As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on my personal reading journey, a path that has taken me through diverse landscapes of business, self-discovery, and innovation. With an ambitious goal of reading at least 12 books in 2023, I embarked on this adventure, eager to expand my horizons and gain valuable insights. While I may not have reached my initial target, the books I did manage to read have left an indelible mark on my mind and spiritand In this blog post, I will take you through my literary journey, sharing insights, challenges, and the invaluable lessons gained along the way.
My journey began with “Leaving the Tarmac” by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, a captivating tale of entrepreneurship and resilience. Aigboje’s story resonated deeply, as he chronicled his transformative journey from a humble background to becoming a successful businessman. It underscored the importance of resilience and strategic thinking in navigating the complexities of the business world.
Next, as recommended by Abdulateef Hussein a colleague, I delved into the world of finance with Yomi Jemibewon’s “Risk and Return”, a comprehensive guide to understanding the intricacies of investment and financial management. Jemibewon’s expertise shone through, as he provided practical insights into navigating the complexities of the financial landscape. It not only deepened my understanding of risk management but also influenced my approach to decision-making in my role as a Risk manager.
This autobiographical journey “The Making of Me” by Dele Fajemirokun shed light on the power of self-discovery and the importance of embracing one’s unique path. It resonated with me as a reminder that success is a personal journey, and each individual’s trajectory is distinct.
Jim Ovia’s visionary work “Africa Rise and Shine” painted a compelling picture of Africa’s potential and the role of entrepreneurship in driving its resurgence. This book definitely fueled my passion for contributing to the economic growth of my continent.
Bolaji Olagunju’s treatise on the critical importance of hiring the right talent hit close to home in my role as a Senior Executive. “Hiring Right: A Matter of Life and Death for Businesses, Business Owners and Executives” underscored the symbiotic relationship between personnel decisions and the overall health of a business.
Dr. Akintoye’s recommendation led me to Malcolm Gladwell’s exploration of success patterns in “Outliers: The Story of Success“. The book challenged conventional notions and reshaped my perspective on the factors such as opportunity, timing, and cultural context that contribute to individual and collective success.
“Rich Dad Poor Dad”, A timeless classic that I revisited, Kiyosaki’s financial wisdom as gifted to me many years ago by my mother provided a solid foundation for understanding wealth-building principles. It served as a constant reminder to think beyond conventional financial norms.
Marcus Buckingham’s “Go Put Your Strengths to Work” emphasized the power of identifying and utilizing one’s strengths. Buckingham’s research-driven approach provided practical strategies for leveraging individual strengths in both personal and professional endeavors.Currently, I am engrossed in Walter Isaacson’s captivating biography of Steve Jobs, a visionary leader who revolutionized the world of technology. Isaacson’s masterful storytelling brings Jobs’ life vividly to life, highlighting his relentless pursuit of innovation, his unwavering commitment to perfection, and his impact on shaping the modern world.
As I continue my reading journey, I find myself enriched by the diverse perspectives and knowledge gained from this literary journey. Each book served as a guide, a mentor, and a source of inspiration. The impact of reading extends beyond the pages; it has woven itself into the fabric of my professional and personal life. While I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge, inspiration, and personal growth I have gained from each book, balancing multiple roles, my MBA alongside my reading journey wasn’t easy, However, the discipline cultivated through reading allowed me to overcome time constraints and savor the richness of each literary experience.
And so till I write you again…….#MMBA5
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