What We Learned from Tommie Edwards, CEO of Tech1M
Founders Connect
Documenting Africa's startup space: the key players, their journeys, challenges, & lessons learnt along the way.
Hello FC Community,
Welcome to this week's What We Learned, where we explore the journeys of inspiring entrepreneurs. Today, we dive into the remarkable story of Tommie Edwards FRSA , an award-winning serial tech entrepreneur who's transforming global talent evaluation, hiring, and payment processes.
Who is Tommie Edwards?
Tommie Edwards is a remarkable entrepreneur with a story that begins in Nigeria. As the eldest of four children, Tommie was raised by parents who balanced professional careers with entrepreneurial ventures—her father, an engineer, and her mother, a midwife. This dual approach to work instilled in Tommie a unique perspective on career and business from an early age.
At just 16, Tommie's leadership potential was recognized when her mother entrusted her with managing multiple family businesses during her travels. This included overseeing a water bagging factory and a supermarket, leading a team of 12 staff. These early experiences proved crucial in developing Tommie's business acumen and leadership skills.
Tommie's entrepreneurial spirit flourished early. While still a university student, she launched her first business, importing African textiles from Cotonou and selling them to busy bankers. She continued to explore various business opportunities, including selling trendy accessories, showcasing her ability to identify and capitalize on market needs.
Driven by a desire for more opportunities, Tommie took on ushering and modeling gigs for renowned brands like Coca-Cola. Her relentless hustle allowed her to save enough to fund her university education and make a life-changing move to the UK.
In the UK, Tommie's journey began humbly with a cleaning job. However, her determination soon propelled her into a mortgage advisory role. Reflecting on this transition, Tommie shared, "I'm glad everything I went through in Nigeria happened, because I wouldn't have been able to survive in the UK."
Tommie's entrepreneurial journey in the UK is marked by several significant achievements:
What We Learned from Tommie Edwards
#1: Resilience is Your Greatest Asset
Tommie's journey from managing businesses in Nigeria to navigating life in the UK demonstrates the power of resilience. In entrepreneurship, setbacks are inevitable. The key is to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Develop a mindset that sees obstacles not as roadblocks, but as stepping stones to success. Remember, every 'no' brings you closer to a 'yes'.
#2: Embrace the Hustle Spirit, But Do It Smartly
Tommie's continuous drive to seize opportunities - from selling textiles in Nigeria to founding tech startups in the UK - exemplifies the hustle spirit. However, it's not just about working hard; it's about working smart. Identify your strengths, spot market gaps, and align your efforts with high-potential opportunities. Be proactive in creating your own luck by staying alert to possibilities others might overlook.
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#3: Adaptability is the New Competitive Advantage
Tommie's successful transitions across various roles and industries highlight the importance of adaptability. The ability to pivot and evolve in any industry is crucial to making progress. Stay curious, be open to learning new skills, and don't fear stepping out of your comfort zone. Embrace change as a catalyst for innovation and growth in your entrepreneurial journey.
#4: Master the Art of Timely Exits
Tommie's successful exit from Eventbree underscores the importance of knowing when to move on. As an entrepreneur, it's vital to recognize when you've maximized an opportunity and when it's time for a new challenge. Regularly assess your ventures objectively. Are they still aligned with your long-term goals? Is there potential for further growth? Sometimes, moving on opens doors to even greater opportunities.
#5: Commit to Lifelong Learning
Despite her success, Tommie's decision to return to school emphasizes the value of continuous education. Dedicate time to learning new skills, keeping up with industry trends, and expanding your knowledge base. This could mean formal education, online courses, mentorship, or simply staying curious and open to new ideas. Remember, in entrepreneurship, your most valuable asset is your mind; keep investing in it.
By incorporating these lessons into your entrepreneurial journey, you can navigate challenges more effectively, spot opportunities others miss, and build a sustainable path to success.
Q&A with Tommie
Q: What advice would you give to builders?
A: "If you're trying to build something—anything at all—absolutely give it your all. We're living in an era where balancing a job and a side hustle is common. My advice is to show up for your side hustle with the same dedication and energy you bring to your day job.”
Watch the Interview here to dive deeper into Tommie's story
Stay inspired, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!