FEMI Otedola’s ‘Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business’ debuted online and in bookstores on Monday, August 18, across the world to rave reviews. And in one week of release, it has settled comfortably on the bestseller list.
Applauded by moguls, economists and technocrats, the 286-page business memoir of the Chairman of First HoldCo PLC and Geregu Power PLC topped charts and discourses in just seven days of global release.
Appearing at number 4 on Amazon UK best seller list in business biographies and memoirs on Tuesday, August 19, it rose to number 3 on Wednesday, August 20—and it has settled there for many days.
Part-autobiographical and self-help, ‘Making It Big’ is laced with lessons for budding entrepreneurs and aspiring business leaders. It tells Otedola’s story vividly and refreshingly—from birth, family, schools, businesses and more—as well as lists pieces of tips and advice to show us how to advance in life and in business.
Otedola narrated the story of his life and business with honesty and candour—no-holds-barred, with details many will refuse to share in order to save face, or to portray a no-blemish persona.
Inspirational and riveting, ‘Making It Big’ has been described as ‘one of the most important books you will ever read’ for these reasons and more:
1. Tells an inspiring grass-to-grass-to-grass-and-grace story
Otedola’s remarkable journey to billionaire status sounds like a fairy tale which warms hearts and bosoms immeasurably.
Though born into a middle-class family on November 4, 1962, the author struggled through school, and managed to go beyond only O’level as he refused to continue his A’level.
He became his father’s driver and personal assistant, joined the old man’s printing press, and moved on to the corridors of power when Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola was governor of Lagos.
After power, he became a money lender whose occupation was described as ‘sleeping for a living’ by his daughter.
He started Zenon Petroleum and Gas on March 10, 1999, made billions and lost all of it.
He bounced back with Forte Oil and reclaimed his wealth and glory.
2. Provides actionable business advice and tips
Practical strategies for entrepreneurs and business leaders are well articulated and graphically presented.
Divided into 5 sections—In the beginning, Growth and expansion, Reaching the top, Collapse and rebirth, and Rediscovery—‘Making It Big’ has 23 lessons with hundreds of actionable tips to navigate business and life.
From ‘start small, keep dreaming’ to ‘know your market’, ‘don’t fool around with your health’, ‘recognise your limits’ and ‘appreciate the God factor’, Otedola recounted compelling accounts and offered easy-to-follow and execute tips.
3. Coaches proven leadership techniques and effective team management methods
Effective methods for building and managing successful teams are put to rewarding ends by the mogul.
From hands-on do-most-of-the-work yourself when starting out as a micro business, to having reliable and dutiful staff as you grow the business, and sit back and allow younger talents to flower and flourish, different models are on display in ‘Making It Big’.
Otedola had only two workers in the money lending business, worked with only a driver at the beginning of Zenon, and grew bigger with marketing executives driving cars emblazoned with Zenon on the streets of Lagos.
At the beginning of Forte Oil, he was no longer the MD. He ceded the role to a younger man—and became an entrepreneur in the real sense of the word.
4. Teaches resilience in adversity
Otedola’s ability to overcome obstacles and challenges made him the man he has become.
On many occasions, the author was down on his luck. He was embarrassed and humiliated, derided and laughed at. But he never dwelt on the reversal of fortune for too long.
For a man who lost $1.218 billion in 2009, hounded by bank chiefs who were too glad to hawk his assets, he’s resilient in flesh and blood.
With the God factor and grace, he inched his way back to profitability after rebranding—and returned with glory to the celebrated Forbes’ rich list.
5. Illuminates insight into Africa’s business workings
Context-specific expertise for entrepreneurs and policymakers is necessary to successfully get ahead in Nigeria and beyond.
There’s hardly any wealthy African with sustained riches who is not close to the corridors of power. Apart from knowing how government in this part of the world works, keeping your ears to the ground to be abreast of policies that will affect your interests, you have to court those who make important decisions.