Entrepreneur Debo Onifade, CEO of DelonApps and DelonJobs, shares how he pivoted his company from hardware to digital services, scaling to 200 employees in under four years. He discusses his coaching-based leadership style, niche market strategy, and the lessons he’s learned from rapid growth. He also reflects on the importance of adaptability, investing in young talent, and building strong partnerships for long-term success.

Takeaways:

• Focus on hiring and nurturing young, enthusiastic individuals. Investing in their development can produce high returns as they become key assets to the organization. This approach also fosters loyalty and drives innovation within the team.
• Focus on niche markets. Specializing in a niche market can provide a competitive edge. By becoming experts in a specific area, companies can distinguish themselves from larger competitors and meet specific client needs more effectively.
• When opportunities arise, being able to scale quickly can make a significant difference. Debo’s rapid hiring practices during a period of high demand showcased the importance of readiness and operational flexibility.
• Focus on solving real-world problems. The core of any business should be about addressing a problem effectively. This mindset drives meaningful innovation and keeps the business relevant.
• Building strong relationships and being more sociable can open doors to new opportunities. Developing partnerships, whether with co-founders, employees, or industry peers, can significantly enhance a leader’s ability to succeed.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deboonifade/
• Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/delonnigeria/

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501
• Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClf9QxGUxZw_Sv8_4bZP34Q

This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency.

Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com