EVERY DREAM STARTS SMALL: A CASE STUDY OF EQUITY BANK

 Equity Bank started as a small building society in Kenya and today it is one of the biggest financial conglomerates in Africa. When one follows the story of Equity Bank and its impact on the socioeconomic prosperity of over 15 million Africans he or she is inspired to take action on their dreams.  Every African has dreams but many of our dreams not not realize their potential due fear. The founders of Equity Bank had a clear vision and they took small steps to make it a reality. Today we see a gigantic financial conglomerate that is giving dignity to countless Africans.

As a practitioner who speaks to various youths including university graduates I am concerned that a number of them do not believe in their dreams. They speak about them in a "small way" or without conviction. The world has changed. There was a time when Uganda had one university and a university student was guaranteed of a job even before graduation. Today the narrative is different. With over 40 universities many graduates are jobless. In fact just a few weeks back there was a newspaper head line that over 500,000 graduates are boda boda riders. 

The message to today's youths is that they should tighten their belts and believe in their dreams. I strongly believe that a Business Administration student should think of developing a business using the entrepreneurial concepts that they studied. But many graduates fear to voice out their business ideas and at the end of the day they are jobless for years. What the world requires today are bold youths who are not afraid to start with what they have. Many youths assert that they lack capital to start up businesses. But in the grand scheme of things it is executed ideas that can attract funding. We need to develop a generation of youths who look at problems as opportunities. Money is attracted to problem solvers. Even organizations want to employ graduates who are keen on adding value to them and solving problems in society. It seems a common pattern that the world recognizes problem solvers. These include Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. The key question is what problem is the current youth solving?

HOW TO NURTURE OUR DREAMS

1. Start with God

2.Have a curious mindset.

3. Have a positive attitude

4.Journal your experiences

5. Learn from your past.

6.Think big

7.Develop a positive attitude 

8.Use your skills to serve humanity

9.Solve problems

10.Seek mentorship

11.Seek for successful people


Everyone has dreams. But a number of dreams do not see their potential. In fact Dr. Myles Munroe noted that the wealthiest place on earth is not the gold mines but the cemetery. This is where unaccomplished dreams are buried. From the above examples I believe we do not have the right to abort our dreams.


Phillip Kiryowa

Personal Finance Coach(CPC)

Advanced Empowerment Link

+256752615916

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