Interview with AMI’s first Champion, Yomi Olufiade

Tell us about yourself and what you do.

I am Yomi Olufiade, a male of Nigerian extraction. I turn 39 on September 26 (a few days away from here). I am married to my lovely wife, ‘Funmilola and our union is blessed with three kids – a boy, ‘Fifunmi and two girls, ‘Fikemi and ‘Fikunmi. My first degree is in Electronic/Electrical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria but today I work in the field of personal development consulting as a coach, speaker and trainer. And I’m also a pastor and Bible teacher.

Why did you choose to undertake AMI’s course? What do you like about it? What do you find difficult?

I got to know about AMI on Facebook. I saw the advert for the Managing Customers and Markets Course. First off, I must confess that I’m a personal development junkie. Learning and reading is the greatest addiction of my life. And I am not one to pass up a learning opportunity when I see one. I was at a point in my career as a speaker that I was thinking of expanding our influence and the impact of our work. And more so I was thinking, at that time, of increasing my value offering  in the corporate market as a trainer, so I thought if I’m going to teach this I can as well learn more about this.

What I liked about the course was the fact that it was online. I got to keep doing my day job while I learn and add value to myself. It was flexible and the course contents were sharp, concise and very explanatory. The facilitator made very complex stuffs simple to understand

What I found difficult about the course was the universal African challenge of broadband access at some times during the course. When you were ready to learn, the data stream would be poor and such stuffs. Another thing was that initially, getting a hang of the terms was a new experience; since my background was in Engineering but I think my enthusiasm for the course made the difference.

As a motivational Speaker, Personal Development Consultant & Leadership Coach, Pastor & Bible Teacher why is Managing Customers & Markets course important to you?

Of course, everyone who has any service/product to offer should understand he/she is dealing with people, and therefore must consider the market and the customers. Businesses do not exist without customers! To me, Managing Customers and Markets helped me to understand how to get into the heart of my clients and position my business for sustainability. My greatest learning experience in the course and the most invaluable to me was the Marketing Plan assignment.

How would you describe AMI to someone who is taking our courses for the first time?

To a first time learner with AMI, I would advise to take the course with seriousness. Such a person should not think that because it looks simple it is not challenging. I can tell you it is a great learning experience and it would be worth your while. You will have to discipline yourself to invest the time to learn and complete the activities. The activities would task you and force you to think and that is the real clincher!

How important do you think AMI’s practical courses are to managers and entrepreneurs?

I like that. AMI courses are PRACTICAL! African entrepreneurs need to begin to value hands-on training like this over paper qualifications. While the latter is good, the former deliver the goods! AMI’s courses, from what I see and have experienced, will help you think through your business processes while delivering an engaging curriculum. And it also helps the upcoming entrepreneur in that you don’t have to break the bank to get the quality training provided.

Which tool in your course did you find most helpful in your day to day activities?

The Marketing Plan Template

Which lessons did you enjoy most/least in Managing Customers & Markets and why?

That is a hard one for me to choose. But I’ll say the one I enjoy most was Unit 5 on Marketing Planning. It ties together all that I’ve learnt from the beginning to the end. By the way, the way AMI courses are designed is brilliant! A student can’t just skip through and get by. No way! I appreciate that.

How helpful was your buddy in your learning journey?

My course buddy was my wife. She provided the encouragement and motivation when I was finding it hard to focus. She was also a good sounding board in my learning adventure.

What are the three top Management ethics you have learnt from Managing Customers & Markets that you didn’t know?

• The importance of market segmentation
• The value of good marketing planning
• The value of a coordinated digital marketing plan

When have you had to demonstrate your team building skills while undertaking your Managing Customers and Markets course?

That was in drawing up the marketing plan.

Do you plan to take any other AMI courses? What would you be looking for in the next course?

Yes, as much as my schedule will allow and if it is of relevance to me. I’m currently undertaking the Designing for Impact and I intend to take the three courses in the Impact series. This is close to my heart because I have some non-profit projects up my sleeves. I expect nothing less than the same level of excellence and learning experience.

Thank you for having me and it’s been nice talking to you and answering your questions.