Succession seems to be a major issue for the older generation of (East) African business owners. I am not surprised. From my experience working with SMEs and corporates, the layers of executives and managers often consists of trusted friends and family  or partners to whom something is owed (or vice versa). Not always the high potentials that could take a company further.

The layers below that do hold the talent hardly ever get noticed. Which is a shame, as in my experience, if the leaders in the buisness would do more of talent management, they would be pleasantly surprised by the throve of intrapreneurs they would find.

SPARK OF THE DAY

As a starting founder you have every opportunity not to repeat the same mistakes the previous generations made. Be mindful of the team and culture you are creating.

You’ve only got a few chances to get it right as once you grow, you grow on the foundations you created.