THE EXPEDITION 9.0
Aishat Shiro
Research Analyst | Sustainable Finance Enthusiast | Experience in Capital Raising & Venture Building
Reflections from the Expedition Conference
Attending the Expedition Conference was an absolute blast. I had the joy of being there with friends , networking with new people, and reconnecting with old acquaintances. Kudos to the organizers @ for pulling off this incredible event, attracting a great crowd, and offering immense value to sponsors.
Now, onto the juicy bits – the stuff I learned and the speakers who blew my mind.
Panel 1: Comparison is the Thief of Joy
It was enlightening to see successful final-year students with different approaches to success:
- Planner Extraordinaire: Meticulous, diligent, and possibly related to Hermione Granger in terms of work rate and productivity.
- Last-Minute Maven: Sleeps 10 hours a night, thrives under pressure, probably laughs in the face of deadlines.
My takeaway? Your path to success is as unique as you are. Don't compare. If you need to start studying from day one, do it. If you can wing it last minute, power to you. Just find what works and stick to it.
Panel 2: The One That Got Away
I stepped out during this panel, so I missed it. But let's assume it was as epic as the others.
Panel 3: Finance Panel – Where Money Meets Magic.
- He Graduated at 18, He started managing a fund at 21, became a bank executive director at 31. He's practically a finance superhero.
- Despite his stellar trajectory, he shared a very human moment: failing his ICAN final exam. He reminded us that failure is crucial for growth.
- He had someone early in life that gave him direction but he also mentioned that not everyone will like you or want to mentor you. Rejection is real, but we must persevere.
So, in the spirit of shameless self-promotion, here’s my public plea: Olufemi Oladehin will you mentor me?
- One-Man Show: He didn’t have a mentor growing up in finance. This speaker mentioned the struggle of having no one to learn from. I could relate deeply with that feeling. The struggle is real, and so is the need for guidance.
I know they say nobody will hold your hand, but who will lead the way.
- Technical Mastery: Stand out by understanding the nitty-gritty. Mastering the technical details sets you apart. (Shortcuts in Excel? Yes, please)
-Work-Life Balance: He also touched on the importance of finding that sweet middle ground. If you pass on, somebody will take your place. This balance is essential for maintaining both productivity and personal well-being.
- The world needs more women in executive roles. Inspired yet? Because I sure am. Listening to her made me understand the need for gender equality in corporate leadership. irrespective iof if you are minority, be seen and let your impact be felt.
Entertainment Panel: When Wisdom Meets Wit
Toke Makinwa delivered a powerful message with the following highlights:
- Failure: A Building Block, Not a Roadblock. Failure is essential for growth; it’s not the end but a step on the journey.
-Negative Thoughts: Evict Them Immediately. Don't listen to naysayers who can't see your vision. Don't let their disbelief BREAK YOUR DREAM.
-Remember Your Why: It’ll Guide You Through Tough Times. When you fall, remember why you started. Even when you feel like quitting.
-Journey vs. Destination: The Journey is Where the Magic Happens. This is where stories are created and where true growth occurs.
-Don't Waste Time or Life: "Don't waste time, don't waste your life," she said, reminding us that while we observe others, our own lives may pass us by
-Living Boldly: God Asked Moses, "What Do You Have in Your Hand?" So, what’s in yours? Don’t just sit on your gold. she urged us to recognize and utilize our unique talents and resources. Focus on your goals and avoid the trap of comparison. We each have different paths to walk.
Babatope Oni talked about how he has successfully cultivated work-life balance within his company Gigbanc
- Work-Life Balance: Cultivate it within your company.
- Smart Hires: Hire people smarter than you and empower them.
- Weekend Freedom: No work messages on weekends. Can I get an amen?
- Mentorship: A recurring theme – get a mentor. It shortens your journey and lets you learn from their mistakes. I’m still on the lookout, so if you’re a mentor material, hit me up.
Jola Ayeye provided us with practical advice on managing burnout
- Cry: She highlighted the importance of acknowledging your emotions. It’s okay to feel your emotions.
- Eat: Don’t forget to nourish your body. "Please eat," she had said.
- Time Management: Don’t waste time on things not meant for you.
- Create More Than You Consume: Her advice to create more than you consume was a call to foster original thoughts and ideas.
Attending this conference was an eye-opener, and it was amazing to learn from incredible speakers. The insights I gained have reinforced the importance of personal growth, mentorship, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
I look forward to applying these lessons in my journey and continuing to seek out mentors who can guide me along the way.
#MentorshipMatters #WorkLifeBalance #ContinuousLearning #FinanceJourney #Inspiration #CareerGrowth #NetworkAndGrow #SeekGuidance #TechSkills #BalanceIsKey
Seriously, anyone up for mentoring? Anyone at all?