I held an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Twitter. This is the continuation of the transcript. You may read part one here.

Q: What keeps you motivated?

A: I don’t want to be insignificant. Disliking poverty also helps. I discovered that money can buy me the freedom to do what I really love, instead of what I need to do to survive. I am also motivated by righteousness. I feel compelled to do the right thing.

Q: At your lowest point, what gave you the most confidence about yourself? What are three factors you take into consideration when considering a team to invest in.

A: My family and friends were my greatest cheerleaders at my lowest points. I’m also stubborn and hate failing, so I try to push through discouragement quickly. When considering a team to invest in, I look out for Values, Intelligence and Drive.

Q: How do you get the best from corporate life without losing yourself in the process?

A: You should have people in your life who can slap common sense into you, if you become proud or lose your way. They should also reinforce your values.

Q: How do you make investment decisions?

A: I look at track record, credibility and also whether the projected return is worth my effort – 50% pa or more.

Q: On the issue of personal growth – How do you expand your mind?

A: I read a lot and I prioritise travel. My reading list includes business, poetry, scripture, science, literature etc. It’s deliberate. I’m expanding my worldview.

Q: How do you invest? What are the lessons you’ve learned?

A: There’s a section of my blog that hosts all the articles I’ve written on investments. It should be useful to you.

Q: How do you stay grounded and true to your purpose without being tossed around by different ideologies?

A: I tell my coming of age story here.

Q: As an introvert, how do you engage so many people in your career?

A: Stubbornness and a desire to succeed. I do what I must do, then I go home, ignore everyone and recharge.

Q: How did you get to this point of self-assurance and confidence in your opinions and thoughts, without being bothered by other people’s opinions?

A: I “unlook” anything that doesn’t concern me. ?

Q: What do you think about the automobile sector in Nigeria with regard to youths? Do you think reviews and automobile related content would be profitable here in a few years?

A: We’re a relatively “poor” country. Automobiles seem to be for the middle class and elite but are aspirational for young people. So, if the blog targets that aspiration then, yes.

Q: When you are inundated with data, thoughts and opinions, how do you stay razor focused? Also, are you married? Do you have kids? What was your childhood like?

A: Over the years, my values have become my filter – what we call home training in Nigeria. Also, the principles I learned from the Bible have formed the bedrock of my ideology and character. These things keep me focused. Then, there’s stuff I learned from reading, which have shaped my cultural exposure and tolerance. I’m not married, and I don’t have any kids. My childhood was very independent and free.

Q: Do you know any Universities in Canada or the US offering scholarship opportunities?

A: You should ask @OgbeniDipo and @MomentsWithBren on Twitter.

Q: When you were younger, were you anxious about your future? If yes, what helped?

A: I was definitely anxious, but I had friends who validated me. Reading and watching movies also helped me to imagine my future and they shaped my ambitions.

Q: About reading…I want to inculcate that habit, but I don’t know which or what kind of books to start with. Any advice?

A: Here’s a recommended reading list:

1. A Brief History of Nearly Everything – Bill Bryson
2. The Culture Code – ClotaireRapaille
3. The Richest Man in Babylon – George S. Clason
4. The Alchemist – Paul Coehlo
5. Fast Company Magazine (Get a free 3-month subscription from Scribd)
6. The Bible (begin from Proverbs)
7. Open – Andre Agassi
8. Leviathan – Thomas Hobbes
9. Oliver Twist – Charles Dickens
10. The Screwtape Letters – C.S. Lewis

Q: Can you be a facilitator for an upcoming event?

A: Sorry. I don’t do events unless they interest me, they are a favour to someone I really like, or they help me to make money. ?

Q: Say someone has an idea to pitch to you, what’s the best way to go about it?

A: I would check out their profile first to get a sense of who they are, then I would request a one-pager. I would also ask for someone I know, who can vouch for them.

Q: What’s the best way to save money if you’re the breadwinner in your home?

A: Hide it, so you are not tempted to spend it on expenses. Take the money directly from source and lock it away using apps like CowryWise and Piggyvest.

Q: How can a woman merge career, love, kids and other things?

A: I wouldn’t know. I am unmarried and I don’t have kids.

Q: How can I raise my daughter to be like you?

A: Make sure she reads widely. Also validate her constantly and let her know she’s loved. The confidence I have is because I know I’m loved.

Q: You once mentioned you took the advice of a music producer to get a job and not do music, which was your first love? Why?

A: Because he taught me that once you take care of your basic needs, you have greater freedom to pursue your passion. Inadvertently, I found other passions that I loved and excelled at, so my trajectory changed.

Q: Was there any time you thought you made a wrong decision by taking a job? And if so, what made you stay?

A: Yes, there were times I regretted taking a job. But, I stayed out of loyalty and the belief that in time, I would gain greater freedom and have other options.

Q: What keeps you going when things don’t seem to be working?

A: My evening conversations with God. When he speaks, everything becomes peaceful.

Q: I’ve been praying about my purpose and to be honest, I’ve gotten the answer but it’s something I’ve tried and failed at before. What can I do?

A: Breathe. Take a break. Do other unrelated things. Clarity and strength will come.

Q: How do you keep your sanity living in Nigeria, given all the negativity and mediocrity?

A: My friends keep me sane as Nigeria can be a very evil place. I travel to escape.

Q: Is there hope for the next generation, with all that’s happening in Nigeria?

A: Yes. The world is bigger than Nigeria. People should refuse to be limited by Nigeria.

Q: What is needed to write a business plan and strategy about an idea?

A: I would start with a free business plan template. I remember seeing one online by Pan African University.

Q: What were your fears while growing up and how did you overcome them?

A: I was afraid I wouldn’t find people who “got” me. I was afraid I would become irrelevant. I suppressed my fears and focused on making money. ?

Q: Would you like to invest in real estate? I would also like to know about your relationship with God.

A: I’m already a real estate investor. I speak about my relationship with God here. I consider him to be a mentor. He’s a very nice person. I admire him and listen to him a lot. He gives good advice.

Q: What are your regrets and what would you do differently with the knowledge you have now?

A: I would be kinder. I was too choleric growing up – focusing on processes instead of people and experiences. I would also have more sex. ??

Q: How do you stay consistent and keep your energy levels up? Is it just a thing of the mind or are there specific tips you can share?

A: One word – caffeine. ?

Q: What does it take to be a Brand Consultant?

A: Creativity and love for knowledge. You can learn everything on the job. No prior experience needed.

Q: What are your practical steps for breaking out of your shell as an introvert?

A: I have written many practical guides on my blog. Please do a key word search for introvert.

Q: Can I be your mentee please?

A: I have a mentorship programme that I hold quarterly. I announce the application process on my social media timelines.

Q: In digital marketing, what secrets have worked for you?

A: Being authentic. People are tired of text book approaches. They respond to real life experiences and original opinions.

Q: What advice would you give a young man who has skills in research, analysis and interpretation, but who is trying to get a job, start a business and settle down soon?

A: That’s a lot you’re trying to take on at once. Start with any job to gain practical business experience and to build savings. Then, parley your experience into a more suitable job, save some more and then do whatever you like with your experience and savings.

Q: What are the strongest pillars that enhance business success?

A: Discipline and structures – admin, documentation, service, following up etc. All the unsexy things people don’t see.

Q: Should I get degrees and progress in the corporate world or be a big-time entrepreneur or both? I am a confused multi-faceted individual trying to figure things out.

A: I would say you should either do what won’t cause you to look back in regret, or do what pays your bills now until you can afford to take bigger risks.

Q: How do you work on your temperament to bring out the best in you?

A: I embrace humility and a willingness to listen & learn.

Continue to Part Three here.