By Olufemi Shonowo

There are moments in life when a single experience changes your perspective, sharpens your skills, and pushes you beyond your limits. This is the story of one such defining moment in my career—one that taught me patience, resilience, and the power of relationships in the corporate world.

 A New Beginning

I had just joined a new firm after a few years of working for myself while learning new skills. It was an exciting transition, but I hadn’t even settled in when reality hit me—hard. The moment I walked into the building, I was met by my direct manager in the lobby. Without so much as a ‘Welcome to the team,’ he handed me my first assignment.

“We have a new investment opportunity. I need you to start work on it ASAP.”

There was no time to breathe, let alone get acquainted with my over 40 new colleagues or figure out what floor I would call my ‘binge zone’ for work breaks. Before I could even process the gravity of my assignment, my manager received a call from the Managing Director (MD). I listened as he discussed the investment opportunity, emphasizing that we needed to push the deal past the investment committee in just six weeks. He kept stressing how strategic this deal would be for the company.

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The Opportunity

It was a medium-sized deal, but the potential returns were staggering—at least 10 times our investment, plus a debt portion that can be converted to equity as an enhancement. Essentially, we would not only make money from the deal but also secure a long-term benefit through the conversion to the debt at a later date.

The company in question was an indigenous automobile manufacturer, one that had the potential to rival Innoson. And honestly? Their cars were sleek. The designs were futuristic, the technology state-of-the-art. The engines were hybrid, running on electricity, gasoline, and compressed natural gas (CNG). It was the kind of innovation that could revolutionize the automobile industry in Nigeria.

The Challenge

With little time to waste, I plugged in my earphones, played some cool neo-soul music, and got to work. Structuring the deal was going to be a challenge. The firm I worked for was an Islamic bank, which meant we had to strictly adhere to Sharia principles. This ruled out conventional interest-based lending structures. I had to think outside the box.

I was assigned only one analyst to work with—a bright, respectful, and hungry-to-learn individual. Together, we brainstormed, weighed various options, and finally came up with a hybrid structure:

– Debt Component: A N2 billion loan at a reduced markup with an option to convert to equity. 

– Equity Stake: A 5% equity stake to compensate for the markup forgone.

– Valuation: The company’s official financial model valued it at N12 billion.

With this, we struck a balance between profitability and compliance with Islamic banking principles.

 The Hurdles

After a week of intense work, we completed the investment memo and forwarded it to the risk team. The process was automated, which was a relief, but my relief was short-lived. The risk team came back with overwhelmingly negative feedback. Their concerns?

– The sustainability of the business model.

– Doubts about market demand for the vehicles.

– Concerns about how the brand would be perceived.

I had anticipated pushback but not this level of resistance. I had done my homework, though, and I wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip through my fingers.

 Winning the Risk Team

This was my first major task in the company, and I knew that early relationships were key. So, I went on a mission. One by one, I met with key team members over coffee, engaging in strategic ‘lobbying’ while cracking a few well-placed jokes to build rapport. These casual yet intentional interactions made all the difference. When I resubmitted my justifications and addressed their concerns, the risk team unexpectedly approved the deal—with praise, no less, on my presentation and structure.

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The Final Battle

With the risk team’s approval secured, the next stop was the MD’s desk. Thankfully, he approved it swiftly. But the biggest challenge still lay ahead—the investment committee.

The day of the committee meeting arrived. I walked into a room full of seasoned executives in sharp suits, each with the power to sink the deal in an instant. It was the kind of setting where even the smallest sign of uncertainty—a misplaced glance, a shaky voice, an unnecessary gesture—could expose weakness. My palms were sweaty, but I steadied myself.

I took a deep breath and started my presentation. With each word, my confidence grew. The committee members listened intently, scrutinizing every detail. One board member even took the opportunity to give me a mini-lecture on the industry, explaining how the company could leverage its reputation to generate additional demand.

By the end of my pitch, I had their vote of confidence. The transaction was approved in exactly two weeks—just in time for the deadline.

Victory and Recognition

The money was disbursed to the company, and there was a round of hearty cheers from the team. I had done it. I had proven myself. The best part? My name became synonymous with the project. Around the office, people started calling me by the name of the automobile company. It was my baby project, and I owned it.

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Lessons Learned

Looking back, this experience was more than just a successful deal; it was a masterclass in navigating the corporate world. Here are some invaluable lessons I took away:

 1. Patience and Resilience are Key

Corporate environments can be harsh, and challenges will always come. But if you stay patient and push through, success is inevitable.

 2. Build Relationships Early

People are more likely to support you when they know and trust you. Investing time in building relationships, even through casual conversations, can open doors where policies and processes seem rigid.

 3. Adaptability is a Superpower

I had to adapt quickly to the firm’s culture, regulatory constraints, and internal politics. Being flexible and thinking outside the box helped me find a compliant yet profitable deal structure.

 4. Confidence Sells

No matter how solid your idea is, if you present it without confidence, people will doubt you. Believe in yourself first, and others will follow.

 5. Presentation Matters

Your work might be brilliant, but if you can’t communicate it effectively, it won’t gain traction. I took time to refine my pitch, and it made all the difference in winning the investment committee’s approval.

 6. Push Through Resistance

Not every ‘No’ is final. If you believe in something, justify it with facts, communicate clearly, and seek allies who can help move it forward.

 7. Deadlines are Sacred

In high-stakes environments, meeting deadlines isn’t optional. It builds your credibility and shows that you can handle pressure.

Final Thoughts

This project was my initiation into a new world—one where high stakes, intense scrutiny, and tight deadlines were the norm. But it also showed me that with the right mindset, strong relationships, and unwavering determination, I could thrive in any environment.

So, to anyone stepping into a challenging new role or facing resistance in their work, remember this: Stay patient, build connections, think strategically, and push forward. Success is always within reach.

Till next time, see ya!

 

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