Mike Song Brings The Hamster Revolution to Africa

Key Takeaways: Africa is an amazing place to visit.  Add an African safari to your bucket list. They have email overload too!

I have just returned from an amazing speaking tour in Africa sponsored by The Young President’s Organization (YPO). I provided 10 Get Control! of Email talks in 4 countries: South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria. The trip began in Jo’Burg South Africa where I presented at the prestigious and beautiful Gibs Business School.

Mike Song With Adam and Jacqui Craker  – GIBs Business School – S. AfricaMy YPO host, Adam Craker was a dream to work with and I later presented to his company – IQ Group. IQ Group is one of the best and brightest business consultancies in Africa (Think McKinsey of Africa) and yes – I was intimidated!  But all went well and Adam took me out to dinner that night where I tried and greatly enjoyed my first ever Ostrich steak.

The next stop was the bustling, high-energy city of Nairobi Kenya. I was greeted by Sachen Chandaria and Hasit Patel – 2 extremely successful local executives and wonderful ambassadors for their country. I was extremely excited to present to over 50 CEOs at an amazing location – Safaricom world headquarters. Safaricom is Kenya’s largest telecom and its facility was world-class. I was introduced by Sachen and Safaricom CEO – Bob Collymore!

My host Sachen insisted that I see the wildlife in Kenya National Park. I will always treasure this tour – we saw so many amazing animals. Sachen told me that lion sightings are extremely rare and yet – through some miracle – moments after entering the park I snapped this picture!

At this point, I was so blown away by the kindness of the African people – that I realized I was on the trip of a lifetime. BTW – The hotel that I stayed at — The Fairview Hotel – was one of the nicest places that I have ever been – a quiet, comfortable oasis within the fast-paced Kenyan metropolis.

Sachen and Hasit had set up a session for employees and business associates of the CEOs in YPO Kenya. I expected perhaps 50 attendees and was shocked when close to 200 people showed up to hear my talk on how to Get Control! of Email. The people were so warm and kind – it really was a thrill.

My next stop was Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I stayed at the stunning Sea Cliff Hotel.  Dar es Salaam is a growing, evolving city.    When I checked in I almost couldn’t believe just how beautiful the place was. I presented to executives in a wonderful meeting room in the hotel and enjoyed the grounds for the rest of the day. My hosts Dipen Shah, Shekhar Kanabar, and Nadeem Noordin taught me a great deal about the opportunities and challenges of business in Tanzania.  I also came to understand that Tanzania has some of the most amazing animal preserves in the world including the amazing Ngorongoro Crater – a crater in which entire populations of animals live.

The trip concluded with 2 presentations in Nigeria.  I learned that Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country.  It is oil-rich and business is beginning to take off after a period of military domination.  There is a disparity between rich and poor but I got the strong impression that growing commerce and an increased focus on education could help. My YPO hosts Sean Hsu and Charles Anudu helped me understand the incredible potential of this evolving country.

I will never forget my presentation to 100 employees of YPO companies including the innovative Emel Company led by Mahesh Asnani.

Walking around Nigeria was exciting – there were so many different kinds of people and styles.  It was like a color explosion.  I took lots of pictures and my favorite one is below.  A Muslim man in an incredibly colorful outfit riding a motorcycle.

Fast Moving NigeriaIt was a thrill to travel to so many different places and meet so many incredible people.  Special thanks to my good friend – Tom Patton who introduced me to YPO several years ago!

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