In a move to redefine the future of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa & Europe, a business growth and management expert, Jennifer Orode, has proffered valuable advice to small and medium-scale business owners on how to successfully navigate the challenging economic landscape and grow their businesses.
Speaking at the launch of Business Xcellerate Summit, tagged “The Blueprint’’, Orode, a member of the Forbes Business Council, said the aim is to address the fears of business owners, push the boundaries of innovation, and guide SMEs across and beyond Africa in their entrepreneurial journey while exploring new, uncharted territories.
She educated participants on the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset, which she said is a crucial element for thriving in today’s business world.
Orode, who doubles as the CEO of Ingenium Concepts Ltd, a startup advisory and management consulting firm, provided participants with insights into a solid foundation for the journey ahead.
She emphasised the importance of mental preparedness in steering through the business landscape.
Orode, also the convener, stressed that leveraging product segmentation was pivotal to surviving economic cycles.
She said: “Entrepreneurs can thrive in any economic climate by truly understanding their customers and tailoring their strategies accordingly.
“Whether we’re in a period of contraction, stability, expansion, or at a peak, it’s about testing the economic sensitivity of your customers and tailoring your products and strategies to different customer segment types.
“It’s crucial to recognise how different economic cycles influence decisions on sales, investment, profit margins, credit, inventory, and cost management.
“With a fundamental understanding of customer types and products, entrepreneurs can gain market share even in a contracting economy.
“Innovation doesn’t always mean creating something new, but it can also mean finding flexible ways to adapt existing products to a changing market and economic landscape.”
Orode is a sought-after powerhouse in SME growth and branding for excellence.
With a two-decade career spanning strategic development, customer relationship management, and innovative business coaching, she is redefining the standards of business excellence across Africa.
Orode holds an MBA from Coventry University and is a distinguished member of the Forbes Business Council.
Her influence is far-reaching, serving as the face of the Nigerian Customer Service Index and leading the charge in transforming businesses into engines of sustainable growth and excellence.
For her, “Businesses are of the customer and should be built FOR the customer!”
The two-day event was facilitated by industry professionals, each bringing expertise in leadership during uncertainty, marketing and sales, modern technology utilisation, and entrepreneurial mindset.
These facilitators steered the summit, providing participants with the insights and tools needed to navigate the uncharted waters of the ever-changing business landscape.
Donna P. Mitchell, Founder (USA) and CEO of Mitchell Universal Network LLC, with a career in aviation and airline management spanning 24 years, spoke on “AI: Leveraging Technology for Business Transformation.”
Kumar Raghvendra (United Kingdom), a dynamic leader with a passion for growth and innovation, shared his insights on strategic execution, particularly through the ‘BRIDGE model,’ which helps leaders maintain basic efficiencies while driving innovation.
Also, Kameel E. Gaines (USA), a trucking industry leader and advocate with over two decades of experience in recruitment and sales, provided practical advice on leveraging data and technology for marketing success.
Sidharth Ramsinghaney (USA & Asia), Twilio’s Director of Strategy & Operations, with over 15 years of experience across major companies like McKinsey & Company and Deloitte Consulting, emphasised the importance of adaptive leadership and bold innovation.
Kameel Gaines, CEO of Rig on Wheels Broker & Recruitment Services), hailed the event, saying: “Participating in the ‘Business Xcellerate Summit: The Blueprint’ as a facilitator was an absolute privilege.
“This summit was more than just an event.
“The most rewarding moment for me was sharing tangible and actionable insights with enthusiastic participants.
“The energy and commitment of all involved underscored the importance of the summit in shaping the future of business.
“I am excited to witness the ongoing positive influence ‘The BluePrint’ will have on the global entrepreneurial community.”
Director of Strategy & Operations at Twilio, Sidharth Ramsinghaney, added: “For me, the summit was a testament to the power of collaboration, and collective drive towards excellence.
“And it was an honour to be part of such a transformative experience.
“I personally received numerous questions post-speech and it was clear that the participants are not just looking for ideas but are ready to take actionable steps to innovate and lead in their respective businesses.
“Events like this are crucial as they provide the entrepreneurial community with the latest tools and inspiration needed to drive business growth.
“Meaningful connections were made, valuable insights shared, and business leaders empowered.”