In the final episode of Deraya’s series of entrepreneurship awareness webinars, we delved into captivating success stories of three leading entrepreneurs hailing from Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia, passing on invaluable lessons drawn from their ventures.
The sixth webinar titled “Building your entrepreneurial awareness from the knowledge of successful entrepreneurs around you”, was organized to help aspiring entrepreneurs and startup founders learn from people who have gone down the same path, in similar circumstances and found success.
Before we dive into the lessons learned from our sixth webinar, here is a brief introduction on our esteemed guests:
Malik Ajaj: An embodiment of dedication and achievement, Malik Ajaj is a driving force in individual and institutional development. In 2016, he pioneered Elham Company, a groundbreaking initiative that has since trained over 10,000 students across various Libyan regions. Elham's remarkable contribution was acknowledged when it clinched the coveted Best Emerging Company in Libya award from the prestigious Seed Stars organization in 2018. Operating across 12 Libyan cities, Elham Company has not only provided a platform for skill and ability enhancement but has also opened doors to employment opportunities for over 100 young Libyans. Malik Ajaj's multi-dimensional influence extends beyond education, as he is deeply immersed in a venture investment fund aimed at nurturing a fresh generation of Libyan startups.
Moatasem Moataz: A dynamic entrepreneur and a captivating TEDx speaker, Moatasem Moataz brings an incredible blend of innovation and leadership to the fore. As the visionary founder and CEO of MYcourier Inc., a renowned courier company headquartered in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, Moatasem has carved a niche with his remarkable marketing and sales expertise. His journey in the corporate arena has been a testament to the power of strategic thinking, culminating in the creation of successful projects and the adept leadership of exceptional teams.
Ihab Triki: A beacon of innovation in the water technology realm, Ihab Triki's endeavours transcend the ordinary. The founder and CEO of Kumulus, a pioneering startup focused on providing sustainable and economical drinking water solutions, Ihab has harnessed his extensive experience in renewable energies and sustainable infrastructure to revolutionize the field. With an impressive background as a former advisor to Boston Consulting Group and the Tunisian Minister of Energy, he led SWICORP's platform for investing in sustainable infrastructure with unparalleled proficiency. His strategic acumen facilitated the development of projects exceeding US$1 billion, including a substantial US$200 million PV project in Egypt. Recognized as one of the Choiseul Institute's 100 Young African Leaders in both 2021 and 2022, Ihab Triki epitomizes forward-looking leadership and transformative impact.
These distinguished speakers lent their expertise and insights to our webinar, enriching the entrepreneurial community with their wisdom and experience. Their journeys serve as guiding stars for all those navigating the challenging yet rewarding landscape of entrepreneurship.
Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey can be alluring, yet it's essential to dispel any misconceptions and set realistic expectations. The notion that starting a business is effortless due to the portrayal on social media is far from reality. Real challenges and hurdles await, demanding a pragmatic perspective. It's imperative to nurture belief not only in the journey but also in one's own abilities. This multifaceted voyage, though complex, is inherently gratifying, leading to both personal and professional triumphs. While difficulties are inevitable, they serve as crucibles for learning and growth.
As Moatasem wisely emphasizes, initial perceptions matter in the entrepreneurial realm. Small businesses might not receive an immediate acknowledgement, but perseverance and showcasing your company's potential are the keys to earning respect. Similarly, Ihab debunks the popular "Fake it until you make it" approach. Instead, he underscores the importance of internal strength, confidence, and assertiveness for entrepreneurs. This mindset not only empowers individuals but also reinforces their entrepreneurial journey with authenticity and resilience. The challenges encountered in this path aren't detriments, but invaluable stepping stones toward advancement.
The transition from an employee to a business owner is not merely a change in job roles; it signifies embracing a significant emotional shift. Entrepreneurs must be prepared to manage a wide spectrum of emotions, given the unpredictable nature of this path. Unlike being an employee with limited concerns, owning a business demands heightened emotional intelligence to navigate the varying emotional challenges that will arise. The entrepreneurial journey is characterized by constant flux, with the market and circumstances evolving continuously. It's vital to approach this dynamic landscape without fear, taking each step with calculated determination.
The essence of this perspective is beautifully encapsulated by Moatasem. The journey of entrepreneurship might not be fully visible from the outset, and that's perfectly acceptable. His advice to "take it one step at a time" underscores the importance of incremental progress and embracing the evolving nature of the journey. Similarly, Hachem Kaabachi’s (Project manager at MAZAM) guidance to "think big and act small" advocates maintaining a grand vision while grounding it in practical, day-to-day actions. This approach not only prevents overwhelm but also cultivates a strong emotional foundation to manage the inevitable uncertainty that accompanies the entrepreneurial expedition.
Entrepreneurship mirrors Reid Hoffman's metaphor: "Starting a company is like jumping off a cliff and assembling a plane on the way down." This vivid analogy encapsulates the boldness required in entrepreneurship, where taking the leap of faith is the most valuable asset.
Launching a business is akin to the daring act of leaping into the unknown. Assembling a plane mid-air symbolizes the necessity for quick thinking and adaptability. Just as someone falling from a cliff would construct a plane to land safely, entrepreneurs craft their ventures amid challenges and uncertainties. This saying underlines that embracing innovation and persevering in the face of risk can lead to substantial success.
In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, the presence of formidable competitors is an undeniable reality. Navigating this competitive arena demands more than just business acumen; it necessitates the creation of an optimal ecosystem for both personal and customer success. Managing multifaceted aspects like regulatory compliance, technological integration, and fundraising intricacies becomes imperative on this journey.
In this context, the virtue of resilience takes centre stage. Ihab's insight, "You will face a lot of problems, the strength is resilience, it is your ability to keep standing up and moving forward," underscores the importance of fortitude in surmounting hurdles. In the face of adversity, the power to endure and persevere is what distinguishes successful entrepreneurs.
While gleaning wisdom from the experiences of others is an invaluable strategy, it's paramount to remember that your trajectory is inherently yours to shape. You are the captain of your voyage, the one who steers it toward learning and progress. Moatasem's advice, "Your mindset should always be open to growth opportunities," serves as a reminder that a receptive attitude towards continuous learning and adaptation is fundamental to surmounting challenges and propelling oneself forward.
In the intricate tapestry of entrepreneurship, leadership emerges as a fundamental thread, weaving together the aspirations and actions of a business venture. Beyond being a mere title, leadership embodies the vision, direction, and guidance essential for harmonizing a team toward collective objectives. This alignment not only nurtures a harmonious and driven workforce but also forms the bedrock for realizing entrepreneurial ambitions.
Effective leadership bestows entrepreneurs with the tools to steer their ships through turbulent waters. It equips them to make informed decisions, navigate complex challenges, and cultivate an environment ripe for innovation. A successful leader becomes the conduit through which the essence of their vision flows, manifesting in the growth and triumph of their endeavour.
Ihab's perspective encapsulates this essence succinctly, "Leadership does not only mean your ability to succeed, but your ability to gather around you people that will enable all of your successes, so think well about your co-founders and your team because at the end they are the company you will create and they are the success that will create your company." This underscores the truth that effective leadership is not solitary; it's about cultivating a supportive and collaborative ecosystem, where the collective strengths of a team elevate the venture to its zenith.
In the intricate dance of entrepreneurship, meticulous planning and sequential action are key to achieving sustainable success. Crafting a business founded on a legal framework shouldn't be the inaugural step for entrepreneurs. Rather, the journey commences with an idea that burgeons and transforms through refinement, innovation, and rigorous testing within the market.
The initial stages are dedicated to honing the concept, moulding it into a market-ready proposition, and gauging its reception among potential customers. An idea's viability, its ability to resonate with the market, and its potential to address customer needs are the compass points directing an entrepreneur's early endeavours. Equally pivotal is the composition of a skilled and synergistic team. The blend of talents, perspectives, and expertise can chart the course of a business's trajectory.
Ihab accentuates the importance of legal foresight, affirming, "It is important to check for the legal obstacles that can face you in the future." Indeed, overlooking legal aspects can pave the way for future disruptions, underscoring the necessity of aligning business operations with prevailing regulations.
Malek amplifies this sentiment, encapsulating a core principle of entrepreneurship, "The main goal of a business is generating money and creating value for customers, so you need to check the business idea from statistics and financial point of view before starting it." The prudent scrutiny of an idea from financial and statistical perspectives is essential to mitigate risks and ensure that the concept holds the potential to transform into a viable and lucrative venture.
Entrepreneurship is not a universal call; it beckons to those who possess a unique blend of ambition, resilience, and a craving for autonomy. The allure of a stable job and a dependable monthly paycheck holds its own appeal, offering a sense of security and routine. It's a choice that individuals make based on their personal aspirations and risk tolerance.
As Malek wisely articulates, "A monthly paycheck is good if that is what you want. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone because it holds many obstacles and needs a personality made of steel." Acknowledging that entrepreneurship isn't a one-size-fits-all endeavour is imperative. It's a journey marked by relentless challenges and ceaseless demands, requiring a spirit that can withstand turbulence and adapt to change.
The entrepreneurship path necessitates a unique concoction of soft skills like adaptability, communication, and problem-solving, paired with hard skills that encompass domain knowledge, strategic thinking, and innovation. While entrepreneurship may not be the choice for everyone, it remains an empowering avenue for those who dare to embrace its intricacies and march to the beat of their own business rhythm.
The journey of entrepreneurship is often like embarking on uncharted territory. Our esteemed speakers share some invaluable advice that aspiring entrepreneurs can hold onto as they navigate this exciting yet challenging expedition:
Fearless Diving: The entrepreneurial journey requires a leap of faith. "Don’t be afraid to jump in, if you want to do it, go for it," exhorts our speakers. The willingness to take risks and embrace uncertainty can be the catalyst for your entrepreneurial dreams.
Leverage Support: Entrepreneurship doesn't need to be a solitary endeavour. "Be open to asking for help from others—your team, experts, advisors, and beyond," suggest our speakers. Seeking guidance from those with experience can steer you away from pitfalls and towards success.
Continuous Evolution: Building a successful venture is a gradual process. "Your role will not be built in one day, and you will always keep learning," reminds our speakers. Embrace the growth curve, acquiring knowledge and refining your skills as you go.
Curated Relationships: As you tread on your entrepreneurial path, you will forge connections. "Your learning journey and your experience along the entrepreneurial path will allow you to know who is capable of helping you and who isn’t," our speakers aptly highlight. Discerning allies from mere acquaintances is a skill you'll master.
Confidence is Key: Believe in your capabilities. "Be confident in yourself because no investor will invest in you if you are not confident you can do it," affirm our speakers. A strong self-belief can attract not just investors, but also partners and customers.
Persistence Pays: Hard work is the cornerstone of any venture's success. "If you work hard enough, know that doors will open up for sure," reassure our speakers. A diligent approach paves the way for opportunities that might otherwise remain concealed.
These distilled insights capture the essence of the entrepreneurial journey, offering a roadmap to budding entrepreneurs who dare to take the road less travelled.
As we conclude this enlightening webinar series, it's evident that the entrepreneurial journey is a remarkable odyssey filled with challenges, growth, and limitless possibilities.
As you embark on your own entrepreneurial voyage, remember the invaluable lessons learned from those who've navigated these waters before. Embrace uncertainty, seek guidance, and cultivate a determination that propels you beyond obstacles. With each step forward, you're not only shaping your business but also shaping your legacy.