Risk and Return: A journey of entrepreneurship and self-discovery in Africa

by Yomi Jemibewon, Famia Nkansa (Editor)

At a crossroads in life or your career and searching for inspiration to go after a dream, or the courage to stay the course in the face of so much uncertainty?

Then Risk and Return is just the book for you.

"Short, succinct, unforgettable life lessons of how to capture tomorrow today. This book comes highly recommended not just to the youth in search of meaning but also to the leader about to be displaced and the elder scared of disruption." - Konyin Ajayi (SAN), Managing Partner, Olaniwun Ajayi LP

 

"As an African entrepreneur who has been through many of the trials and tribulations Yomi describes in his book, I can relate to the ups and downs, but also the immense joy and fulfillment of building businesses on the African continent.” - Frederick K. Swaniker, Chairman and Founder, African Leadership Group

 

“This book is literally what every single person who wants to move back to Africa should read. Even people who are already back should read it just so they know there's a community of people who have been through what they are experiencing.” - Seni Sulyman, VP, Global Operations, Andela

 

"It is rare to get an inside scoop on the vulnerabilities of the entrepreneur who is well ahead in the "making it" journey, especially in the African context of prayer-as-strategy which leaves room for minimal lessons to be learned.  In Risk and return, Yomi has done a rich and thoughtful job of capturing that experience so others can learn." - Misan Rewane, Co-founder & CEO, WAVE Academies

 

Synopsis

Risk and Return is the story of one man’s return to Africa—a journey that begins with a search for self-fulfillment, which then evolves into an entrepreneurial adventure filled with tribulations, triumphs and many life lessons that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.  

 

In a casual conversational voice, the author–Yomi Jemibewon, gives an honest, often hilarious and sometimes sobering account of what it feels like to chase a dream under highly uncertain circumstances. His anecdotes and reflections about navigating an unfamiliar, sometimes unforgiving, African business environment — as an idealistic returnee, an eager entrepreneur, or a young family man — will help readers navigate the challenging and sometimes terrifying times that a person experiences when embarking on a big life change. 

 

For those readers with a special passion for Africa, his story just might inspire action to join the wave of people collaborating to galvanize positive change in Africa.

Genres: Africa, Entrepreneurship, Business

Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2018

Reviews

[Toyin Spades · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are just some books you read and you tend to highlight every other line because the book is so relatable and you learn a lot from it. Once I stated reading this book, I knew I was going to have cramps in my legs from sitting in one spot just reading until the very last word.

In 277 pages, Jemibewon tells his captivating story without airbrushing the doubts and struggles he faced once he decided to move back to Nigeria and start an enterprise with 3 partners.

It felt like I was listening to a life coach or a preacher because reading every other page had me saying "boom" or "wow". At some points, I was speechless and stared out of my window taking in what I had read.

I had to keep reminding myself that this was not just a story, it was the reality that 4 men who dared to think lived. Although this is told from a perspective of starting a venture in Africa (specifically Nigeria), I think it applies to anyone who dares to do anything outside their comfort zone.

At the end of the book, there are 15 profound lessons outlined, just incase you missed them while reading the whole book. If you are at crossroads or wondering if you can take a leap of faith into a new venture, read this book. The lessons will definitely guide your decision making process.

[Patrick (Kunle) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long while I blitzed through a book like this. Every aspect of this read felt so relevant to me, yup, it's going up on my favorites shelf.

What the book is about: The beautiful and adventurous story of the author and his wife's journey back to Nigeria from the United States. From working his first job, to starting a company with three partners, to braving all the quirks and complexities you'd expect in a frontier economy in one of the world's fastest growing, yet, most unpredictable countries. I wish we could get updated editions (perhaps every five years? Maybe I'm overreaching here), and I honestly think this would make a great movie.

Cheers to the author for strengthening my resolve. This book is very highly recommended.

[Abdulkamal Abdullahi · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Risk and Return’ is an insightful look into one man’s homecoming. Unhappy with his “perfect” life in New York City, and spurred by a desire to find fulfillment in his career and life, Yomi made the decision to move back to Nigeria and set up his roots.

In a refreshingly conversational (and surprisingly honest) tone, Yomi takes us on a journey sometimes fraught with disappointment (but often filled with hope and good fortune) that teaches us that through finding the right “family” and holding oneself accountable to a strong set of operating principles for work and life, one can find true fulfillment.

Great book.

[Bunmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young man is wandering round the streets of New York. He's got a great job, engaged to the love of his life - and the plan he has for his life is on track. But he's come to the realisation - he's miserable. He feels incredibly uncomfortable in his own skin. Something has to change.

If you're at a point in your life where you feel in your gut like something isn't right, if you're contemplating a career switch, thinking about starting a business, about taking any kind of risk - this book is for you. Yomi takes the story of his life, how he took that situation, took a risk, and went back to Nigeria after 13 years.

An exciting story about how we can plan as much as we like, but in the end, you have to be able to face whatever life throws at you, and take the road less travelled. And even when things are going well, life happens, and you have to rip up those plans and start again.

Lots of lessons in here about life, entrepreneurship and business - which applies to you wherever you are and whatever you're doing. Yomi opens up about his inner struggles, his successes, and the ups and downs of starting and growing a business. And somewhere in the midst of this tale, is an amazing love story.

Hooked from the first chapter - after a few sessions - I eventually powered through the book in one long session. Even though you know the end of the story, you want to enjoy the journey as you turn every page.

In case you haven't figured it out by now, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!

[Chinyere Evelyn Ifediora · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a privilege for me to read people's journeys whether in business, relationships and life generally. So I thank the author for writing this book.

It was an absolute joy-read for me with some tears at some point (I bet you'll have the same experience). Knowing I'll get back to the book was a treat for me during the period I read it.

I liked that it wasn't accounts of knowing-it-all but of growth and doing the work in spite of fears and uncertainties. I'm glad for their author's experiences in entrepreneurship in Nigeria, friendship and family life. Some of the accounts made me reminisce about my days as a fresh lawyer in a financial services startup. Like Mr. Jemibewon and his partners, those guys have continued to do important work in the industry.

Again, this was an excellent read for me (to think I just bought because of the title ...). 💯

[Morakinyo Beckley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, the author reveals how he navigated decisions bordering on choices to excel in a land with ceilings and limits for "outsiders" or to come to the place called home and build from scratch an entity that would enable him & his loved ones live freely & without prejudice.

He documents key business practices that his team learned from moguls such as co-founder of GTB, Fola Adeola, and furthermore lists key take aways from the lessons learned in his journey.

I gave four stars because I wished the book was much longer

[Adedeji Ajibola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not one for lengthy reviews so I’ll try to keep this short. Two things I love about this book:
1. It’s not filled with unnecessary information or over-flogged ideas, very succinct and straight to the point.
2. The author has actually done ALL of the things he’s laid down and it’s not filled with pie in the sky theories.

This is a must read, especially If you’re thinking of becoming a repatriate back in your home country or someone who’s interested in emerging markets in Africa or even someone living in Africa; you should consider picking this up.

[Kaizen Ventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging read

An engaging read on an entrepreneur’s journey. I laughed, cried and nodded my head recognizing many of the situations that Yomi has read. This book is for the young African trying to find their place in a new adopted home. It is for the individual who is looking to make a difference and a reminder that what may be trivial to us can be impactful for others. CardinalStone are one of the trailblazers and Yomi as one of four founders tells an inspirational story of their challenges and successes. Yet its Yomi’s story of charting the ups and downs together with his wife Tricia, challenging conventional stereotypes about that resonates more. Its rare to see a successful entrepreneur/professional be open to their vulnerabilities: Yomi has done so that we may all learn. I hope that others of his generation will follow his advice and “Dare to Share”

[imsimplydaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, which is approaches the topic of entrepreneurship with light humour and then gets deeply personal. It gives a great insight into leadership, courage and sacrifice.

If you’re looked for a detailed account on doing business in Africa, this book won’t give you the nuts and bolts. It will give you one or two great nuggets on what to consider before you take the plunge and one or two ideas about how to build a life raft in choppier waters.

[Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshingly

We need more stories like this. This was a refreshing journey that can provide mentorship and refreshing guidance to those seeing meaning and purpose in their careers.

[Iyanuoluwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliantly written, yet simple. The author was pretty honest with his entrepreneurial journey - shared everything. Lots of colloquial language too.

Totally recommend for all (would-be) entrepreneurs, returnee & any young person who just wants to do more with life.

[Fola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book to act as a reminder that passion and finding ones purpose is a journey. Not everything in life can be planned for and it’s crucial to remember to take incentive for projects, work, hobbies etc that interest us.

[Tolu Jawando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and amazing stuff. Similar experience to mine. Well done Yomi and partners.

[Tari Matanga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

As someone who is starting my own journey I was excited to read this. Then Life got in the way . I am glad I made time for this to spur me on

[Deolu Okesola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled on this book and loved it!

[Chibuzor]

Great book, good insight into the trails of entrepreneurship in a developing economy. Anyone walking into business in Nigeria should have a look at this

[Ifeoma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot, the lessons were very apt and useful for anyone at whatever stage of their career they’re in. I will return time and again to refresh on the lessons I learnt from it.

[Bebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

As real as it gets

It’s real and engaging. Part blueprint, part personal backstory and I think that’s what makes it endearing. It’s a story told in Lagos, Nigeria. It’s really an “anywhere, Africa” story.
Yomi dated to be vulnerable and this is what makes the book a really good and quick read. I couldn’t put it down.
It shows the good, bad and ugly and still leaves you ‘realistically optimistic ‘ about Africa and African opportunity; and I think that’s the point.

[Sibusiso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still my favourite management book, a master class on combining skills, good education, ethics and a commitment to leading a more purposeful career and life.

[Timi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read. Recommended for anyone who intends to start something in Nigeria.