Personal Innovation – Part 1

One of the most encouraging stories that inspire me is that of Barbara Okereke, a cake designer, founder and managing director of Oven Secret Limited Nigeria. In 2019 she was named a member of the Forbes Africa 30 under 30 class. The highlight of her story for me is how, after recognising that getting a job was proving difficult, she decided to invest in upgrading her skills in baking. A move that took her from being ordinary to outstanding in a short space of time. Today Oven Secret is at the top of its game creating beautiful cake designs that sometimes you have to do a double-take to confirm its real. I believe that one of the reasons she enrolled for the seven-day course costing 2500pounds was that she realised to be the best she needed to learn from the best.

Which brings me to the issue of natural talent/skill, and whether having it is enough to set you apart from the rest. I believe that an inborn talent gives you a head start in that you do not struggle with mastering the basics. However, at this basic level, several people within it share the same natural talent. Those without the natural gift can easily fit in the same level by working twice as hard and putting in the time plus effort. In a nutshell, unique is non-existent at this particular level. It is when you decide to go the extra mile and develop the skill that you eventually become extraordinary.

In the business world, the reason why companies like Google, Apple and Facebook continue to dominate is that they are always on the lookout for innovative ways to improve their products and services. They understand that change is constant, so its either they keep up with it or lose out to the competition.

Here is some food for thought; How are you developing your area of gifting? And are you currently at the top of your game? If not, then perhaps this might be the ideal time for some personal innovation. Albert Einstein once said insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly yet expect different results. So be creative, think outside the box and step out of your comfort zone. The ball is in your court, make it count!