Sebonego's Tell-All Book On Boardroom Truths
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday September 9, 2019 11:16
Titled ‘RAW: The Start, The Race and The Finish’, Sebonego has unveiled that he does not just talk business but he lives it.
The soon to be released book summarises the true-life story of Sebonego’s fascinating life in business blended with key insights, lessons learnt and cautionary notes on how to start, deal with the messy middle and running a sustainable business.
With an inspiring journey Sebonego’s investment portfolio includes property, insurance broking, textile manufacturing, agribusiness and road construction amongst others. The seasoned entrepreneur told Business Monitor that he has finally decided to write a business book to share his life story and experiences as an entrepreneur.
“We live in an environment where business keeps on changing, accelerated by constant innovations and technological advancements, making running a business more challenging,” he said.
According to Sebonego the book seeks to demystify entrepreneurship. He said the spirit of entrepreneurship locally is still at infancy stage and most people get in it for the wrong reasons.
However, he cited that there are capable entrepreneurs locally. “There is too much excitement about entrepreneurship and most people venture into it because of circumstances beyond them like retrenchment, unemployment and are mostly not mentally prepared for the challenges,” he said.
“Consumers take time to appreciate products and our education system on the other hand also does not prepare students for entrepreneurship.”
Sebonego further noted that lack of support amongst local entrepreneurs and the society is a major huddle highlighting that the population is already not doing justice to the business landscape. “I have always been passionate about commerce, I like seeing other entrepreneurs succeed. I had to learn the hard way, through trial and error, with no one in my corner and no financial backing, and nothing but my resolve to succeed,” he said.
According to Sebonego, the book is one of his “many ways of giving back to my society and the rest of Africa”.
Sebonego also has two upcoming entrepreneurs under his wing that he mentors and has given them a stake in one of his companies. “Just because I had no one to guide me, it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t share my story and experience with my fellow entrepreneurs,” said Sebonego.