As You Build Yourself, Build Others

Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life; it’s about what you inspire others to do.

One Sunday evening in January 2023, I went to the barbershop to get a haircut in preparation for the week—it’s a weekly routine for me. As I stepped into the salon and greeted the people I met seated, I noticed there was another chap having a haircut, just as I was about to sit next to him.

Initially, I didn’t notice he was beckoning at me and trying to get my attention until the person cutting his hair told me he was talking to me. Immediately, I turned to him and greeted him.

‘You can’t remember me again. It’s been ten years,’ he said.

I looked at him and tried to see if I could remember ever meeting him. I was blank. His face didn’t look familiar at all. Ten years? Where did I meet him? I couldn’t come up with anything. I told him I couldn’t remember, in all honesty.

He chuckled. ‘I know you can’t remember. I had just been hired, and I was in banking school. You came to address us that day and told us your story. The first thing you said was that you are a graduate of mechanical engineering and you have been a banker for years, and I said, Wow!’

‘I also studied chemical engineering, but I wasn’t sure if I should take the banking job. Listening to you that day helped me make up my mind, and I signed the offer. It’s because of you that I’m a banker today.’

I was stupefied. I didn’t even remember, as that was my previous bank when I used to speak to all new hires at the bank. Momentarily, I was lost for words as I hugged him. I asked him about his progress, and he mentioned his major career highlights. I love his trajectory, and I’m very proud of his achievements. He is very focused and goal-oriented.

He was done with his haircut before me, but he waited for me. As soon as I was done, I was about to pay for my haircut when he told me not to bother. He had already paid. I thanked him profusely. We exchanged numbers, and I asked him to please be in touch. Before he left, I told him he should remember to invite me when he becomes an executive director. I know God will honour my prophecy over him.

Make your work your ministry. True success is measured not by how many monuments you built but by how many people were able to light their candles by your fire. Share on X

Earlier that day, while speaking in church, I recall saying that we have to graduate to a level where our work becomes our ministry. Your job is not only a means of survival for you; it should also be a platform to inspire others. As you build yourself, build others.

True success is measured not by how many monuments you built but by how many people were able to light their candles by your fire. Inspire someone this week. Maybe one day, someone will pay for your haircut, just like Nnamdi paid for mine.

Thank you, Nnamdi. It was really a pleasure meeting you again.