By Princess Joy
When Nigerian billionaire and business magnate Femi Otedola announced the release of his memoir, “Making It Big? Lessons from a Life in Business”, few could have predicted the scale of its impact. But now, the book has not only clinched prestigious literary and business awards, it has also crossed oceans, appearing on bookshelves in cities from New York to Nairobi, London to Lagos, Cameroon, South Sudan, Uganda, Singapore to São Paulo and even in Stores in the Uk and of course in Nigeria being his main launch pad and many more bookstores soonest. Just say the name and voila! it’s on the counter for the taken.
More than just a business book, Making It Big? is an unfiltered journey into the mind of one of Africa’s most celebrated entrepreneurs — A man who has navigated the highs of billion-dollar deals and the lows of near bankruptcy, emerging each time with new lessons etched deep into his philosophy.
A Story the World Was Waiting to Hear
The title itself, ending in a question mark, is Otedola’s deliberate nod to the uncertainty of success. In the opening chapter, he writes:
“The moment you think you’ve made it, the world will test you again. ‘Big’ is never a destination. It’s a moving target.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates globally in a business climate where yesterday’s market leader can become today’s forgotten name. The memoir is not a parade of victories but a candid account of failures, calculated risks, and the sometimes-painful reinventions required to stay relevant.
From the oil and gas empire he built through Zenon Petroleum to his strategic investments in the power sector and beyond, Otedola weaves in lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the courage to pivot when circumstances change. He recounts how at the peak of his oil business, a crash in global oil prices almost crippled his empire — an event that taught him the irreplaceable value of diversification.
Global Recognition and Prestigious Awards
Upon its release, Making It Big? immediately sparked conversations in boardrooms, classrooms, and literary circles.
Critics praised its hybrid style — part memoir, part business manual, and part philosophical reflection. The Financial Times described it as “a business book with the pace of a thriller and the heart of an autobiography.”
More than just a chronological account, “Making It Big” serves as a masterclass in cultivating and sustaining a positive mindset. It’s a powerful reminder that defying even the most formidable odds is achievable.
Lessons that Transcend Borders
While rooted in the Nigerian business landscape, the memoir’s lessons are universally applicable. Otedola outlines what he calls the Five Pillars of Enduring Success:
Femi Otedola’s “Making It Big” outlines five key pillars of enduring success:
1. Ambition
2. Hard work
3. Resilience
4. A positive mindset
5. The ability to learn from both successes and setbacks.
Femi Otedola’s new book, “Making It Big,” delves into his journey from dreaming of business before age 10 to achieving his first billion by 41, and beyond. The book, described as a blend of business memoir and personal narrative, explores his ambition, resilience, and philanthropic efforts. It offers insights into his mindset during both successes and setbacks, including the experience of losing and regaining his fortune. Readers can expect to find practical business lessons, personal philosophies, and a message of hope and inspiration for entrepreneurs, particularly in Africa.
His journey from early business ventures to achieving his first billion, losing it, and rebuilding his fortune, emphasizing these principles throughout his experiences
Each principle is illustrated with raw, behind-the-scenes stories — from negotiating high-stakes deals in global capitals to making tough decisions about layoffs during economic crises.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Femi Otedola’s upcoming book, “Making It Big,” is inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs by offering insights into his business journey, including both triumphs and setbacks. It’s framed as a guide for aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing personal philosophies and business lessons from his experiences, particularly in navigating high-stakes business environments
“If my story does not inspire you to dream bigger, then you haven’t read it deeply enough. Every setback I faced was a setup for a bigger comeback.”
Social media has amplified his message, with hashtags like #MakingItBig trending after each international book stop. Influencers, CEOs, and startup founders have posted excerpts, turning key quotes into viral business mantras.
The Mark of a True Legacy
For Otedola, the book is not a swan song but a blueprint. He makes it clear that the “big” in Making It Big? is not about net worth but about impact, innovation, and integrity. The memoir closes not with a list of his achievements, but with a challenge to the reader:
“Don’t just aim to make it big. Aim to make it matter.”
With global sales soaring and translations may soon be available, the memoir’s influence shows no signs of slowing. Libraries, schools, and business hubs around the world are stocking it — not as a tale of one man’s success, but as a roadmap for anyone willing to dream, dare, and endure.
From Lagos to the World
Making It Big? has cemented Femi Otedola’s status not only as one of Africa’s most formidable business minds, but also as a storyteller capable of bridging continents through the universal language of ambition, failure, and triumph.
In a world hungry for authentic success stories, Otedola has delivered a masterpiece — one that will inspire generations long after the ink dries.
