In an interview with Samuel Ogundiran, Lincoln University's Class of 2024 Valedictorian, he reveals an inspiring journey from entrepreneurial beginnings in Nigeria to attending the Competing in a Global Era - Harvard Business School Africa Business Conference 2024. Samuel shares insights from the HBS conference, his belief in giving back to his home country, and his current startup, "Streims," aimed at addressing the challenge of out-of-school children in Africa.
Interviewer: Can you tell us about your journey to Lincoln University and how it led you to the Africa Business Conference at Harvard?
Samuel: I started my journey in Nigeria, where I co-founded two companies during college with my friends. The first was a restaurant called Saturdays, which offered a special dish popular in Nigerian households for Breakfast called Pap, Akara, and Moi-Moi. The second was a bike-sharing company called Cycles, inspired by services like Citi Bike. This venture also involved hosting a unique Cycling Competition at our college, marking the first event of its kind. These ventures fueled my passion for entrepreneurship and fintech, particularly through my work with startups like PiggyVest, Farmcrowdy, Treepz, One Health, and Crowdyvest. Before moving to Lincoln, I was also involved in social impact work, particularly helping children return to school.
I have been deeply involved in social impact work, including a campaign where I helped raise funds for someone’s tuition to an Ivy League school, a remarkable achievement at the time. This experience inspired me to test a similar concept for myself at Lincoln University. My decision to attend Lincoln was driven by a desire to validate the proof of concept for my startup, Streims. The initiative was to explore whether people would support education at a lesser-known institution, as they would for a prestigious one. Despite the challenges, I was able to finance my education through the generosity of those who believed in my vision.
Interviewer: How did you learn about the Harvard Business School Africa Business Conference, and what motivated you to attend?
Samuel: I heard about the conference from a friend who suggested it would be a great place to network and possibly find job opportunities. Initially, I planned to attend for those reasons, but I felt that God had a different purpose for me. I didn't have the funds to attend, so I took the initiative to reach out to the President of Lincoln University, Dr. Brodsky, explaining my interest in attending the conference.
To my delight, the President responded positively, stating that Lincoln University would be happy to fund my participation. The university’s support not only made it possible for me to attend the conference but also reaffirmed Lincoln’s commitment to fostering global opportunities for its students. I also received additional help from Friends and Family. This experience reinforced my belief that people are willing to invest in you if they believe in your mission.
Interviewer: How did attending the Harvard Business School Africa Business Conference shape your perspective, and what were the key takeaways from the experience?
Samuel: Representing Lincoln at the conference was an eye-opening experience. Although I initially felt disappointed that I didn't secure a job through the career fair, I realized the true value of the conference was in the connections and insights I gained. The event emphasized that anything is possible, and it inspired me to consider how I could leverage what I learned to make an impact back home in Africa. My key takeaway is that success isn't just about living the American dream—it's about taking the knowledge and opportunities you gain and using them to create positive change in your home country.
Interviewer: On your LinkedIn profile, you referenced Professor Seiko Chi's quote, "Fortune favors the bold." How has this philosophy influenced your approach to life and work?
Samuel: The philosophy "Fortune favors the bold" has been a guiding principle for me, especially while building my startup, Streims. The journey has been scary and challenging, but I believe that taking risks is essential to achieving success. I'm determined to persevere, even though the fear of failure is always present. This mindset has helped me stay focused and committed to my goals, despite the uncertainties.
Interviewer: Was there any Case Study or Presentation at the conference that stood out to you?
Samuel: One session that stood out to me was about the relationship between fintech and telecom industries. The discussion highlighted how these industries, which should be collaborating, often end up competing. The session emphasized the importance of partnership between fintech and telecom to build better solutions.
Another impactful moment was a speech from a former minister who urged attendees to return to their home countries to drive change. The minister emphasized, "We are all here talking about changing Africa, but if we just stay abroad and don't go back, who will make these changes? If we come here, see the improvements, and then choose to stay, we're not addressing the challenges back home."
This message resonated with me, reinforcing my commitment to leveraging these experiences and knowledge to make a positive impact in Nigeria through my startup, "Streims," which aims to tackle the issue of out-of-school children in Africa.
Interviewer: Can you explain the concept behind "Streims" and your vision for it?
Samuel: Streims is a social network that incorporates generative media for story-telling and financial technology to enhance philanthropy and simplify educational access. It’s a startup that I'm building to address the issue of out-of-school children, particularly in Africa, where over 40 million children are not in school. The idea is to create a platform that encourages people to invest in the education of these children. My vision is to build something that not only solves this problem but also has a lasting impact. The conference and the Harvard Case Study session with Professor Anywhere Sikochi have reinforced my commitment to this mission. I believe education has been pivotal in my life, allowing me to connect with people and opportunities that have shaped my journey.
At Streims, our goal is to address the issues of vulnerable populations who struggle with tuition fees by building community that supports educational initiatives and helps amplify the impact of philanthropy. We’re first starting with a pilot project in Nigeria, aiming to collaborate with schools and nonprofits to make a tangible difference in education.
Interviewer: As a valedictorian, how has your academic success influenced your approach to your career aspirations?
Samuel: Being a valedictorian has instilled a sense of responsibility and a strong work ethic in me. It taught me the value of dedication and perseverance. This success has reinforced my belief in setting high goals and working diligently to achieve them. In my career and entrepreneurial endeavors, I apply the same principles of commitment and excellence, always striving to exceed expectations and make a meaningful impact.
Interviewer: Is there a particular role model or mentor who has significantly impacted your personal or professional journey?
Samuel: I don’t have just one mentor, but I look up too many people who have inspired me. Nelson Mandela’s leadership and dedication to education and freedom inspire me to approach my entrepreneurial ventures with a similar sense of purpose and social impact. I also look up to startup founders and mentors who have guided me along the way, some of whom are younger than me. This diversity of influences has shown me that impactful leadership and mentorship come in many forms and have helped shape my approach to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in my career.
Interviewer: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to make an impact?
Samuel: My advice is to let your passion guide you and remain open to opportunities. Entrepreneurship is a journey that often starts with a simple interest. I would say to just let it flow and follow your interests. My journey into entrepreneurship started with selling clothes in high school. My parents’ business and their support laid a strong foundation for me.
My advice is to build an interest in business, seize opportunities when they arise, and let your experiences shape your portfolio. The opportunities you take advantage of will eventually contribute to your overall success; embrace every chance to learn and grow. Additionally, leverage networking opportunities and seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Building a strong, supportive community around your venture can make a significant difference in achieving your goals.
Interviewer: What are your plans after completing your MBA?
Samuel: I’m giving myself five years to focus on building our startup, Streims, and solving real-life problems. After that, I’m considering pursuing an Executive MBA or possibly a doctorate program in Social Impact, any program that will help me be of better value to the community and people. While I haven’t decided on a specific university yet, I’m torn between institutions like Stanford and Harvard, given their prestige and the opportunities they offer. I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
These questions and answers aim to capture Sammy's journey, motivations, and vision, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to education.
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