about their challenges and in the process, I learn valuable lessons myself. On the other hand, doing good, giving back and impact other people’s lives, is really one of the best treasures I could have. My entrepreneur’s success is my success.

Q: Beyond the TEF Module that you use for your mentoring duties, what other life lessons do you constantly share with your mentees?

A: Daily as an executive coach, I teach my own concept named Succenergy, a philosophy that explores activating one’s energy and discovers all the success inside. In fact, one of the most important tools to achieve our purpose is Motivation, so I do teach how to train that muscle in their business.

Q: Any advice for budding entrepreneurs who will read this piece?

A: Don’t be afraid to be afraid, have the courage to face fear, and take that jump. There are lots of great things that can happen when we decide to take risks. Take small steps and actions, instead of waiting for the right moment, you only make progress by learning as you go. Also, be the best version of yourself every second, and learn principles and values to activate your energy and discover all your success inside of you.

To get in touch with Tânia Tomé or Ecokaya visit www.taniatome.com or www.ecokaya.com

You can also find her on social media via the following accounts:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/taniatomeofficial

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tania_tome

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/taniatome

The post Meet Tânia Tomé, A Trailblazer Extraordinaire appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Having worked as a mentor on the Entrepreneurship Programme for three years (2016-2018) now, he met with the Tony Elumelu Foundation Team to speak about his business and his experience on the program so far.

Q: Tell us about yourself, your business life and your achievements so far

A: I have a project management and business administration background. I have successfully managed over eighty projects to completion for clients like MTN Communications Nigeria Limited, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc and Mutual Benefits Homes & Properties Limited to name a few.  I am currently the CEO of Sapient Vendors Limited, a fast-growing construction company with over a ten years of industry experience in providing practical engineering solutions for residential, commercial and industrial clients across the oil and gas, banking, real estate, maritime and construction industry in Nigeria.

We have been recognised by The London Stock Exchange Group as one of Africa’s fastest growing and innovative companies in Africa, and Business Day as one of the top 100 fastest growing SMEs in Nigeria.

Q: Why did you decide to become a TEF Mentor?

A: I am a product of sound mentoring from business leaders like Alibaba Akpobome, Mrs Ononuju Irukwu (through Mara Mentors), Ademola Agboola (through Fate Foundation), my last employer Adebayo Olaniyan (MD of Tons Development Ltd), and my Father, Pastor Victor Okpako Emiedafe (The Founder of Vikky Creation).

The lessons I learnt under their mentoring has pulled us out of whatever business challenge we encountered throughout our existence in business. Reflecting on my own personal growth, when I was nominated by Femi Adegbohun of Deedee’s Blog to become a mentor on the Tony Elumelu Foundation Programme in 2016, I gladly accepted.

Q: What’s the most encouraging experience you have had while working with our entrepreneurs?

A: Seeing these entrepreneurs overcome challenges associated with generating revenue and guiding them through executing and improving their marketing strategies has been extremely fulfilling. Also, seeing Lekan-Kehinde Oluwadare of Discoveria, a mentee assigned to me, get awarded the Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award by the African Tourism Leadership Forum was very encouraging.

Q: How has your experience as a mentor in the TEF Programme benefited or affected the way you run your own business?

A: The mentoring programme has improved my listening and coaching skills thereby fostering optimal performance within my organization.

Q: Beyond the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Module that you use for your mentoring duties, what other life lessons do you constantly share with your mentees?

A: I usually tell them how my organisation grew with little financial capital through integrity and professionalism.

Q: Do you have any advice for budding entrepreneurs who will read this interview?

A: Identify an accessible role model in your chosen field and approach the person to be your mentor. If he/she agrees, beyond the active mentoring and advice you get from this person, watch his or her lifestyle closely and listen attentively. There are things you can pick up that are not necessarily business related but will be valuable for your life.

To contact Walter Emiedafe or Sapient Vendors, visit www.sapientvendors.com.ng

The post Meet Walter Emiedafe, The Man Who Gives Back appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Ayo Sopitan is a Nigerian entrepreneur and mentor on the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme. Through his professional career, he has worked on projects in over 20 countries in 3 continents with international firms like Ernst and Young, Accenture, OpenLink Financial and Informa. But this professional career has not stifled his entrepreneurial mindset as Ayo says “As an entrepreneur, I have started, invested in, completed projects in or advised Ventures in Agriculture, Aviation, Consumer Technology and Education.”

In sharing about himself Ayo goes down memory lane about his journey to entrepreneurship and his motivation – “I left home at 19 to go to school in the United States. The first challenge was figuring out how to pay for school. I got scholarships, worked, sold Nigerian food from my dorm room, taught piano to young students, played bass in a band and took on student loans etc.

Having loans prevent you from taking risks. You have very strong requirement for steady income which means you can’t go off and start a new venture without having a job to pay the bills or going off to raise investor funds.  I also didn’t have a great network for fundraising. This made me embrace the concept of the side hustle and how to juggle responsibilities.

Early on in my career, I developed a sense of strong sense of self confidence which I think helps. It means you are confident about the things you know and confidence enough to ask questions about the things you don’t know without feeling inadequate. Being open to possibilities. I have tried things that many people are afraid to. I look at successful people and wonder why not me?”

With his wealth of experience and strong sense of self confidence came a desire to give back and help young entrepreneurs through a legacy project. Ayo joined the call for mentors on the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme with a desire to guide younger entrepreneurs as he says their energy gives him hope about the future of Africa.

“I love helping entrepreneurs and I truly enjoy paying it forward. Mentoring through the Tony Elumelu Foundation gives me foot ahead for one of my near-term goals which is to start an early stage investment fund for Nigerian entrepreneurs. This programme gives me a pipeline for investments.”

On his relationship with his mentee “Starting up in my career I embraced mentors and I still have a mentor who gives me advice and is officially an advisor in one of my entrepreneurial ventures and often goes to bat for me. He is always willing to serve as a sounding board, make introductions. The good relationship I had with my mentor has helped me relate well with my mentee – Brian Turyabagye. I have been upfront and open with him about embarrassing failures, challenges around schedule, travel etc. It was tough some weeks but we made it work.  I will continue to be in touch with Brian and take on an advisory position in his company. I really want to see him succeed. ”

I’m proud to say I was a mentor on a programme with a very strong brand as the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme.

The post Paying it Forward Through Mentorship: Meet Ayo Sopitan, a TEF Mentor appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme she finds an opportunity to join the movement to empower African Entrepreneurs through Mentorship. In her second year as a mentor on the programme we spotlight this passionate and dedicated Mentor, sharing her values, personal goals, thoughts on mentorship and her opinion on the vibrant entrepreneurship movement in Africa.

TEF: Briefly tell us a little bit about yourself, focusing on significant events that have shaped your character/personality.

ISELLE: Many events shaped my character. Failures have definitely sharpened it. Because they push me out of my comfort zone, they are the best times of growth. A recent example is the oil crisis’ blow. Its devastating effects results from failure to manage resources and diversify our economy which over-relied on oil extraction. However, I hold myself accountable for what can be done, as a solution developer: For the last two years, I have been organizing in Port-Gentil, with a group of consultants, a two-day event for SME action in times of crisis. Banks, subject matter experts and regulating administrations share expertise and advice to entrepreneurs. Last year, we focused on quality improvement and meaningful businesses. UBA Bank spoke about the importance of income and spend flow analysis, while tax authorities facilitated talks on conformity and trade registration on project feasibility.  You see, promoting an enabling environment is everyone’s duty.

An important day was when I quit my job to become an entrepreneur. The commercial manager gave me a precious advice before I left: “As you go now, you are entering into a different dimension of Accountability. As an African entrepreneur, you will not only be responsible of your job or the company’s profit. But also of your staff, of part of their well being, development, and, at large, of part of the country’s progress.” It is a side of the medal we don’t always foresee.

Finally, becoming a mother was a defining moment for my character. I know that every decision I take, move I make, thought I project, is a seed. Whatever trail of legacy I leave today will influence my daughters’ tomorrow.

TEF: What’s the story behind your starting out your business?  

ISELLE: When I was working as a contract analyst, one of my duties was to follow-up on the Contract & Procurement team’s tendering process, from invitation to award of contracts to small suppliers. It required multi-coordination between interacting with governmental regulating bodies, evaluating suppliers offers while attending internal stakeholders’ expectations, and meeting cost targets. It was a lot of team effort that I could gather from the first row. At some point, while taking part to many suppliers’ bids evaluations sessions, I realized that many local, competent businesses, miss out contracts because, in spite of their competitive proposals, they lack commercial skills. The key ones being market research, negotiation ability, structured cost and price, or contract terms and conditions knowledge. Sometimes it even comes down to knowing how to display their competitive force, whether it is deadline, quality, cost, innovation, etc.

Even when an SME is awarded a contract, they find themselves sitting alone at the table of negotiation, in front of the major corporate armada of legal and assurance experts, tax clerks, contract analysts, corporate business advisors and technical engineers. The final contract is hence, never really a win-win agreement for both parties. So I decided to target the hardworking ones, with development impact potential and integrity. My consultancy provides with commercial training, contract and procurement support, as well as translation services.

TEF: What will you say has driven you to be successful in your field/business?

ISELLE: Do things from the heart. Go 100% in what you do in the “Now”. I don’t spend too much time over-planning. I stick to my field. Once I set my schedule, understand if it fits into the global picture my call, once I know how best I can deliver, my head and heart are fully thrown into giving the best of all my competency, my being, in the present time.  It demands a lot of energy to be focused, from reviewing the scope and terms of an engineering contract. Doing research on an upcoming workshop’s participants. Reading complementary material on one of TEF programme’s lessons content. Paying attention to a phone conversation. Commitment, discipline or attention to details, are all assets of the ‘Now’, not wishes for tomorrow!

It has helped my business be taken seriously in such a short period of time. It allows me to be very demanding of my customers’ sweating efforts to be great. I don’t want to be a motivator during the time of a working session. I want to trigger a long-term improvement, beyond the limited time and space of our interaction. You can only get this sustainable, length and depth of impact, when you give 100% of your heart in the Now. Impact is key to a business’ success.

TEF: What challenges have you encountered in your business and since you started out your business?

ISELLE: I took the leap into the unknown platform of being “une entrepreneur” when the oil crisis hit my country. Most private companies have reduced their spend, so the major challenge is that many do not even give you a chance to bring forward a proposal, they are so entangled on daily management that they fail to see what you could do to help their business improve. In times of crisis, they should learn how to better benchmark the market. Master their finances. Lay firm organizational foundations such as operating processes, adapted commercial strategy.

Another challenge is that the consultancy profession is not always appreciated to the point where people are willing to pay for it. You get many phone calls and e-mails requesting free advice, forgetting we make a living out of this activity, and that our business is only profitable if we get paid for our services. Sometimes also, you are faced with potential clients willing expecting you help them secure contracts via your network of friends, or give confidential information about their competitors or the market. Part of our job is then to raise the level of awareness regarding ways of excelling as entrepreneurs, and how useful professional consultants are to their business.

I have learned more in 2 years as an entrepreneur than in 16 years as an employee, because the challenges are many. It is not a hobby, a fashion or an ego-booster. It is a tough and fun marathon. I might be on heels, but with sandals under my desk for the sleepless nights.

TEF: What motivates you?

ISELLE: Progress!

Seeing progress, the result of a movement to create wealth, the product of continuous action, motivates me. I don’t like stagnation. To the point I get irritated when I have to queue somewhere. Tangible, measurable progress motivates me. It means we are on track, closer to purpose. When we have worked long hours with a client to prepare a tender submission, and that I see the final print of the bid package on their table, ready to go, I am motivated. When we complete with a client the actions recommended after an audit report, I am motivated. When I finish writing an article to be published, I am motivated. When I see the progress of my profit, I am motivated. Whenever I have worked from frontend of a project, and the final result is polished middle to edges, I am motivated.

Seeing the rising turnout during the last mentor’s webinar of the TEF entrepreneurship programme, with Owen Omogiafo the COO engaging hands-on, means the programme spreads itself, mentees, mentors, the team. I am motivated.

“Seeing the results of consistent effort” is my definition of progress.

TEF: Why have you chosen to be a TEF mentor?

ISELLE: Two years ago my husband spoke to me with admiration of this man, born and bred in Africa, who was investing $100 million to boost entrepreneurship in Africa. I went over the internet, did some research about Tony Elumelu’s career path and vision. The project is so tuned, the vision so clear, the demands so fulfilling! I then read that the programme was looking for mentors. I informed myself about the expectations, the requirements to be fulfilled by the mentors, looked back at my own profile and objectives, knee-prayed hard, and applied.

You know the heart-butterflies you get when joy overtakes you? That’s me when I was selected as a mentor. The programme is not a plus on my resume. Here is the opportunity to help create an elite of high-performing entrepreneurs in different sectors, for the years to come. Note that western management theory writers like Fayol, Brech or Drucker defined the traditional functions of an organization as control, planning, delegation, and some aspects of leadership. But the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is an African-inspired pioneer of more sustainable ways of promoting organizational success, through mentoring and high-quality training between individuals who have never met but whose net builds the socio-economic tissue. A new, African specific business-mindset.

It moves us away from a primitive form of business management into something more sustainable, with consistency, thanks to the additional function of mentoring, which plays a key role for a continent that needs to bind together different but complementary values, practices, competencies, towards our common Goal of a redefined Africa. “Transforming Africa”.

As a businesswoman myself, I also knew I would learn la Crème de la Crème on this programme to improve my technical ability.

TEF: How does this mentorship position fit into your personal goals, how would you benefit from being a mentor? 

ISELLE:

Technical competency: The programme content has given me the foundations of a successful business in Africa.

Fulfillment: It gives me a real sense of belonging with the vision of a self-reliant continent. Note we do not make money out of the time we invest it, but the rewards are deeper.

Progress: I cannot draw energy and passion from what I do if I don’t improve, outstretch. I have never held a job position for more than two years; I kept moving up the ladder or building up competencies. But today I am self-employed, the progress is expressed differently.

Giving back: Giving is a lifestyle of the great. It is important to set apart a bit of your calendar to give your time, ear, and advice. We cannot seriously call ourselves leaders if we do not release something to the community in many ways. What does it cost to share, to inspire, to give hope, to build? Nothing. We actually owe it. This is why you feel “lighter”, as a leader, when you have finished mentoring, transmitting to others. You have released something you are meant to give, it cannot just stay within. Leadership is not inward, it’s an outward movement.

TEF: Is this your first time being a mentor with TEF? If not, please share your last experience with us.

ISELLE: It is my second time. The first year, I mentored two entrepreneurs. One of them unfortunately dropped off, which was a lesson for me to encourage the mentees to be extremely well organized with their time and to visualize their end target so they can take it to the end.

This year, what I did differently was organising with some 2016 TEF entrepreneurs’ information sessions about the programme, and take more time to read the resource material as soon as it is available. We don’t sell the idea of an easy programme. It is hard. You must be disciplined and thorough.

The same goes for mentors too, we must be organised. I have a whole afternoon a week set aside to read the resource material, review what my mentees work, or share good news about the programme in social network. The mentor is not meant to do the job for the mentee, to fix the hub’s technical issues or to explain every lesson. The mentee does the biggest part of the job and must take ownership of what he has been selected for amongst over 90,000 candidates. But he needs to be encouraged, to exchange views, to receive feedback and advice to make the best out of the programme. Mentors have been selected too; we have a mission entrusted to us.

I attended the 2016 TEF forum in Lagos. It was a personal decision partly to support my mentee, to learn myself from the many speakers from different horizons, and to help as a mentor if I was needed. I learnt beyond expectations. There are times in life when you know you are exactly at the right place, at the right time, doing exactly what is right. That’s the resume of that week: “Beyond expectations”.

TEF: Who were your mentees? Are you still in touch with them? 

ISELLE: Last year one mentee with a beautiful project of a small amusement park in RDC, and the second with a ready-to-cook and affordable mango nuts sauce, a dish that is widely appreciated in Gabon. This year I have a mentee from Centrafrique, Gabin, and one from Cameroon, Emmanuel. It is more difficult to stay in touch with the mentees once the programme is over, partly because I focus on the new promotion, and try to encourage also the other entrepreneurs from Gabon that were selected on the 2017 programme.

TEF: Did you ever have a mentor and do you have any mentors in your life right now?

ISELLE: I had a mentor, my manager. Back in the U.K, Dilip taught me everything and challenged me without mercy. Sometimes we did not even need to speak, I knew what to deliver and how. The company I was working for at the time then created the position of “mentor” for me, so I could train the newcomers and struggling staff. I was 22 years old. But I don’t recall having another professional mentor after that. I am extremely demanding of what I expect from a mentor. This is one reason mentoring is important, and we, mentors on the TEF programme, must value this privilege. Entrepreneurs are in an environment that does not support them, doubts their dreams. We can with small steps tell them how they can improve, tap into their abilities, work on their weaknesses, and share values.

Today I would say I have a never-met mentors, like Tony Elumelu, and Daphne Mashile-Nkosi. I am inspired by Mr Elumelu’s career path and his character. I have never met him. But I know him. Common vision stirs togetherness.

TEF: How open are you to sharing your personal values and learning about the differences in values of your mentee?     

ISELLE: You must be able to share your values. Higher up I spoke about the specific way the Tony Elumelu Foundation is raising a new way of raising the continent. Mentoring being one of them, and encompassing transmission of values. Mentoring is not about showing only how things are done. It is about doing them for the right reasons too. Values are transferable: Consistency. Effort. Accountability. Integrity. Commitment. Etc.

Most of my mentees know their dream, but do not necessarily realize how important it is for us African to clearly identify, ‘value your values’, so I encourage them to get in touch with them. It will strengthen their identity and keep them on track. Your values determine your decisions at all levels, including the business one. They quicken your decision-taking process, and reduce the probability of making mistakes, of randomly seizing opportunities that are hidden failures.

TEF: What expectations do you have about the relationship you may have with your mentee?

ISELLE: Honestly, just the hope that my little contribution brings a smile to them when I tell them something they do not here enough: that their project is right. That their dream is valid. Legitimate. I learn from them. Their genuine hope is powerful. Their sincere and fearless questions. Their belief and creativity.

TEF: How has the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme helped you as a mentor and your business?

ISELLE: The programme has taught me about better connecting my business to the needs of my environment and to carry simple but effective studies to direct my strategy. You cannot operate the same way in times of economic recession as in times of growth. You can adjust. I am able to be a better consultant for my customers, in a simple way. With a better structured approach to their challenges. It has helped me get in touch with many positive minds that lift you up. Knowing that in 50 years from now, people will walk the streets of my country and see their needs and wants met by locally produced services, homegrown solutions, to which I was able to contribute a long time ago, is a great responsibility. We are condemned to succeed. And mentors play a key part if we know how to give a tiny portion of this: Nothing but the best.

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