Book Review: Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business by Femi Otedola
If you’ve been searching for a business book that blends storytelling with practical advice, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business by Nigerian entrepreneur Femi Otedola should be on your list. Released in 2025, this book is part memoir, part guide, and offers valuable lessons for anyone thinking about starting or growing a business.
Otedola’s Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Global Impact
Otedola’s story starts modestly. He shares how his early ambitions shaped his career and how he refused to wait for perfect conditions before pursuing opportunities. His ventures span oil and gas, finance, shipping, and real estate. Some were huge successes, others failed dramatically, but the recurring theme is resilience. Even after massive financial setbacks, Otedola reinvented himself and rebuilt stronger.
For new entrepreneurs, that message is gold: failure is not final—it’s a stepping stone to the next opportunity.
Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs
- Resilience is the Core of Success - Business isn’t a straight path. Otedola’s ability to recover from billion-dollar losses and reemerge shows how critical adaptability is for long-term success.
- Diversify and Stay Opportunistic - He didn’t box himself into one sector. By spotting and seizing opportunities across industries, he built a business empire. For today’s startups, this reinforces the need to stay flexible and open to new markets.
- Purpose Beyond Profit - A major theme of the book is philanthropy. Otedola emphasizes education, healthcare, and giving back, showing that true success is measured by impact, not just revenue.
- Mindset Matters as Much as Capital - Confidence, persistence, and discipline come through again and again. His journey proves that your mindset can carry you further than money or connections alone.
Why Making It Big Stands Out
What makes this book compelling is that it’s not just theory. It’s filled with real wins, painful losses, and hard-earned comebacks. Many business books focus on strategy in isolation, but Otedola ties every lesson to personal growth and values. It’s a reminder that entrepreneurs build not only companies, but also character and legacy.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Aspiring entrepreneurs who need proof that setbacks don’t mean failure.
- Small business owners looking for inspiration to scale or diversify.
- Seasoned professionals who want to reconnect with purpose and philanthropy.
Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business is a refreshing take on entrepreneurship. It inspires with honesty, motivates with resilience, and challenges readers to think about the bigger picture. If you’re ready to start or grow a business, this book is a great reminder that success is about much more than profit—it’s about leaving a lasting impact.
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