#TheSevenSeries: 7 lesssons picked from Media mogul, Mo Abudu

@moabudu


Dubbed as Africa’s Oprah and also ‘Africa’s Africa’, Mo Abudu is a 57-year-old Nigerian media mogul and talk show host. She is the founder of EbonyLife TV, ‘a fast-growing black African multi-broadcast entertainment network’, known for its informative and entertaining programmes which showcased Africa at its best. Mo was the first African woman to own a pan-African cable channel focused on changing the world’s perception of Africa as a poverty-ridden country. 

She made her mark in the corporate world as an Executive in ExxonMobil for nearly a decade. As the promoter of the Protea Hotel, Oakwood Park, she was the Founder of Vic Lawrence & Associates, one of Nigeria’s leading Outsourcing firms. She was also the Creator, Executive Producer and Hostess of the first African syndicated talk show ‘Moments with Mo’. She was also known for her philanthropic activities through the Inspire Africa Foundation which she founded.  

Mo was one of ‘the most outstanding African women who are making giant strides in business, politics, technology, entrepreneurship and leadership on the continent and elsewhere around the world’. according to Forbes. She was also the executive producer of the feature film ‘Fifty’ which narrated the coming of age of four African women. Her future ambition included more films, more channels and probably a career in politics since she also wished to serve her country. 

There is so much to learn from this ‘infectious, passionate and focused go-getter’, whose goal was to balance the extreme negative bias created by the global media about Africa. Here are 7 business lessons we can pick from her career journey:

1. Rejecting victim's mentality

Mo grew up in England without her father whom she lost. She lived with a guardian instead It was quite a challenge especially dealing with other children who bullied her because of her skin colour. From a young age, she decided she would never play the victim. She determined in her heart and mind to build a name for herself. She would not only be a success but excel in all that concerned her. Her life's purpose was clear from the get-go.

2. The God factor

Mo believes that all good ideas come from God. Moved by the mantra"Ïf you can think it, you can do it", she is a firm believer in God and does not limit herself to seeming impossibilities. She looks up to God as her ultimate inspiration. Acknowledging His mighty power, she also notes the place of hard work, passion, resourcefulness and determination when running with a vision from God.

3. Focus on the right things

Mo likes to begin with the end in mind. As she visulises success, nothing seems an impossible feat to attain. According to her, she pictures her goals and avoids all negativity and discouragement that would hinder her progress. She goes ahead to bite the bullet and enjoy her journey.

4. Giving back

Mo invests in people and systems that helped shaped her. She does this through giving back.  For her, the act of giving back is ennobling. Following the Bible instruction, she is a proof that it is more blessed to give than take.Mo has supported and continues to support several causes she is passionate about. She is most proud of her philanthropy work with The Inspire Africa Foundation and other partnerships till date.

5. Have the right core values

Mo identifies her core values  which include team spirit, originality, vibrancy, innovation, boldness and excellence to be her compass. They have guided her operations and have been responsible for her sustained success. She also infuses them into her business. At EbonyLifeTV where they have built Africa's first  "Global Black" Entertainment and Lifestyle 24-hour TV network, they are all about teamwork, originality, vibrancy, passion, positivity, energy, and innovation. Attaining excellence is an uphill task, it takes the right core values and team to make this happen.

6. Fail forward

Mo's biggest fear is the fear of failure. With an excellent DNA, she could not envision failing at anything she puts her mind to. However, she admitted to making mistakes here and there but citing John Maxwell's book- Failing forward, changed her mindset that mistakes can be turned into stepping stones to success. To see the bigger pictures, never wallow in past mistakes, pick lessons and apply learning points then forge ahead regardless.

7. Thinking outside the box

It is not okay to go with the flow or the status quo. There is room for disruption. Mo Advised upcoming entrepreneurs and career professionals to go beyond average. She stated that they should think outside the box, stay innovative, be focused, hardworking, be disciplined, and ambitious. She added that the role of mentors can not be ruled out.


 

Comments