#TheSevenSeries: 7 lessons from Mr 'Lolu Akinwunmi's book

It was a great priviledge to be among the lucky few to get the book, 'Skin for Skin, The Prima Garnet story' written by renowned advertising practitioner, 'Lolu Akinwunmi. It was courtesy @TheCommsAvenue- one platform that has benefitted my career growth greatly with the webinars, discussions, networking, and general group activities. Now, reading the stories of great men and women is one activity I find exhilarating. You can't imagine the joy I felt holding the crispy book, waiting to be devoured in hands. From page one where the author gave tribute to the last page, I was held bound and taken into the world of advertising in Nigeria. There were many lessons I picked from the book, but I share seven in the spirit of #TheSevenSeries.

1. Be willing to start from the scratch

We live in a fast-paced world, people prefer to cut corners to get their big break or be the next big thing. Mr 'Lolu Akinwunmi started small. He did not assume the 'know it all' attitude after working in his first place of employment. He was still willing to give his best. Later, he switched to another job that was low paying compared to his former employers. In fact, he settled for an organisation that had multiple issues on their tables. Did he consider resigning or regret his move? Yes, he did. But he sought God in the new place and discovered he had a purpose to fulfill there. If he did not make that shift, his business would have never been birthed. That place was his stepping stone to greater callings.

2.Integrity

This does not come cheap to people who have no conscience. The author took pride in doing his job with integrity. Temptations came, scenarios popped up for him to go against his values, but never did he bulge. It was so bad that even some dubious people he worked with had issues with his upright character. How would somebody say that churchy behaviour should not be embedded in business? Mr 'Lolu Akinwunmi was committed to being transparent in all his dealings. This was his shield in times of blackmail and other vices.

3.Think expansion

When he finally left his last employer to set up his business, he wanted a business that would outlive him. Even though he thought locally, he was acting globally. From Prima Garnet, he was able to set up other subsidiaries and affiliations. 

4.Leadership

Mr 'Lolu Akinwunmi is a truly exemplary leader. Having shown to be diligent, empathetic, and value-oriented in his work, he served in various leadership positions. He was recommended by an Ex-Information minister as chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria. He was also elected as the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies in Nigeria. One thing that stood out was his selflessness. He had the interest of his followers and country at large. He always pushed against foreign agencies dominating the sector or controlling the media. He believed that foreign investment should not be pursued at the detriment of the local practitioner. As an employer, he ensured his workers were well-paid and had a conducive working environment. His leadership style was all about service than accumulation of positions/title.

 

5.Human relationships

It was one referral that earned Mr 'Lolu Akinwunmi his big break while operating his agency. This goes to show the value of the right human relationships. Some wrong people caused him pain as a business owner. It was not always rosy with people. Some people were ungrateful, others backstabbed him and tried to make him wear out. I learnt that money reveals the true character of people. When his business suffered a downturn, he got to know the real loyal staff. Many of them resigned when there was a challenge with their salary. They left him to face his loss alone.

 

6. Paying your dues

Before starting his own business, he paid his dues to his former employers. He was doing a similar business as they did. However, he did not convert their clients to his company. Neither did he try to lure his ex-colleagues to leave too and work in his firm. He respected them enough to set boundaries. He knew that whatever goes around, comes around. So he worked hard to secure his own clients and staff base.

7. The God factor

Mr 'Lolu Akinwunmi is a devout Christian not just by name but by his actions. He did not even once fail to acknowledge God in every opportunity. Reverencing God, he gave him the credit for his career journey from the days of humble beginning to the point of reaching the peak. The book could pass for a Christian book because the author acknowledge and attributed his success so far to the power of God.