In the world of global media, few names hold the kind of respect and admiration that Mo Abudu commands. Often called “Africa’s Oprah,” she’s far more than a media mogul. She’s a visionary, a cultural architect, and a tireless entrepreneur who built a platform that made African stories not just heard but impossible to ignore.
Mo’s journey from a successful corporate career in the UK to founding EbonyLife Media is nothing short of extraordinary. Her story is more than just about business success, it’s a powerful testament to living with purpose, embracing identity, and believing in yourself even when the world doesn’t.
Here are five powerful entrepreneurial lessons we can take from Mo’s remarkable journey:
1. Start Where You Are, Use What You Have
Mo didn’t start out in the media world. She was an HR executive in London before returning to Nigeria. It was there, in an unfamiliar territory, that she took a bold leap to create Moments with Mo at a time when quality local content was in short supply. With no prior experience in television, she built an entire media empire from scratch.
Lesson: Entrepreneurship doesn’t always begin in the ideal circumstances. It begins with a decision, the decision to take that first step, even when you’re unsure of the way forward.
2. Don’t Wait for Representation – Create It
Mo was frustrated by how Africa was being portrayed globally, mostly through stereotypes and negative lenses. Rather than waiting for someone else to tell African stories, she decided to create them herself. Through EbonyLife Films and EbonyLife TV She’s given the world a fresh, dynamic view of Africa, proving that the continent is rich with beauty, brilliance, and complexity.
Lesson: Visionary entrepreneurs don’t wait for opportunities to knock – they build the door and walk through it themselves. If the world isn’t reflecting your story, take the reins and share it on your own terms.
3. Elevate Your Standards, Not Your Excuses
Building a television network, producing Nollywood blockbusters, and landing a multi-title deal with Netflix aren’t easy feats, especially when you face resistance and doubt. Mo encountered her fair share of obstacles, but she never let them sway her vision or lower her standards. Even in the face of systemic challenges, she kept moving forward.
Lesson: Excellence is non-negotiable. Let your work be so exceptional that even the loudest doubts have no choice but to fall silent.
4. Use Your Platform to Lift Others
Mo didn’t build her empire in isolation. She’s always believed in using her platform to give others opportunities. Through internships, mentorships, and creating inclusive content, she’s opened doors for countless young African creatives and professionals.
Lesson: True entrepreneurship isn’t just about what you accomplish, it’s about who you help along the way. Legacy is built not just on your success but on the lives you touch and elevate.
5. Keep Reinventing, Keep Expanding
From starting a talk show to producing films, launching streaming platforms, and hosting international events, Mo has continuously evolved. She understands that entrepreneurship is about more than reaching a destination – it’s about constantly learning, adapting, and staying ahead of the curve.
Lesson: Keep evolving. The moment you stop growing, your relevance starts to fade. Stay curious, stay innovative, and continue to reinvent yourself.
Overall
Mo Abudu’s story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is about more than just making a profit – it’s about making an impact. It’s about having the courage to create something new where nothing existed before, and having the resolve to continuously push against the norm. Mo shows us that no dream is too big when fueled by vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.
In her own words:
“If you can think it, you can do it.”
So the real question is: What are you thinking, and what will you dare to create?
