Reset Your Focus
Dear Under 40 CEOs,
Another week is a chance to reset your focus and sharpen your leadership. Growth is built in small, consistent decisions: how you listen, how you learn, and how you work with people.
Here are this week’s key reflections.
PITCH NIGHT: A SEAT AT THE INVESTMENT TABLE
On 27th February, Under 40 CEOs will host a closed Pitch Night in Ikoyi, bringing a select group of founders face to face with Venture Capital firms, Angel Investors, and strategic partners.
Only 10 investment-ready businesses from our community will be selected. This is a high-level session designed for serious funding conversations, visibility, and direct feedback from decision makers.
If your startup is ready, submit your pitch deck to deals@under40ceos.com.
Deadline is 16th February. Slots are extremely limited.
Time: 4pm
Venue: Lagos
LEADERSHIP HAS NO MONOPOLY ON IDEAS
“Everyone is important, everyone has something to offer, and no one has a monopoly on ideas or knowledge.” — Orondaam Otto, Founder and Executive Director, Slum2School Africa.
Progress is never a solo effort. Strong leaders recognise the value in every voice and build teams where ideas can surface freely. The best outcomes come from collective thinking, not ego.
WHEN PEOPLE FEEL SEEN, PERFORMANCE RISES
Leadership is more than targets and strategy. It is the culture you create. Trust, recognition, and respect drive commitment and execution. When people feel valued, they think better, act faster, and take ownership.
NETWORKING THAT CREATES OPPORTUNITIES
Stop asking surface questions. Ask what people care about, what shaped their journey, and how you can support them. Meaningful relationships are built through genuine interest and value, not business cards.
LEARNING RESOURCE FOR THE WEEK:
HOW WE MADE IT IN AFRICA – VOLUME 1
Real growth comes from learning directly from those who have built, failed, adapted, and succeeded on the continent.
How We Made It in Africa, Volume 1, shares the journeys, decisions, and lessons of African founders and executives who have navigated real markets, real challenges, and real scale.
If you want practical insight, leadership perspective, and context you can relate to, this book is for you.
To get your copy of How We Made It in Africa, Volume 1, send us a message on any of our social media platforms below.
WHAT’S NEXT?
This week, listen more closely. Lead more intentionally. And invest in learning from those who have walked the path before you.
WHO WE ARE
Under 40 CEOs connects Africa’s next generation of business leaders with the insights, community, and opportunities that accelerate growth.
For partnerships or enquiries, email info@under40ceos.com
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Until next week,
Under 40 CEOs
www.under40ceos.com