Not every success narrative starts with a plan. Generally, it’s the twists and turns that prepare you for the broad moments.
That’s the narrative of Tomiwa Aladekomo, CEO of Gigantic Cabal Media, publishers of TechCabal and Zikoko.
In a conversation on Founders Connect, he shared his scuttle of constructing one among Nigeria’s most innovative media companies and the valuable classes he picked up along the way.
How Tomiwa Aladekomo Started
Rising up between Ilesha and Lagos, he learnt Yoruba earlier than English. At one point, he wanted to be an aeronautical engineer.
Nonetheless science wasn’t variety, he couldn’t pass Chemistry or Physics. That dream died, and so did the plan.
Eventually, Tomiwa Aladekomo studied Industry within the U.S. and started exploring advertising. From finance internships that paid well to unpaid roles in creative agencies, he was searching for what really fit.
He later earned a master’s stage in Anthropology and temporarily labored at Atlantic Information on album designs for artists appreciate Lupe Fiasco and T.I.
Nonetheless then came the visa wall. Twice, companies tried to retain him, but U.S. immigration insurance policies said in any other case. And so, back to Nigeria he came, reluctantly.
“I wasn’t ready. Nonetheless I urged myself, ‘Give it one year. No rash decisions. Make it work.’”
Trial, Error, and Reinvention
After polishing off NYSC at ThisDay Newspaper, Tomiwa Aladekomo started an occasions company called Quirk. They produced high-discontinue concerts and festivals, including Lagos Jazz Series.
Whereas it was creatively enjoyable, it wasn’t a stable enterprise.
That experience humbled him. He realised he wanted to understand how issues labored in Nigeria, how companies were constructed and how cash moved.
That led him to Nigerian Breweries, the place he headed digital operations for over two years.
“That role taught me structure, folk management, and how broad companies bustle in Nigeria.”
He was first approached to lead enterprise development. Nonetheless as the conversation evolved, the founders asked him to bustle the overall enterprise.
That provide aligned along with his prolonged-time want to create one thing that would last.
“I loved what TechCabal and Zikoko were attempting to contain. I believed shall we make it broad.”
Fixing the Foundation: Editorial Before Monetization
His first plan was to focal point on the enterprise facet, gather new revenue models and minimize dependence on advertising. Nonetheless the reality on the ground demanded in any other case.
“I came across myself spending lawful as grand time on editorial. Creating bellow material that connects is no longer a part-time job.”
He labored along with his editors to shift Zikoko from lawful listicles to meaningful bellow material. The breakthrough came with the In Our Lifestyles sequence, interviews that touched real-existence points and started real conversations.
On the TechCabal facet, the challenge was finding high-tier talent who understood both journalism and tech.
It took three years to rent a new Editor-in-Chief, and they invested heavily in launching TC Insights, a data and research arm of the publication.
The Energy of Processes
For him, constructing a great company is no longer about hiring handiest geniuses. It’s about constructing programs and processes that allow even average folk to thrive.
“In case your total company depends on one brilliant particular person, what happens when that particular person leaves?”
Gigantic Cabal now runs appreciate a machine. Editorial timelines are revered. Earnings is varied. And culture is constructed on innovation, possession, and velocity.
There’s a reason why so many Gigantic Cabal alumni discontinue up leading other tech companies or launching their beget ventures. According to him, it’s because of the high expectations and freedom given to team contributors.
“From day one, we give folk real responsibility. You’re expected to instruct at a high stage.”
Individuals leave Gigantic Cabal feeling stretched, empowered, and enterprise-ready.
Mistakes and Not easy Seasons
Pointless to say, there have been challenges. From hiring the contaminated folk to chasing enterprise models that didn’t work, and even revenue losses at some point of COVID-19.
“Media is no longer an easy enterprise. Nonetheless when it’s done factual, its impact is massive.”
He admits they’ve had to make painful calls. Nonetheless he’s also like a flash to say it’s all part of the scuttle.
Two Gigantic Lessons He’s Learned
Retain spirited, no matter what.
Even though a enterprise fails, don’t lose plan of the vision. Take a break if wanted, but don’t stop. Adjust the strategy, create new abilities, and retain going.
Turn into an expert for your space.
Whether or no longer it’s media, tech, or contain, know your craft deeply. Stare it. Obsess over it. Stay attractive and urged. At Gigantic Cabal, “you desires to be a media nerd.”
