The founder of University of Freelancing, and Outnovately Africa, Temitope Olukunle, tells KEHINDE AJOSE about her journey as an entrepreneur
Tell us about your childhood and educational background.
My childhood was shaped by the entrepreneurial spirit of my mother. Even with our humble beginnings of selling pure water, I gained early exposure to the world of business. I started hawking for my mum, eventually upgrading our venture as we grew older. By the time I was 17 years old, we had transitioned away from hawking, but my exposure to business continued.
My educational journey was marked by challenges. After waiting for over five years, constantly writing JAMB and Post-JAMB exams, facing near misses by a cut-off mark or two, I finally secured admission into the Ekiti State University to study Geography. The struggle during those years was emotionally taxing, with moments of despair and the feeling of being left behind by my peers. However, the admission marked a turning point for me.
While studying for a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and Strategy at the University of Lagos, I continued to build on my educational foundation. Those experiences, both in childhood and education, have played integral roles in shaping my journey thus far. They underscore the importance of perseverance, faith, and embracing opportunities, even in the face of initial reluctance.
How would you describe the journey so far?
My journey so far has been a testament to the unwavering guidance of God. It has been a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows, but through it all, gratitude remains the constant theme. I kick-started my career as an executive assistant to a CEO in Abuja after learning tailoring during my NYSC. This early venture into entrepreneurship opened my eyes to the corporate world.
Beginning with a modest salary of between N30,000 and N40,000, I was questioned about my choice (of accepting the job), but my focus was on gaining valuable experience. Within three months, my salary doubled, and I received a promotion which led me to Lagos to start a new branch, marking the commencement of a transformative journey.
The trajectory of my career has seen significant growth, marked by memorable stories and learning experiences. One noteworthy instance was my determined pursuit of a job at a law firm. Despite making it to the top four candidates, an unexpected twist saw me almost leaving the premises. In a heart-wrenching moment, the receptionist caught up with me, revealing that it was a mistake, and I was indeed the one meant to stay.
However, the challenges did not end there. In the subsequent two weeks of working at the law firm, I found myself questioning the nature of the job, as it involved more of running errands than professional responsibilities. This realisation clashed with my executive mindset, leading to my departure from the position, marked by tears and reflection.
These varied experiences have been instrumental in shaping my journey. Each job, challenge, and unexpected turn has contributed to my growth and understanding of different sectors. I have learnt to navigate diverse professional landscapes, ascending through the ranks, while appreciating the valuable lessons embedded in each chapter of my journey.
What are some of the sacrifices you have made for your business?
I began my entrepreneurial journey in 2014, initially exploring a side hustle while working in the corporate sector. However, in 2018, I actively delved into business, starting with my personal brand. I monetised my passion by creating courses, authoring a book, and conducting online masterclasses on diverse topics.
Over the years, sacrifices have been an integral part of my journey. The sacrifice of sleep is unavoidable, especially for solo entrepreneurs navigating the multifaceted roles demanded in Nigeria’s business landscape. I adopted various titles such as ‘Chief Execution Officer’, ‘Chief Emotional Officer’, and ‘Chief Empowerment Officer’, reflecting the diverse responsibilities I shouldered.
The early stages of my business required a hands-on approach, where I fulfilled roles ranging from marketing to executive decision-making. As my business matured, I learned to delegate responsibilities, currently managing a team of over 40 volunteers and three virtual assistants. The journey involved creating structures, systems, and understanding how individuals contribute to the overall success of the venture.
The sacrifices also extended to building my brand from the ground up. Rather than waiting for invitations to other platforms, I took the initiative to create my podcast, events, and conferences. This proactive approach enabled me to establish a presence and attract opportunities. The sacrifices made from personal investment of time and effort to strategic brand-building have been crucial in shaping my journey. As I reflect, I recognise that this is just the beginning, and I eagerly anticipate the continued growth and evolution of my entrepreneurial endeavours.
What were the challenges you encountered when you started the business?
Starting my entrepreneurial journey as a ‘multi-preneur’, ‘multi-potentialite’, and ‘multi-passionate’ individual posed a significant challenge and confusion. With a myriad of interests and skills, I initially struggled to find coherence among various services. The pivotal moment came when I realised the importance of intentional positioning.
The challenge extended to understanding the space I was in. Navigating a new field, I grappled with influencer marketing trends. While I prioritised showcasing results and coaching success stories, the clash with prevalent marketing approaches presented a hurdle. Despite those challenges, intentional positioning and a commitment to authenticity have contributed to overcoming the initial confusion, allowing me to build a personal brand with a distinct theme. As the journey continued, I persisted in aligning values with business objectives, and emphasising tangible results over flashy presentations.
There are a lot of job seekers in the country, but limited jobs. What do you think is the way out?
In addressing the challenge of job scarcity amidst a pool of job seekers, it is essential to acknowledge the coexistence of opportunities and seekers. The root cause lies in a mismatch between job market needs and individuals’ skills, emphasising the necessity for strategic career alignment. Education must evolve to cater to industry demands, fostering collaboration between the private sector and academia to ensure relevance. Economic challenges also contribute to job scarcity, emphasising the need for sustainable solutions.
Additionally, the paradigm of expecting employment post-education should shift towards fostering entrepreneurship. Encouraging self-initiated ventures can reduce job pressure.
Finally, investing in soft skills training, effective communication, and practical experiences through internships can enhance employability and bridge the gap between seekers and opportunities.
What are some of the hardest lessons you have learnt as an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur, a crucial lesson I have learnt is the necessity to ‘unmute my microphone’. Being talented or good is not enough if one remains unknown. It is akin to winking at someone in the dark—no impact. By vocalising my skills and business, I have gradually built influence, impact, and income, realising the importance of visibility.
