Last week, we spoke to the winner of our TeenBoss Leadership award, Andrew Njiokwuemegi. Not surprisingly, Andrew had some insightful advice for all the aspiring leaders in the world today, and we are could not be more excited to share it with you!
After Andrew’s success on TeenBoss, he went on to spend a week with the Hecticnine9 team, demanding plenty of screen time. So, without further ado, here is what Andrew had to say about himself, leadership and the youth in South Africa.
Hi Andrew, how are you?
Hi, I’m very well thank-you and yourself?
I’m great thanks, Andrew. I’m so excited to be talking to you. Firstly, I would like to say a huge congratulations for winning the Teenboss Leadership award, what an incredible achievement! Please could you describe yourself to our readers in a short sentence?
Thank-you very much. I am a young, keen individual focused on improving myself and influencing those around me.
How would you describe your experience at the TeenBoss workshop in 3 words?
Short, lively and empowering
What was your highlight of the TeenBoss workshop?
My highlight had to be the pitch. There was a real sense of unease you felt throughout the day, before and after the pitch! It was a new and different kind of excitement.
How do you plan to use the skills you learnt during the workshop in the future?
During the workshop, I leant to identify and solve problems. TeenBoss was just the Foundation and the basis for my introduction to entrepreneurship, and will hopefully lead to starting my own venture.
Why do you think entrepreneurship is so important in South Africa?
There is a statistic that says, “If every small business employed one more person, it would alleviate unemployment world wide.” We need young people to employ people both young and old. Entrepreneurship in South Africa has the potential to create possibilities for people, strengthen communities and give people hope.
If you could send a message to all the young people in South Africa, what would it be?
If I could send a message to all the young people in South Africa right now it would be that when times get difficult, the most important thing is that you persevere and always go forward with what you feel is right. Don’t let circumstances define your future. Focus on what’s important, which is your education.
What would your advice be to all the aspiring leaders in the world?
My advice to all the young South African leaders would be not to copy others. Do you and focus on what you know, and if you don’t know something, just ask. Don’t be shy to ask people who are more experienced. Never be afraid to be inquisitive.
Just one last bonus question: You were on Hectic Nine9 last week, which is incredible. How did you find your experience there?
Being on Hectic nine9 was a once in a lifetime opportunity. My confidence has been boosted to new heights. I feel like having a vision isn’t just a vision anymore; it’s a possible future.