Mahmood Ahmadu : A rare one to one interview with super entrepreneur

I was privileged to spend a day with Mahmood Ahmadu in his palatial 5th floor office, located at their Fleet Street, London building.
His day was a combination of several private meetings as well as a board meeting lasting over 10 hours with some American partners who flew in for a very important project. As a man constantly on the move shuttling the globe, it is very rare to pin him down for meetings let alone interviews.
Fortunately he accepted my request to act as my business mentor. He told me because of the work I do influencing and contributing to so many people’s lives, he was equally happy to contribute to mine. So he allowed me to observe him at close proximity conducting his business. I showed up on an extremely busy day, and was ushered into his presidential style office by his Executive Assistant.
Even though he was in the midst of high level meetings, he allowed me to sit in on all the meetings. When he had a little break, I jumped in with my questions stealing 15 minutes here and ten minutes there etc for a total of one hour. I began by asking several questions mainly on his vision and inspiration, and how he has succeeded in building such a powerful technology company serving several government institutions and corporations in over 52 countries. Here is an excerpt from the hour long interview
Questions:

What is OIS, and what do they do?
Mahmood Ahmadu: OIS is primarily a technology company, and founded with a vision to become the one stop shop for all Nigerian visa processing including biometrics, administration and collection. We provide technical support to various diplomatic missions around the world including India and China.

Mahmood Ahmadu

There is no question that you have built probably the largest technology company coming out of Africa. What drives you?
Mahmood Ahmadu: My vision is to demonstrate something great can come out of Africa, and indeed the Black race, especially in business. When I see global giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, IBM and the like, I ask myself why not Africa too. So my vision is to create something of great value to the world, serving humanity and demonstrating the excellence of being black.
What inspires you?
Mahmood Ahmadu: People who have the ability to think outside of the proverbial box. People who are big picture thinkers, who are solution focused and who believe all things are possible. I am inspired by people who built something out of nothing, regardless of their humble beginning. I am inspired by people who never accept NO for an answer. Finally, people who respect human dignity
Who would you say has been the biggest influence in your life?
Mahmood Ahmadu: My mother has been my biggest influence both in my career and my life
I noticed you stopped a high-level board meeting because you had to pray at a certain time. How important is your faith in your life and business?
Mahmood Ahmadu: My faith is more important than anything else. I feel if I honour god and make him pre-eminent in all I do, he in turn will honour me. I do my utmost to observe the holy Quran’s teachings and instructions.
What are your thoughts about Africa’s potential?

Mahmood Ahmadu: Africa without any doubt will play a huge role in the world in the coming decades. Currently Africa has some of the most highly educated and trained professionals in the world. The level of entrepreneurial creativity and innovation I see among many young Africans fills my heart with hope and joy. More than anything else I feel what many need from their governments in Africa is the enabling environment; the right infrastructure like good roads, rail, constant power and stability, and the people will do the rest. Africans are naturally creative and resilient, and they will find a way once the above are put in place.
What advice do you have for the youths and the emerging entrepreneurs?

Mahmood Ahmadu: They should learn to train their minds to focus on solving difficult problems. They should not only focus on the low hanging fruits because some of the greatest opportunities are found in difficulties. They must develop persistence and make a promise to themselves never to give up no matter what life throws at them. Finally, they must not be afraid to dream big dreams and not focus on how the dreams will materialise.
I noticed you left the office yesterday at past 1am in the morning, you must have put in over 15 hours? Looks like you work really hard to have built such an enviable global co
Mahmood Ahmadu: Yes we had to close the deal with our foreign partners, and we continued the negotiations until we had an agreeable and satisfactory outcome. I do not make it a habit of leaving the office very late, only when necessary. I have been quite amazed at myself over the years at the punishing hours I put in. I can only give thanks to god for the strength and energy.
I notice your business footprints are in over 52 countries, and in 10 different time zones. How do you maintain your hectic schedule?
Mahmood Ahmadu: I am fortunate to surround myself with extremely competent and formidable team of people as you would expect, and most of the heavy lifting is done by our amazing group of people. I only get involved with decisions that require my personal attention. Mostly I spend my time articulating the vision of the future, and inspiring my team to dream bigger and think of bigger possibilities. I also spend time thinking about and planning for growth and new opportunities.
What is your next focus in terms of business goals?

Mahmood Ahmadu: To create a really strong and innovative business, and to focus more on Corporate Social Responsibility. Even though I have prided myself on giving back to society, I do not believe I do enough to the extent I dream of. I want to put CSR at the very heart of my business.