Edition #30: Turning Skill Gaps Into Your Growth Superpower

Introduction

Welcome to Edition #30.

Have you ever felt stuck, asked to deliver results that demand skills or tools you’ve never been taught? Advanced modeling, and automated dashboards—skills that seem effortless to peers in larger organizations. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Feeling like your potential is locked behind a wall of technical know-how you don’t yet have.

But here’s the truth: skill gaps don’t have to define your potential—they reveal your next step. What you lack in tools today, you can replace with grit, resourcefulness, and an unrelenting desire to grow. Let’s explore how.

The Problem

As an FBP in an unstructured SME, you’re expected to do more with less—limited tools, outdated systems, and little training. Meanwhile, peers in structured organizations seem to sprint ahead. It almost feels like you are lower class which is why you are in an SME in the first place.

A Story

Maryam, an FBP in a mid-sized trading SME, felt the gap every day. Her reports were manual, her spreadsheets messy, and her confidence low. During a critical meeting, her manually prepared analysis fell flat. She had never really learned how to make good presentations due to her background. But instead of giving up, Maryam saw the gap as a challenge.

She started small—learning advanced Excel on YouTube during lunch breaks. Her forecasts became faster, more accurate, and visually impactful. Within six months, leadership couldn’t ignore her innovation, and Maryam was driving change, not chasing it

Ajibola’s Tips

1?? Reframe Skill Gaps As Opportunities

Gaps aren’t roadblocks; they’re growth indicators. Embrace them as stepping stones to new skills that will set you apart.

- Action: Pick one skill you struggle with. Commit to 15 minutes of daily practice for the next 30 days.

2?? Focus On HIGH-IMPACT Skills

Not all skills are created equal. Identify the ones that can transform your career and bring value to your organization.

- Action: Ask your leaders, “What technical skills would add the most value to my role right now?”

3?? Leverage FREE Resources

Don’t wait for a corporate training budget. Free platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, and Coursera can deliver massive wins.

- Action: Choose one recurring challenge in your role. Find a free tutorial that solves it.

4?? Lead With INNOVATION

Your limitations are an opportunity to shine. Demonstrate leadership by solving problems creatively with what you have.

- Action: Automate one manual process in your role—start with something small but impactful. Share your results with leadership.

5?? ASK FOR HELP—HUMILITY IS A STRENGTH

Growth thrives in collaboration. Seeking guidance from mentors or colleagues doesn’t show weakness—it shows ambition.

- Action: Reach out to someone skilled in the area you’re struggling with. Ask one specific question you can act on today.

"Skill gaps are not limitations—they’re invitations to innovate, grow, and lead in ways that others won’t."

Grow With Us

Struggling with technical gaps? We train finance teams to transform deficiencies into opportunities. Together, we’ll unlock your growth and position you as a finance leader who thrives in any environment.

Conclusion

You don’t need perfect tools to make an impact. Growth isn’t about where you start—it’s about the direction you choose to take. Every challenge is a chance to prove that your resourcefulness, grit, and desire to grow are more powerful than any limitation.

Take the first step today. The leader you’re becoming starts now.

Cheers,

Ajibola