Chukuma and Guobadia 978-1734752304 --- 192
Pages; First Printing: July 2020
In
Pursuit is a companion book. One
should have a copy in their briefcase, backpack or e-reader at all times. At
first look the cover literally knocks one out. It is a striking cover that
features use of Nigeria's flag colors: green and white on a
stark red background with white lettering. The image of a
weary business traveler being knocked from all sides
encapsulates the themes, lessons and stories exchanged
between the two authors.
The authors -- Chukuka Chukuma and Osaretin Oswald Guobadia -- take us on a journey through time, not chronologically but the way business moves. Chukuma and Guobadia manage to slow down the pace with conversational outtakes that position them as business partners and comrades in a quest to introduce readers worldwide on the opportunities Africa, particularly Nigeria, offers for entrepreneurs looking to broaden their horizon.
In
Pursuit crosses into several business book categories. It is part
guide, part memoir and most of all, it is a 'how to', though not from a
hand-holding perspective. The authors share candid experience and advice that
is applicable to citizens looking to move back, businesses looking to expand
into foreign regions and those who are unsure how to approach their
entrepreneurial dreams.
There are so many takeaways to
apply. Though I will share some notes and quotes here, they are only a small
portion of what I gained from this reading journey: The first step when
deciding to move back or venture into new territory is settling your family
into a stable and comfortable life. Failure is inevitable when you relocate to
Nigeria if you're not able to build the ground under you. Realizing "the 300
missing pages" of a successful person's business story is rarely if ever
told. "Time and chance happen to everyone but opportunity dances with
those already on the dancefloor".
In closing, Chukuma and
Guobadia delve into the cost if one moved back and re-entered the American
workforce. This topic is one familiar to anyone who has ever struck out on
their own. This book is a slim volume of what the authors have encountered and
their experience. The key for the reader is to not rush through the book; take in
the humor, the advice.
In
Pursuit is a moving contemporary narrative that includes a
historical context, and Nigerian sayings and pidgin words that one should look up
as you run into them while reading.
Recommendation: HIGHEST
--
Reviewed
by Guichard Cadet
