Starting work at 17, Ebun Emelogu's path to entrepreneurship was set in motion. But here's where her story takes an unexpected turn. How does one navigate the world of business while grappling with personal loss and the challenges of motherhood?
Morenike Taire's article delves into the life of Ebun Ejirinde Emelogu, CEO of Dixon & Risks consulting, who embarked on her entrepreneurial journey at 33, heavily pregnant, and amidst a sea of uncertainty. However, her preparation for this path began much earlier.
From a young age, Ebun was exposed to the professional world, accompanying her mother to work and dreaming of following in her footsteps. But tragedy struck at 17 when she lost her mother, leading to a loss of interest in studies and a desperate search for distraction. This marked the beginning of her career as a freelance translator, working with the FAO in Italy and discovering the importance of skills.
Ebun's multilingual prowess opened doors, leading her to pursue a degree in History and International Studies with diplomatic aspirations. Graduating top of her department, she competed with 300 candidates for a job at First Registrars, where she thrived. Her language skills continued to be a catalyst, offering diverse opportunities across industries.
Ebun's professional journey spanned various roles, from personal assistant to relationship officer, before finding her niche in education. She gained invaluable skills in negotiation, relationship management, data analysis, marketing, and customer experience. Representing a foreign institution, she was introduced to international education, shaping her future endeavors.
Motherhood, however, presented a significant challenge. Ebun acknowledges the vulnerability many women face during this stage, often losing their professional focus. She struggled to balance motherhood and a demanding workplace, eventually leading to her being fired. This painful experience sparked self-reflection and a realization about leadership's impact.
After overcoming postpartum depression, Ebun returned stronger in 2015, working with a high-performing organization. Yet, she felt a deeper calling. She noticed that generic solutions didn't address clients' unique challenges, inspiring her to create something bespoke.
In 2016, with no savings, computer, funding, or team, Ebun took a leap of faith, resigning from her lucrative job. Her idea and faith paid off, and she received a contract that birthed Dixon & Ricks.
This pan-African enterprise, focusing on consulting, education, and human capacity development, grew from a thought during uncertain times. Ebun's philosophy emphasizes the importance of conviction in entrepreneurship, acknowledging its loneliness and pain. She highlights the significance of staying motivated and remembering one's purpose.
Breaking the family mold, Ebun became the first entrepreneur in a family of technocrats. Inspired by Aliko Dangote's pan-African conglomerate, she models Dixon & Ricks Group similarly, focusing on sustainable and profitable subsidiaries.
Ebun's gender never limited her ambitions. She attributes her success to her paid employment years, providing structure and experience. Ebun's journey is a testament to growth, innovation, impact, and self-actualization, leaving her with no regrets, only gratitude and purpose.
But here's where it gets controversial: Emelogu suggests implementing a national internship policy to combat unemployment. Would this be a practical solution, or could it potentially burden organizations? She also advocates for education-focused grants and lower interest rates on business loans. Are these measures enough to support small enterprises? Share your thoughts in the comments!
