Gate-B2's Temilade Ajayi sits down with Deola Art Alade, the visionary Founder and Group CEO of Livespot360 and Livespot Entertainment.
Beneath her cool, calm, and collected demeanour lies a formidable, fierce force that has quietly reshaped Lagos' entertainment and nightlife scene. Beyond her business acumen, she is a passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Her leadership is characterized by a steadfast commitment to empowering women and ensuring equal representation, paving the way for aspiring female professionals and breaking down barriers across the industry. Her dedication to DEI has also led to fruitful collaborations both locally and internationally, nurturing talent and significantly elevating Nigeria's creative industry. Under her guidance, Livespot360 has become a trusted partner in producing locally adapted versions of globally acclaimed formats, such as NBC/Universal/Showmax's The Real Housewives of Lagos, ITV's The Voice Nigeria (Season 3), and Amazon Prime Video's first African original, LOL Naija.
WHAT ARE SOME ESSENTIAL SKILLS THAT WOMEN SHOULD CULTIVATE TO EXCEL IN ANY SPACE THEY FIND THEMSELVES IN?
To excel in any space, women must cultivate a few essential skills that form the foundation for success across personal and professional areas.
Confidence and Self-Advocacy: The very first thing every woman needs is confidence. Confidence is the foundation for taking initiative and pursuing opportunities. It is crucial because it reflects how much we believe in ourselves, what we can achieve, and who we can become. Whether as entrepreneurs, career professionals, or women managing the home front, wearing our confidence with pride positions us for success in every aspect of our lives. This confidence also empowers us to advocate for ourselves; self-advocacy ensures we can articulate our needs, set boundaries, and claim our space in any environment. These skills empower us to assert our value and navigate challenges effectively.
Effective Communication and Relationship Building: Strong communication skills are essential for building relationships, influencing others, and conveying our ideas with clarity and impact. Never underestimate the power of effective communication and strategic relationships; they are crucial for personal growth and professional advancement. Building solid networks opens doors and creates opportunities.
Resilience and Adaptability: are vital for sustaining long-term success. Life and work are full of challenges, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adjust to changing circumstances will keep us on track toward our goals. These qualities help us navigate the unpredictable nature of any environment, ensuring we remain focused and motivated even in the face of adversity.
In a nutshell, cultivating confidence, mastering communication, and building resilience—alongside strategic relationship-building—are essential skills that will empower you to excel in any space you find yourself in.
HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY AND LEVERAGE YOUR PERSONAL STRENGTHS AS AN ENTREPRENEUR AND CAREER WOMAN
First, it starts with self-reflection. I think about my past successes and challenges, identifying the skills and traits that have consistently helped me excel. Feedback from trusted colleagues and mentors is also invaluable, as they often see strengths that I might overlook.
While natural-born talents play a role, most of my strengths have been developed through the activities and experiences I've engaged in over time. Resilience, in particular, has become a defining trait and a constant theme in my journey. I've learned the importance of staying tough, strong, and adaptable in navigating my sector's numerous challenges and obstacles. Developing a tough skin and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth have been essential to my success. By combining resilience with a clear understanding of my strengths, I can strategically leverage these qualities in decision-making, building relationships, or leading teams. The strengths that serve me well today might need to evolve as my career and business grow. Staying flexible and open to change ensures that I continue to leverage my strengths effectively, allowing me to navigate new challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND SETBACKS IN THE PURSUIT OF SUCCESS
Embracing resilience is essential for overcoming setbacks. The key is to bounce back stronger each time by learning from every challenge and using that knowledge to propel yourself forward. Persistence and determination are crucial, especially when progress feels slow, but they keep you moving toward your goals.
It's also important to reframe challenges as opportunities. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, try to view them as chances for growth and innovation. Ask yourself what you can learn from the situation and how it can ultimately make you better. This mindset shift can transform adversity into a powerful stepping stone on your path to success.
Throughout it all, stay focused on your vision. No matter what setbacks you encounter, keep your long-term goals in sight. Your vision serves as the anchor that guides you through challenges with determination and clarity, helping you stay on course even when the journey gets tough.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN MOTIVATION AND STAY FOCUSED ON LONG-TERM GOALS?
The most important aspect of maintaining motivation and staying focused on long-term goals is deeply connecting with your purpose. Understanding and regularly reminding yourself why you're pursuing your goals gives meaning to your efforts and keeps you driven, even when the journey becomes challenging.
Equally important is breaking your goals down into manageable steps. This approach allows you to celebrate small wins along the way, keeping your motivation high by showing tangible progress. Staying flexible and adaptable ensures you can adjust your approach when things don't go as planned, keeping you on track toward your ultimate vision.
Surrounding yourself with positive influences and practising self-care also play crucial roles in sustaining your energy and focus over the long term. By keeping your purpose clear and caring for yourself, you can maintain the motivation needed to achieve your long-term goals.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THOSE WHO ARE CONSIDERING TRANSITIONING TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP FROM TRADITIONAL EMPLOYMENT?
Start with a Clear Vision: Have a well-defined vision of what you want to achieve with your business. Understanding your "why" will guide your decisions and keep you focused as you navigate the challenges of running a new business.
Test the Waters: If possible and allowed by your employer, start your entrepreneurial venture on the side while still maintaining your traditional job. This allows you to test your business idea and understand the market. It also gives you a chance to experience entrepreneurship before fully committing.
Prepare Financially: Ensure you have a financial cushion to support yourself during the early stages when income might be unstable. This preparation is crucial for managing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship.
Embrace Continuous Learning: Be ready to learn new skills and adapt to the many roles you'll need to fill as an entrepreneur. Staying curious and open to learning will help you navigate the challenges ahead.
Plan for Uncertainty: Entrepreneurship comes with a lot of uncertainties, so it's important to be adaptable and ready to pivot when needed. Prepare for the ups and downs by having contingency plans and maintaining a mindset ready to handle the unexpected.
Believe in Yourself: Confidence in your vision and abilities is essential. The journey can be challenging, but trusting and staying committed to your goals will help you succeed. With the right preparation, mindset, and support, you can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a successful reality.
GATE-B2 is a publication of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services