Vusi Thembekwayo teaches business growth and ways of winning in life at Lagos Nigeria

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a mentor in various aspects of life, distinguishing between a coach, who walks the path with you, and a mentor, who guides you from experience. The speaker shares personal stories, including the impact of mentorship on their faith and business, and how a mentor's advice shifted their perspective on ownership and responsibility. They also discuss the role of sponsors in professional advancement and provide practical advice on building valuable relationships, using a humorous anecdote about a man trying to attract a woman's attention to illustrate the concept of charm versus stalking.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍🏫 The importance of having a mentor: A mentor provides guidance and direction, whereas a coach walks the path with you, and a sponsor advocates for you in places you don't have access.
• 🔄 The speaker has four mentors in different areas of his life, emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives and expertise.
• 🙏 The significance of faith: The speaker believes that God has given him his abilities and that he is merely a steward of his talents and business.
• 💼 A shift in perspective on ownership: The speaker was told that 'God owns your business,' which changed his approach to business and ethics.
• 🚫 Ethical boundaries in business: Recognizing the true 'owner' of the business leads to making decisions that align with ethical and moral responsibilities.
• 🛫 The concept of legacy: Building something that outlives you requires thinking of yourself as a custodian rather than an owner.
• 🤝 The necessity of sponsors: In various industries, having a sponsor can make the difference between success and failure, especially in accessing opportunities.
• 💰 The wisdom of financial mentors: Even if a mentor is not wealthier, their wisdom with money can guide you to make better financial decisions.
• 🤔 Cultivating relationships: Building valuable relationships involves asking the right questions and offering solutions to others' problems.
• 🚶‍♂️ The responsibility of leaders: Leaders must take responsibility for selecting and training their team, ensuring they are competent and capable.
• 💬 The art of communication: The speaker shares a humorous anecdote about how to stand out when trying to get someone's attention, highlighting the importance of being memorable and respectful.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a coach according to the speaker?

The speaker describes a coach as someone who has walked the path and walks it with you, guiding you through the journey.

How does the speaker differentiate between a mentor and a coach?

The mentor provides direction, like signs on a road, whereas a coach actively walks the path with you. The mentor tells you 'go that way', while the coach is with you every step of the way.

What is the significance of having a mentor in four different areas of life according to the speaker?

The speaker believes in having mentors in different areas of life to provide specialized guidance and wisdom, such as faith, physical health, finances, and other areas that require specific knowledge and support.

How has the speaker's mentor influenced his perspective on business ownership?

The speaker's mentor helped him understand that he does not own his business but is merely in charge of it, with God being the true owner. This shift in perspective changed his approach to business and accountability.

What is the concept of 'custodianship' as it relates to business and career according to the speaker?

The concept of 'custodianship' refers to viewing oneself as a caretaker or manager of something rather than the owner. This mindset encourages accountability to a higher power and the idea of passing on the responsibility to the next generation.

Why is having a sponsor important in the speaker's industry?

Having a sponsor is crucial because they can advocate for you in places where you have no access or influence. Sponsors can help bypass certain application processes and open doors that would otherwise be closed.

What advice does the speaker give on building a relationship with a mentor?

The speaker advises against directly asking someone to be your mentor. Instead, one should build a relationship of value by asking about their concerns and offering help, which can lead to a mentor-mentee relationship.

What is the role of a sponsor according to the speaker?

A sponsor's role is to be present in rooms where you have no access and to advocate for you, telling others why you are the best person for a particular journey or opportunity.

How does the speaker emphasize the importance of accountability in relationships?

The speaker emphasizes accountability by sharing personal stories, such as his mentor's advice on business ownership and his finance mentor's wisdom, which helps him make better decisions.

What is the story the speaker shares about a young man trying to get a woman's attention on social media?

The speaker shares a story of a young man named Ronaldo who is trying to get the attention of a woman he admires on social media. The speaker advises him to send a message saying 'where should I send it' and then unsend it after two days if there's no response, repeating the process until she replies.

What advice does the speaker give on how to handle the situation when the woman finally replies to Ronaldo's message?

The speaker advises Ronaldo to play it cool and respond by saying he was hoping to take her out for a cup of coffee but acknowledges that he doesn't deserve her time, which can make him seem charming and intriguing.