What would you do if you were born in an environment wired to tie you down? How do you break free from the influence of the environment and make a name for yourself?
The answers to these questions have been given by Opeloyeru Temitope Batly who spoke to Oreoluwa Eminence Ojo about how she was able to rise above all that held her back to become the star she is today.
Who is Opeloyeru Temitope Batly?
Batly is a service rendering professional, and a serial entrepreneur. She calls herself a serial entrepreneur because she manages more than one business.
Batly grew up in a market with her parents spearheading their businesses. This gave her a business orientation; she learned the basics of business as a young girl and this knowledge has helped her in her business ventures.
She is a graduate of University of Ilorin where she studied Political Science and is very passionate about business growth and development.
Her background and how it inspired her.
In her own words, “my background has influenced me greatly. I can say in both negative and positive ways. I however largely focus my energy on the positive bits of my life.”
Batly grew up in one of the toughest environments (Idumota) in Lagos. The people in this area are known to live recklessly and without ambition. That didn’t hinder her though. It was in fact her push. At a young age she established that she had to rise above her surroundings and circumstances. She wanted something more, something better and she was prepared to work for it.
Taking a trip down the memory lane, she remembers how at some point her parents were not able to pay school fees for her and her siblings. This just strengthened her resolve not to live the same way. She focused on her studies and did her best to graduate with a great degree.
“Growing up, I wasn’t a smart kid right from my primary to secondary education. I wasn’t as brilliant. I was just one of those middle-class students, but I wanted something more. I did not want to spend the rest of my life in the environment I was in.” She added.
From her experiences, Batly got the belief that irrespective of where she gets today, she will always survive. Irrespective of how tough or bad situations can be, she will always survive. Her greatest inspiration is her parents and younger siblings.
Her Achievements;
Batly has been diligent in her work and that has gotten her some great rewards. She gatecrashed an interview at Transcorp Hilton which she wasn’t invited for and got an internship offer. Here are some of her exception works.
She worked as a consultant twice. On a World Bank Project and European Development Bank project respectively. These according to her are achievements for she got opportunities to interact with directors of institutions and parastatal, something that was a dream come true for her. Currently, she is working with an international company, and heads teams from 4-5 different countries.
Batly says that she is very pleased with the fact that she is able to learn more from every project she has worked on.
Her Challenges and Breakthrough.
Just as it is for most people, there are times Batly feels overwhelmed and tired. One such time was when she moved to Abuja. As she says, it was a difficult period for her but she rose from it.
“I was broken but I did not give up and that is how I rose from it. I realized that if I didn’t get things done, nobody was going to do them for me. Instead of allowing myself to dwell on the breaking points- depression, tears, challenges, I made them my stepping stone and strength to keep pushing. It is okay and alright as I am human. I can therefore feel low or break down for a moment,” she said
On mentorship, Batly says she doesn’t have a mentor but has a couple of people she is thankful for. Her coach Kiki James who taught her how to be a better version of herself and how to believe in herself and Her Godmother Patricia Aderibigbe are among the people she is thankful for.
Her Advice to the People who feel limited by their environment is that, they show never give up and give in to the problems they are facing. She urges them to go back to the drawing board and just in case they don’t have one, they should come up with it.
“On the board, write down what you want, where you want to go, and how you want to get there. All this should be tied to your passion. If you are passionate about something, I believe nothing can tear you apart from your goal,” Batly says
She also assures them that their dreams are valid and they should keep their eyes on the price and always remember why they started out in the first place.
“Even when it seems like things aren’t working, don’t give up. Seek professional advice from mentors and coaches. Let someone guide you. You don’t have to walk your path alone as someone has already walked that path before you. Seek, search, find them and let them direct you.” Batly adds.
In conclusion she says, “It is important for people to put their trust in God. Never ever forget the creator. His grace has guided me to this level.”
