Tea ?? and 3??Qs… with Chris Folayan

Happy days! I had the chance to catch up with serial entrepreneur, global business strategist, speaker, game designer and award-winning author, Chris Folayan.?

Chris and I roll in very different circles, but his expertise and experience from the private sector resonates with colleagues cruising the halls of the public sector.?

Apart from wearing many hats, and being an excellent business man, Chris is an all-round nice-guy, and that’s not a baseless platitude. I’ve had the privilege of his counsel and kindness on multiple occasions, so when the opportunity came to glean even more wisdom from him, it was a no-brainer.

It was a bit of a struggle to limit my questions to 3??, so consider this a bumper edition.?

I asked… and Chris answered…

1. When it comes to overcoming adversity, what’s one life lesson you’ve learned that’s been most valuable professionally??

One of the most valuable life lessons I've learned, particularly in a professional context, is the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Throughout my journey as an entrepreneur, I've encountered countless obstacles and setbacks, ranging from technical challenges to client crises. However, what has consistently propelled me forward is an unwavering commitment to my vision and a refusal to succumb to defeat. I have realized I may have to pivot and make modifications along the way to success, but staying true to your goal with good intentions is an unstoppable combination.?

In moments of adversity, it's easy to feel discouraged or overwhelmed. But it's during these very moments that one's true character is tested. I've found that maintaining a resilient mindset, even in the midst of seemingly insurmountable challenges, is crucial. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, I choose to see them as opportunities for growth and learning. I see all challenges as opportunities and all setbacks as breakthroughs. So I face them head on because I always come out better than before. My vocabulary and mindset towards adversity has changed. Instead of saying “What is wrong now?” I say “What challenges do we need to deal with to improve the business?”?

Moreover, I've come to understand the value of surrounding oneself with supportive, positive minded teams fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Building a strong network of individuals who share your passion and determination can make all the difference when facing adversity. When you face adversity with a team it’s highly likely you will win.

Simply put, never underestimate the power of perseverance, and a strong team. By remaining steadfast in pursuit of your goals, embracing challenges as opportunities, and leveraging the support of those around you, you can overcome even the most daunting obstacles on the path to success.

2. Giving back? How important is this, professionally and personally? Is there an altruist is all of us and should it be tamed? ( technically a 2fer ??)

Contributing to others' life story is fundamental and intrinsic to our identity, both in the present and the future. Consider a scenario where no one extended a helping hand to you—where would you stand? Picture a world without educators offering that extra lesson, mentors guiding your path, advisors navigating life's complexities with you, or supporters aiding you in your moments of greatest need. Whether in personal endeavors or within the realm of business, dedicating time and sharing experiences are indispensable components of becoming the best version of oneself. I honestly feel it’s a superhuman strength because of the impact it has on others.

The rationale behind my superhuman principle is that by giving, one could impact generations to come. Providing guidance brings forth a sense of accomplishment, knowing that you've made a positive impact on someone else's journey. Investing time yields satisfaction, knowing that it hasn't been squandered. Contributing financially generates fulfillment, knowing that resources have been allocated toward meaningful ends that are often priceless. These are all favorable outcomes that not only enrich your own life but also uplift those whom you've assisted.

Such gratification is incomparable and endures across generations, for the ripple effects of one's generosity may extend far beyond what is immediately apparent. I vividly recall a mentor advising me to seize an opportunity that I initially hesitated to embrace. His counsel was succinct: "Embrace it for the experience, not merely for the monetary gain or convenience." Accepting that challenge turned out to be one of the most pivotal decisions in my career, propelling me onto a trajectory I had never envisioned, which set the stage for my company and companies I have launched thereafter.

Giving back is core to becoming a superhuman global changer. It could be time, money, or even a simple sentence. We owe it to ourselves as the human race to give back to each other.

3. ?Failing up: What’s one killer tip for dealing with rejection and failure??

Please do me a simple favor. Close your eyes and reflect on the setbacks and rejections you've encountered throughout your life. Now, leap ahead to the present moment. It's highly likely that these experiences, despite their initial sting, have played a pivotal role in shaping your current trajectory while shaping the current definition of you. Each failure or rejection served as a catalyst for growth: perhaps it imparted a crucial lesson, prompted a necessary change, or ignited a new sense of purpose. Regardless of the specific outcome, you gleaned valuable insights and persevered in the face of adversity.?

Tell me, why should present or future setbacks be perceived any differently? If you learn from failure and rejection you become wiser and stronger. Make that mental shift when faced with failure and watch how it just bounces off your chest.? It's also essential to recognize that failure and rejection are only moments in time and not definitions of who you are. Let me explain, consider Michael Jordan and Thomas Edison. Jordan's missed shots on the basketball court thousands of times or Edison's constant failed attempts to invent the lightbulb. These are not viewed as indicators of failure; rather, they are celebrated as testaments to persistence, resilience, and a willingness to learn from missteps and keep on going. Both individuals succeeded not in spite of their failures, but because of them. They embraced setbacks as opportunities for growth, made necessary adjustments, and refused to succumb to defeat.

When faced with adversity, it's crucial to maintain a mindset of resilience and optimism. Instead of falling into despair, adopt the posture of falling on your back—so you can gaze upward at the myriad possibilities that lie ahead. Never surrender to the notion of defeat; instead, recognize that failure is an integral part of the journey toward success.

4. What’s one crucial thing to bear in mind when faced with situations you have no control over?

In situations beyond our control, it's imperative to maintain a clear focus on what we can influence. While we may not have control over external factors, we retain the power to control our responses and actions. Instead of expending energy or fretting over what cannot be changed, channel that energy into constructive endeavors and strategic planning on what you have control over. Everyone plays a role and yours is very important. Do your best in your role to ensure all is in place for the outcome you desire. Once you have done your best bear in mind the situation is now out of your control and you need to let others involved take it from there.?

Remember you can’t cause the wind to blow in a specific direction, all you have control over is how you position your sail. This is why adaptability and a forward-thinking mindset become paramount; seeking alternative solutions, identifying opportunities amidst challenges, and staying resilient are key. Moreover, cultivating a mindset that embraces uncertainty as a catalyst for growth fosters agility and fosters an environment where challenges become opportunities for learning and innovation.?

Remember that while we cannot always control the circumstances, we have the power to control how we navigate them, and that often makes all the difference.

5. People say there’s safety in numbers, what is the critical factor to be clear on before ditching the herd?

While there's a conventional wisdom that safety lies in numbers, it's important to recognize that true progress often stems from daring to venture beyond the herd. The critical factor one must grasp before deviating from the norm is clarity of vision and purpose. Before charting a different course for yourself, it's essential to thoroughly understand your objectives, assess the risks, and have unwavering confidence in your convictions. Simply put, you need passion and knowledge. As long as you and your herd/group are in agreement there is nothing wrong with sticking with the herd. However statistically speaking that gets more difficult as you increase in size.?

If you find yourself thinking different than most of the people in your organization or team, you are probably ready to ditch the herd. Innovation and breakthroughs rarely emerge from following the crowd. Innovation comes from those willing to challenge conventional thinking and pursue their visions with determination and courage. Success often requires stepping away from the safety of conformity and embracing the uncertainty of forging new paths.

So, before ditching the herd, here is my advice. Ensure that you're crystal clear on your goals, equipped with a robust strategy, and fortified by unwavering belief in your vision. Ask for some mentorship and advice and bounce your ideas by others in and out of your herd. It's this clarity and conviction that will propel you forward and enable you to carve out your own destiny and path towards success.

My conversation with Chris was both insightful and encouraging and came away with a sense of responsibility to not just listen but to think deep and allow myself to do and be better.?

I can’t thank you enough Chris! ??