Before I enrolled in Innovate for Africa, I've always thought that problems that required innovation needed to be massive that only geniuses and scientists could solve them. But I know better today, and believe me, when I say you don't even need to understand anything sciences to solve real-life problems.
I have always had a passion for solving people's problems. I would pass my science subjects and not cringe when I saw blood because I wanted to save people's lives from my childhood. When I say people's lives, I speak of my aunt diagnosed with breast cancer. When I was ten, I had gone over to her place for the long holidays, and in one of our conversations, I told her I wanted to study law. As a quirky child, I was quick to read the different expressions on people's faces. So I understood a frown when I saw one. She tapped me on the head and said, “you're smart enough to be a doctor. You could make me feel better and take care of me when you're old.” I felt like Merlin for the first time in my life, although saddled with the responsibilities of a firstborn; I had never felt so responsible for the welfare of others. She provided books for me; at primary five, I already understood the circulatory system. It wasn't difficult for me to decide between the arts and science classes at the pace I was going. It was as if my destiny was written in stone. I aced my WAEC and NECO exams and enrolled in the university. But unfortunately, I was given another course to study. I hated that, so I registered for Jamb while I continued going to class. At this point, my aunt took ill again, and this time, she couldn't make it. When she died, I felt I lost my purpose and didn't feel like studying medicine anymore. But as I began to focus on school, I came to understand sustainability and sustainable development. Which opened my eyes to more problems that the world was facing, and I wondered if, really, we could solve them. Before I enrolled in Innovate for Africa, I've always thought that problems that required innovation needed to be massive that only geniuses and scientists could solve them. But I know better today, and believe me, when I say you don't even need to understand anything sciences to solve real-life problems. This post seeks to provide an understanding of the Innovate For Africa Startup Readiness Training. It would include the rigorous exercises and mind-shift I experienced as a July 2021 Alpha pack IFA trainee. Innovate for Africa is a platform that consists of a team of professionals in various disciplines who are passionate about changing the African narratives. Their mission of creating the next generation of innovators in Africa has supported over thirty individuals. IFA seeks to incorporate innovation, grit, collaboration, growth mindset, inclusion, and diversity. among the trainees.
Basically, the training was rigorous and carefully planned to teach us strategies that would benefit us as entrepreneurs. The training ran for four weeks, the system of operation was smooth that we hardly faced any brutal technicality. Synchronous and asynchronous sessions were entirely virtual. We had sessions with several guest speakers who came to share their processes with us and shared vital points that could help us shape our lives on entrepreneurship and innovation. We were a group of digital marketers, data analysts and product designers who were equipped with the skills of being the best at what we do.
I learned so much during the training. However, one part that stood out for me was how to define a pain point. This implies that I had learned how to define a problem that an audience is facing to serve as a framework for providing a solution. I also knew that it was less stressful if I worked with others and that crowning myself as queen of the Island wouldn't take me anywhere- many people were really more competent than me. I had to learn to collaborate with others, share and diffuse ideas with others. I had to learn grit, the kind of confidence you get that you are eager to make mistakes and learn again fast. Some other key things I learned about during this 1-month program include;
Personal Branding
Jeff Bezos quoted that "Your brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room." Believe it or not, you are a brand. People would definitely go online trying to find you; what do you think they will find? Although I spent the last year creating a consistent brand across my social media channels, I hadn't gone as far as defining my brand. During the Innovation readiness training, I learned how to brand myself, using specific keywords and styles. I knew how important my portfolio was as a designer and digital marketer. I was taught the necessary strategies I needed to revamp my resume.
Design Thinking Learning design thinking during the IRT proved very beneficial for me. At this point, I realized that anyone could solve any problem and that you didn't really need to be a Martian or alien. If you understand the design thinking process, solving a problem will not be difficult. Basically, an entrepreneur's job is to find a problem and solve it. This means that looking for business ideas will not be a heartache if you understand the concept of design thinking. All issues solved today arose from the pain points the audience was facing, and this was why when the solution came, they bought into the idea. I learned how to ask questions, brainstorm, define problems of statements, prototype, and test. I had to work with some of my colleagues on a hackathon project to design an eCommerce grocery store; The Foodie's Basket.
Strategic Analysis In the first week, I was excited to learn about strategic analysis. I learned how to conduct detailed research into a company, brand, or organization in this training. We explored SWOT analysis, STEEPLE analysis, organizational charts, team and group members, competition, clients and partners, etc. The activity was exciting, and in the digital marketing track, we also learned about SOSTAC. All these are aligned to teach and show us how to carry out a strategic analysis.
Hard Skills Lab The hard skills lab was operational since the first week. On this track, I had to work with a partner to deliver some designs for my consultancy project Idagba. I was taught these skills that are related to digital marketing. I had a refresher course on analytics, SEO, paid ads, content writing, and social media marketing. Every day, I equipped myself with the materials provided and occasionally took advantage of being helped by a coach Damilare. The hard skills lab was rigorous, and yet we delivered all the deliverables required.
One area I found very interesting during the IRT was the meeting with some founders of innovative startups in Nigeria. There was always something to learn during this session, and then the floor will be open for questions. I had one of the best training in the IRT; getting these innovators to talk was terrific. One founder that I really enjoyed was Faith Adesomwo. I loved her energy and her courage. From their lessons, I picked up some key things that would be instrumental for me in my growth process. I learned that every successful business needed a team of people with like minds. I also knew that to succeed as an entrepreneur, one must be deliberate. Make sure that your solution fits the time you are in. As more of these innovators expound daily on working with the right team, it became apparent that leaving your idea with someone who doesn't share in it will kill it.
In conclusion, I believe that July was the best month I had experienced in 2021. I met new people and made new friends, and hopefully, my team and I would be working together once more on our hackathon project. This journey of self-discovery has been exceptional for me. As I wait to be placed in a startup, I do not plan to throw away any of these experiences.
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