What We Learned from Famasi Africa's Story

#2: Lessons from our interview with Adeola Ayoola

and

Jun 14, 2024

With two accountants as parents, Adeola Ayoola knew she didn't want to follow a predetermined path. Besides, she was already failing Business Studies, so becoming an accountant seemed impossible. Instead, she aspired to be a pharmacist, just like her childhood role model. Today, she is not only a respectable pharmacist but is also building an infrastructure that allows individuals and businesses to connect to pharmacies in emerging markets.

Two days ago, we published our interview with Adeola Ayoola, CEO and co-founder of Famasi Africa, where we learned about her life before entrepreneurship, and everything that led to her founding Famasi.

From her story, we found valuable lessons that we want to share with you. Whether you're navigating university, considering a career change, or building a product, these five lessons will help you on your journey

#1 - Challenge yourself

During and after her university days, Adeola welcomed challenges, rarely settling for the most comfortable routes. For example, she entered a public speaking competition in her department despite having no prior experience and won over her seniors. Adeola believes that growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Embracing challenges helps you discover new strengths and capabilities you didn't know you had. After all, challenges are meant to be won.

#2 - Take Risks

Adeola’s journey highlights the significance of making bold moves. From applying to jobs she seemed unqualified for, to her “what’s the worst that could happen” mentality, she has always propelled herself forward. She made bold decisions to leave jobs that didn't fulfill her, and stepped into the job market as a "serial hustler." Her boldness has been key to her success, and it can be for you too. Taking risks can lead you to unexpected opportunities and can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.

#3 - Be Curious for More

Adeola's refusal to settle for less is truly inspiring. She prioritized growth over merely hitting targets, which influenced her decisions to leave jobs that didn't meet her expectations. Curiosity drove her to explore new fields and continuously seek improvement. This mindset can open doors to innovative ideas and new experiences that enrich your journey. Don't settle for less; always seek new knowledge and experiences until you find the "more" you deserve.

#4 - Ask Questions

As an entrepreneur, Adeola stresses the importance of asking questions, especially regarding your users. Building a solution without understanding users' needs and pain points is futile. While building Famasi Africa, she continuously sought and responded to user feedback, always aiming to improve her customers experiences. Asking questions not only helps you understand others better but also helps with efficiency in your projects. Don't underestimate the power of a well-asked question to gain more insights.

#5 - Keep Building

When asked about her key takeaway from her journey with Famasi, Adeola emphasized the importance of resilience. Regardless of limitations or what others say, keep pursuing your passion. As long as you believe in your mission, continue building, and you’ll figure it out. Persistence in the face of challenges and setbacks is what sets aside successful ventures from unsuccessful ones. Keep your vision clear, and don't be afraid to refine your plans, and improve along the way.

Adeola’s story serves as a reminder that Resilience, Curiosity, and Boldness are essential in achieving your goals.

If you want to learn more from Adeola's story, check out her interview here