2017 was a year with the BANG! Though we experienced some ups and downs, some challenges which trained us to be better and fit. It thought us not to trust anybody but oneself. No one, or let's say few people would have you covered in the cold. Doors were slammed at us. But we smiled and said for all the doors slammed at us, we are coming to get the building. OK I'm a visionary. And my visions never fails me. And when I say vision, I mean vision. I trust people a lot and love to give everyone I come in contact with, opportunity or an helping hand to be great. But it's unfortunate, some take me and my kind gesture for granted. A young lady was into Perfume manufacturing. I know a guy who does same thing and was eventually given an acre of land by the Ooni of Ife (arguably the overall King of the Yoruba's). I wanted to help her make N40m per annum by just sitting on TeachersAroundMe's lap. She was amused. Got some more info. And went into thin air. I smiled. Sometimes when I offer help, some think there should be more to that kind gesture. Whereas it's my spirit to always have impact in lives. Let's say, that's part of what birthed TeachersAroundMe.com Having Impact! We could say it also made our mantra of "redefining lives positively." Well that's my mission. To make and see the wold a better place to live by all.
2017 was a year with the BANG! and 2018 will be BANGDANGDANDANG!!!
We have a culture at TeachersAroundMe. Well the screening process is a bit tough now. And you know what, we drop unqualified candidates like 💩. Though it's rare to see unqualified people want to join us initially. But we see some traits that are not accepted in the family. It could be some slow people, not too active, hardworking and very smart so we take critical look at these things and drop people even when they seem qualified professionally. Lol! The TeachersAroundMe team call me workaholic. Prior to me founding TeachersAroundMe. Those I've had work experiences with always call me workaholic and trust me to handle big projects and deals. As a matter of fact, there was a colleague of mine who knows about my business (haven't started then) but still wanted me to help build his startup. Lol! One of those who call me workaholic. Needed the workaholic Arik Olakunle On his start-up team. I gladly accepted to join. Though the company couldn't afford to pay. Not even any gift or compensation. But I accepted. I'm all about having impact. Rewards will definitely someway , someday find their ways in. It could not just be in cash. But some other beneficial ways. Which may not even be from those I helped. All the time, I look up to God for rewards. This colleague was older than me. And believes he knows it all. Though I try to checkmate him right from time in my own little knowledge and understanding of the situation. Gladly, he usually object at first. And when he has his fingers burnt, he always come back to the visionary Arik for the opinion he gave earlier or come back to say Oh! You were right, I should have listened. And you know what? I feel delighted sometimes when I tell people something and they go against it, cause they usually come back. He got a very big office Space, I told him he doesn't need it yet. But thought I was saying gibberish. I told him the reality of the matter. And he slammed me. Cool. It's obvious it won't and can't work. I knew it before start, just felt I could be of helped since he sought after me after seeing my capability. I know him to be a bit aggressive, secretive and someone who think he is smart. But I just smile whenever he comes up with his tortoise prank. And just play along. To cut the story short, he offered a space in his big office for let (which is illegal though). Saw it online. Painful! Before I knew it, he had packed up. Disastrous! It wouldn't have happened. Well maybe not then had it been he had listened. The message is always be very careful in whatever you are doing. Be able to know who wants best for you and who doesn't. Don't be carried away with 2mins instant noodles. When you can wait for pasta that could full your belly.
It's amazing how much progress we've made and we are making at TeachersAroundMe.com . some are visible while some are waiting to be unveiled. It wouldn't have been possible without you guys. So we say thank you to everyone who have heard, know and supported our mission positively and negatively. It's been a merciful and glorious journey. Our clients are even asking for more. And when I mean more, something outside our scope. It's been God's grace all the way. And I concur to the fact that when God wants to bless you, he will cut people off you. Why? Cause he wants to own all the glory. So I finally forward all the thanks, praises and glory to God for being our pillar at TeachersAroundMe.
Be redefined,
Arik Olakunle Raymond Awodein
Founder & CEO TeachersAroundMe.com 