Yewande Adeola Adekoya, the Managing Partner at Ruack Nigeria Limited, has set her sights on empowering 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Africa by December 2023. In an exclusive interview with Adekoya shared her journey from a bank manager to a successful management consultant, trainer, and entrepreneur.
With over 16 years in the banking sector and five years in management consulting, Adekoya noticed that many MSMEs were not operating their businesses properly. “I would give them advice which would help their businesses take a good turn,” she explained. It was this passion for helping businesses that inspired her to establish her own management consulting firm, focusing on MSMEs.
Yewande’s ambitious Project 2023 aims to train MSMEs on steps and actions to take to help their businesses grow and become globally competitive. “There are so many business integrity challenges within the private sector in Africa,” she said. “I have decided to empower 200 MSMEs by raising awareness, providing access to resources, tools, and building their capacity.”
Yewande, who is also an Accredited Mediator with the Lagos State Multi–Door Courthouse for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and a Provisional trainer with the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) in Washington, USA, has faced challenges along the way. She stated that clients expect consultants and coaches to be established, so they often trust those who have been in the field longer. To overcome this, she recommends partnering with others and leveraging social media to showcase unique content and build credibility.
Her greatest accomplishment, she says, is helping hundreds of individuals and MSMEs achieve their goals over the last five years and attaining the fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) for her contributions to the organization and society.
When asked about advice for aspiring professionals in her field, Yewande emphasized the importance of building capacity, unlearning and relearning, and finding mentors. “You also require passion for the profession because it can be discouraging, however, with passion you will overcome,” she explained. She encouraged others to be original, patient, and love what they are doing, saying, “If you can dream it, you can do it. You are the only one that can limit yourself.”
Yewande Adeola Adekoya’s personal motto reflects her dedication to helping others succeed: “If I can help others get what they want, I will get what I want.” With her experience, knowledge, and determination, there is no doubt that she will continue to make a positive impact on MSMEs and the African business landscap
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