We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful John Agbekponou. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with John below.
John, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I built my confidence and self-esteem by facing and overcoming various challenges in my personal and professional life. Taking time to reflect on my achievements, understanding my strengths and weaknesses, and practicing mindfulness helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself. Surrounding myself with supportive individuals who believed in my abilities was instrumental in building my self-confidence.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a Digital Innovation leader, Distinguished Engineer and Entrepreneur. My core competencies include machine learning, cloud computing, distributed systems, and software development. I have a strong domain expertise in retail, healthcare, and financial industry related solutions, and a passion for digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. My endeavors in AI have not only been about embracing its opportunities but also meticulously managing the risks associated with its adoption, ensuring that businesses remain resilient and agile in this ever-evolving digital landscape. I fostered a technically and financially driven culture, focused on value creation and business problem-solving. I thrived in high-stakes scenarios, employing a hands-on leadership style that prioritized communications with stakeholders at all levels.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my entrepreneurial journey, I would say the three most impactful qualities were resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to build strong networks.
1. Resilience: The journey of an entrepreneur is fraught with ups and downs. The ability to bounce back from failures and persist through tough times is crucial. For those starting out, I recommend developing a strong support system, practicing self-care, and continuously reminding yourself of your long-term vision.
2. Strategic Thinking: Being able to think strategically and see the big picture while still managing the day-to-day operations is key. To improve this skill, I suggest studying successful business strategies, learning from mentors, and regularly setting aside time to review and plan your business goals.
3. Networking: Building and maintaining a strong network of mentors, peers, and industry contacts has been invaluable. Early in your journey, focus on attending industry events, joining relevant groups, and being open to learning from others. Building genuine relationships will open doors and provide support when you need it most.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, I’m always on the lookout for innovative partners and collaborators. I’m particularly interested in working with tech enthusiasts, software developers, and AI specialists who are passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. If you have expertise in these areas and a collaborative spirit, I would love to hear from you. Please reach out directly on LinkedIn to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.
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