Femi Otedola’s memoir, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business, has become a must-read for anyone looking to succeed in the business world.
Released in 2025, the book gives a deep dive into Otedola’s life, tracing his journey from his modest beginnings to becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential businessmen.
But beyond the business deals and big numbers, there are lessons in resilience, strategy, and giving back that are universal and can inspire anyone who’s chasing their dreams. Here are three powerful life lessons from Otedola’s book that every entrepreneur should pay attention to.
1. Resilience
If there’s one thing Otedola’s story teaches us, it’s that life doesn’t always go according to plan—but how you respond can make all the difference. Take, for example, the 2008 oil crisis. Otedola’s company, Zenon Petroleum, was hit hard by a combination of plummeting oil prices and the devaluation of the naira.
His financial empire took a massive blow, but instead of folding or giving up, he found ways to rebuild and come back stronger.
What’s incredible about his story isn’t just the losses he suffered, but how he managed to pick up the pieces. Otedola’s approach shows that setbacks aren’t the end of the road. They’re part of the journey, and often, the toughest moments lead to the most significant growth.
So, whether you’re facing challenges in your business or personal life, Otedola’s message is clear: resilience is everything. Bounce back stronger, and you’ll come out on the other side more prepared for success.
2. Smart Risk-Taking
Another lesson Otedola shares is about the importance of strategic risk-taking. In his early days, he made calculated decisions that could have either been huge successes or major failures.
One of his biggest moves was investing in Zenon Petroleum and Gas, a decision that ultimately paid off, turning him into a major player in the Nigerian oil industry.
What Otedola teaches us here is that while risks are part of any entrepreneur’s journey, they should be thoughtful and strategic. It’s not about jumping into every opportunity that comes your way, but about choosing the ones that align with your goals and where the potential reward outweighs the risk.
He shows us that taking risks is essential for growth, but those risks should be calculated, with a focus on research, intuition, and long-term vision. For entrepreneurs, this means trusting yourself and not being afraid to make bold moves when the time is right.
3. Philanthropy
Femi Otedola’s success isn’t just about money; it’s also about what he’s done with it. Throughout the book, Otedola talks about how philanthropy has always been at the heart of his business philosophy.
He believes that true success goes beyond wealth; it’s about making a positive impact on others. Whether it’s supporting education or contributing to community development, Otedola uses his wealth to create change and leave a lasting legacy.
This is a lesson for all entrepreneurs: success should be about more than just making money. It’s about using your position to help others, make a difference, and build something meaningful.
Otedola’s commitment to giving back shows that philanthropy doesn’t just improve lives; it enhances your own success, creating a network of support and goodwill that helps propel your business even further.