There is a popular saying that “timing is everything. If it is meant to happen it will, at the right time for the right reasons” – this is my story with Lagos Business School. I have lived a few blocks away from LBS for the past 8 years. I passed by the School every morning on my way to work. I had this perception that it was a school for the “bourgeoisie”. Seeing the flashy, expensive cars drive in every morning, I assumed the fees would be like that of “INSEAD” or London Business School. I subconsciously brushed aside the idea of enrolling for an MBA there.
Then came 2023, a year I felt a vacuum in my life and was at a dead end. I was tired of my accustomed early morning routine for 17 years. I was at a stage where I believed I knew all I needed to know about Banking. Having served in several units from Operations, Retail Banking, and Commercial Banking there was nothing new to learn.
I had jokingly toyed with the assumption that I was an Explorer or Archaeologist in the previous world. I abhorred routine and being seated in one place for hours. On the other hand, I loved traveling, sightseeing, meeting people from different backgrounds, and learning about their cultures while at the same time earning a livelihood. With this in mind, I came to the conclusion that I would not get to do all those things I cherished with paid employment, which restricted one to 20-25 days of annual leave which wasn’t enough. I felt shackled and decided to look for an alternative to equip myself with relevant skills and expertise to survive in the business world. With doubts about whether I made the right decision, I decided to start my MBA programme at Lagos Business School.
Over the past few months, I have had a complete shift in mindset. Analysis of Business Problems has taught me to detach all forms of sentiments, assumptions, and emotions while making a decision. Resolutions made without facts have a detrimental impact. There is a need to have a clear mind and enough facts before making informed decisions. It is equally important to always have options. If “A” does not work, one can rely on “B”. It changed my perception of life in general, knowing that there will always be the next option to run to after weighing the pros and cons.
We render reports frequently in my current unit. A mail with a stated deadline to submit a report leaves me with slouched shoulders. I think out loud to myself – another few hours wasted instead of making calls or paying visits to prospects which would eventually contribute to the bottom line of the business. A few classes with Dr. Okoye in Data Analytics have taught me to manage my time efficiently. Under normal circumstances, a report that will take me 2 hours to complete now takes me less than 30 minutes.
I believe someday with my feet in the sea in Maldives and a glass of grape wine, I will have a toast to myself for making the best decision ever.
