Wouter van Bockel’s Post

As 2024 unfolds, I find myself not just planning, but deeply reflecting on the true essence of dreams and goals. We often start a new year with grand ambitions, but along the way, life's challenges can sometimes divert us from our paths. Yet, I've always believed that the dreams that challenge us the most are the ones worth pursuing with all our hearts. This year, I, Edwin Dela, am embarking on a personal mission. It's not just a dream, but a calling – a calling to drive a transformation across our beloved continent, Africa. I am setting out to empower over 3,000 aspiring entrepreneurs in Ghana and across Africa. The aim is to kindle the spark of innovation and entrepreneurship that I firmly believe lies within our youth. Why am I doing this? Because I see a future where Africa isn't just participating in the global market, but leading it. Our continent is rich – rich in talent, ideas, and potential. I am convinced that with the right guidance, support, and encouragement, our young entrepreneurs can not only succeed locally but also make a global impact. Here's how you can join me in this personal journey: >> Networking and Recommendations: If you come across any business events, workshops, or masterclasses that align with this vision, please let me know. Your connections could open doors that we never knew existed. >> Engagement and Sponsorship: I invite you to attend my masterclasses, or if possible, sponsor a budding entrepreneur. Your participation could be the turning point for someone's life and dreams. >> Support by Sharing: Whenever you see my posts, flyers, or content, sharing them widens our reach and could touch the life of someone who is just waiting for that one inspirational moment to start their journey. This mission is more than a set of objectives; it's a personal commitment to the future of our continent. I will be sharing updates every quarter to celebrate our progress and the stories of those we've touched. This isn't just a post. It's a heartfelt request for your support, your belief, and your action. Together, we can make this year a landmark in the story of Africa's growth and success. For booking email: [email protected] Or send a direct message. Edwin Dela Signed. #EmpoweringAfrica #EntrepreneurshipDreams #InnovationJourney #EdwinDela

I've had a realization recently, and I can't help but share it with you all. In Africa, we often find ourselves following the well-trodden path – graduate, search for a job, and repeat. It's a mindset deeply ingrained in our culture. Unemployment rates are rising, and the job market is increasingly competitive. Each year, our schools and universities churn out more graduates who join the ever-growing line of job seekers. It's easy to point fingers at a struggling economy, but have we really done everything we can to contribute? We live in a society filled with biological barriers, cultural limitations and financial constraints. We've all heard phrases like "Has anyone from your family done it before?" or "Who is your Father?" But it's essential to recognize that these are not rigid boundaries but rather mental constructs that we can shatter. Honestly, It's not an insurmountable mountain. I, too, was once a victim of these limitations. However, I've learned that you can be whatever you want to be. If you truly want it, the whole world will conspire to help you. I am committed to making a positive impact in Africa, to be a catalyst for change. I believe in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and economies. It's time for us to think beyond traditional career paths, to create opportunities and inspire innovation. Let's be the change we wish to see in our continent. I've heard a common refrain, one that I'm guilty of as well – "I'm fully back on LinkedIn, but I'm always off again. 😂" It's not easy, and I know many of us can relate. So, I've decided to challenge myself with a 30-day writing commitment (or something like that) to fully engage with this platform and, most importantly, with all of you. Let's support each other in this journey to inspire change and innovation. Join me on this journey to challenge the status quo, embrace entrepreneurship, and make a lasting difference. Together, we can unlock Africa's incredible potential. I'm Temiloluwa Bello, an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or just someone who believes in making a positive impact, I invite you to connect with me, let's share ideas, and let's be the change we wish to see in Africa. ❤️

It is the small things in life that make a difference! As entrepreneurs we easily forget that we are surrounded by people, teams who drive our mission and (especially in Africa) beautiful landscapes. Building a team and ensuring that we reward ourselves for our achievements is a crucial part of growing your business. Don't think you can do it all by yourself. The quicker you build a team the sooner you will be able to scale and be successful! I have just spent 1.5 hectic weeks in South Africa and am ready to use the weekend to recharge my batteries in this beautiful country. What have we achieved this last few days? ✅ Promoted the Asia-Africa corridor ✅ Engaged some of the most promising Family Offices on the continent ✅ Signed a Joint Venture with a South Africa firm ✅ Met very exciting start ups and more mature companies who all have an interest to expand ✅ Met old and made new connections in Africa's most mature market Not bad for a few days in the country. While I wrap up my week it is time to reflect, strategies for the days and weeks to come and most importantly appreciate my team and their efforts. This week I have also gained so much intel for our upcoming courses of www.h2ventures.co which I now have to convert into modules that each and everyone of you can soon digest at the comfort of your home. It is time for some lunch with my colleague Lebogang Mosia now who went above and beyond the last few days in organising my trip. Next time I will turn my camera around... because the view on the other side of the cam is even more pretty than me, sorry I mean my colleague 🤣 How did you rewarded yourself for your achievements this week? #entrepreneurship #teambuilding #africa #stayfocused

I want to speak to someone in this Issue many people when they come for Consultation regarding projects they always ask me is there market for this and that.Well my answer is that in Africa we have a system that only taught people to be employees that we can't really see the opportunity especially regarding creating opportunities where there is none.We want to do what others are doing we don't want to create our own runways because we want someone else to do that for us. As an Entrepreneur create opportunities, create your own runway.If there is no one doing that project then be the first and create your own market.Dont wait for Mr Smith from America to come and create the market for you.Aslong your project or product it's adding value to the society then it's a the perfect market for you. Think like an Entrepreneur not like an Employee when you come into the world of Business.Be a Visionary because there are a lot of opportunities we can create aslong we don't walk being blinded by what negative world is saying.Africa is a good ground to create opportunities as an African and I know many I striving hard to go to Europe as you can go and work there,the honest truth you will be enslaved there by work and no resting but Entrepreneurs face the pressure and build and make the world come looking for us not us looking for greener pastures.But we create and plant our own green pastures and we graze and enjoy our beautiful Africa and the world will start buying from us and that's how I always visualize Africa. Dr CECIL (LION OF AFRICA)

🌍 Embrace Diversity, Embrace Success! 🌍 Greetings, my incredible LinkedIn network! 🌟 I am ecstatic to share with you all that I had the privilege of attending the prestigious Hustlers Summit in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where I was honored to be recognized as one of the top 100 influential individuals. 🎉 The experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring, as it reminded me of the immense power that lies in embracing diversity and immersing ourselves in different cultures. In today's interconnected world, being an entrepreneur means more than just building a successful business. It means being open-minded, adaptable, and willing to step outside our comfort zones. By exposing ourselves to a variety of voices and cultural perspectives, we unlock a wealth of untapped potential and create opportunities for growth that extend far beyond our imagination. When we engage with people who speak different languages, we embark on a journey of culture shock, and it is within these moments of discomfort that true transformation occurs. We broaden our horizons, challenge our assumptions, and gain invaluable insights that can revolutionize our businesses and our lives. So, fellow hustlers, let us make a conscious effort to seek out these opportunities for cultural exchange. Attend conferences, join global networks, and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Embrace the beauty of languages, traditions, and perspectives that differ from our own. Remember, true innovation flourishes at the intersection of ideas. It is through collaboration and the blending of diverse talents that we create groundbreaking solutions that have the power to change the world. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity, we not only drive our own success but also contribute to a more harmonious and prosperous global community. As we continue our entrepreneurial journeys, let us remain committed to breaking down language barriers, building bridges across cultures, and celebrating the richness of our global tapestry. Together, we can shape a future where everyone's voice is heard and every dream has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you, Zimbabwe, for reminding me of the extraordinary power of cultural immersion. Let us embrace diversity, for it is the key to unlocking our true potential. #Entrepreneurship #DiversityMatters #GlobalPerspective #CulturalImmersion #Innovation #HustlersSummit

Most small businesses owner hardly think about doing business abroad, let alone beyond their current location. This is due to the day to day pressures of running a small business and just lack of capacity to invest in new markets. Penetrating local market is their priority and only when they have achieved this can they think about new markets.  While there is wisdom in this, we want to challenge small businesses to reconsider. The South African market is dominated by oligopolies that are very territorial and this has not encouraged growth of small business. This is the reason why after 30 years of democracy we still have high income inequality, and few success stories of companies that started small and are now big in South Africa. With our experience of travel in the continent, we believe that growth opportunities for small businesses lies in new partnerships and collaboration. Over the years we have built networks in different parts of the continent and diaspora and want to help you take to your business abroad. We develop a tailored solutions to take your business abroad, while you focus on the day-to-day needs of your business here at home. Contact us…and lets embark of a new journey!!! [email protected]

AFRICAN FOUNDER This one is for the ones who wake up every day on the African continent in pursuit of ideas that will help advance the continent. Especially those that have ventured into business. I used to like wearing formal suits and ties to meetings to show that I was focused on business. That was how we have understood successful business people globally. A proper suit and tie. Take nothing away from the formal look, but in Africa, you will soon find out that it takes more than that to build a business. You need to be BRAVE as the warrior in this picture! You also need to be able to stand the harshest of local criticism from your own kin folk. The same people you are building a business to help, could simply not care because they are satisfied with how things are currently. Or, they are afraid you will fail. As a #founder of a business that has high ambitions in Africa, you will have more advisors than you need. Older uncles who were top managers (employees) in international conglomerates will tell you how to do business. Parents, pastors and friends who have well paying jobs all become advisors. Most of them are afraid of two things: 1. You might actually be good at business and will succeed beyond them. 2. You might not succeed and people in society will ridicule them for not supporting you. One thing I have noticed in my journey, that group of people HARDLY buy your product or service. They can spend 5 years advising you, give you books on wisdom but they might not actually purchase anything. Some might just not afford to. But if you spend most of your time sitting with advisors and mentors who cannot convert to paying customers, you will not survive in business. #SALES sustain a business. Not advisors or incentives or investors. Sell, Sell and Sell. If you don't post your products on social media or advertise somewhere, no customers will come. No customers = no income. And zero income leads to failure to execute the vision. Spend more time selling. Improve on communication and find willing people to try your products or services for a fee (even if its for a discount) In Africa, being a founder is not easy to script in a book. Your community will see you as #THE_BOOK. They read you, your lifestyle and your results. The attention span is very limited and you may not have the comfort of being exclusive with a brilliant idea. Every brilliant and noble African business idea is actually a very basic NEED. Once it's exposed, 100 people will #Copy_Paste and move faster than you. It is a desperate battle, similar to life and death. Before you put on that bespoke Italian suit, become an African warrior in business. The battle is not an easy one but it is one you are naturally equipped to win. #UNTAMED