Chinedum Ogbonnaya

Would you keep putting in the work, even if there is no one cheering you on or any immediate outcome?

Recently, I have come to the point of finally
falling in love with the process

Continuously aiming to do better,
because I genuinely want to learn and keep growing.

Whether as a husband, brother, friend, coach, speaker, mentor, writer or entrepreneur

There is a beauty and liberation when you commit to doing your absolute best in your ‘work’ (whatever this may be for you)

Here’s to you being committed to the process 🙌

Happy New Month 🎊🎉

Would you keep putting in the work, even if there is no one cheering you on or any immediate outcome?

Recently, I have come to the point of finally
falling in love with the process

Continuously aiming to do better,
because I genuinely want to learn and keep growing.

Whether as a husband, brother, friend, coach, speaker, mentor, writer or entrepreneur

There is a beauty and liberation when you commit to doing your absolute best in your ‘work’ (whatever this may be for you)

Here's to you being committed to the process 🥂

Would you make the jump?

The perfect time to start rarely ever exists. Will you keep saying “one day…” or finally say “day one” - Please choose the latter

Being away on holiday 🇹🇷 last week reminded me of the importance of taking action even in the midst of lack of complete certainty, but holding on to planned ex*****on backed with research but not limited by fears

I observed very courageous kids taking the jump from the boat into the ocean for a swim, though scared at first, they eventually summoned the courage to jump even whilst scared.

And guess what, they were happy they took that jump and there started many more jumps after they overcame the fear of that first jump.

My takeaway from this - “Do it, Do it even if you’re scared, even if you’re not sure, take the first step, make that jump”

Whether it is in work, business, relationships, society; stop waiting for the perfect time or for fear to pass because neither may happen.

P.s. - Next time I go on a boat trip, I’ll summon the courage to make that jump into the ocean too (first I need to learn how to swim ASAP 😂- I don’t want to give my wife too much of a scare 😅)

Last month, I delivered my first international speaking engagement 🌍 🎤

This was at St Patrick's Model Schools Umuahia

However, this was like no other speaking engagement

For the first time in a long time, I genuinely felt a bit of nerves the day before

Why?

Because this meant so much more to me than any other talk I had delivered to students or professionals

This was an opportunity to give what I believe was so essential to the students - HOPE

Under the burning sun, feeling it more being bald 😅

I was filled with so much gratitude

Seeing the sheer joy in their faces and excitement whenever I spoke in my native language - Igbo 🇳🇬

The core message was this -

“Things may not look bright because of where you are or what you see your parents going through to pay for your school fees, but remember that your gift to them is to do your best and live right. Opportunities will come, but make sure you are prepared to make the most of those opportunities when they come”

These pictures will stay ingrained in my mind for as long as I live

It reminds me of the innocence of many young people that want people to speak words of life and hope into them.

If you’d like to invite me to speak to your students 🌎, please send me a message …

What would you say are key messages students need to be informed about life?

Another month, another prison, another opportunity to show love!

Organised by Lord Dr Michael Hastings CBE, Kenny Imafidon and Reece Placid - The power team 🙌

I had the privilege of accompanying them and many other brothers to visit some men inside HMP Swaleside prison, a few days ago.

As I attend more of these prison visits, one thing remains common:

A life of love and service trumps everything

We had a great time playing ⚽️ (Ps. I was on the sideline cheering them all on 😅)

But beyond that, we spoke with the brothers inside and spoke life into them.

Using the words of the Governor of the prison:

“ these men will dine out on this high passion day for weeks - this motivates them beyond any course - they tell stories back on the wing for months - it’s a day out of prison ( yet within ) … it’s like normal life … “

With no judgement but true expression of love, I ask you this today

Who will you show love today?

Who are you going to serve today?

Embracing your story is the best way to get the best out of you. Here’s why…

Yes, that small boy was me, whilst growing up in Nigeria in my Government College Umuahia secondary school uniform. I took a test that allowed me to skip a year of primary school and straight to secondary school at age 10.
This picture was taken in the village where we lived at the time.

The following year, my family and I found ourselves in the UK.
Here, I had to adjust to the new culture, being mocked by fellow students for my ‘African/Nigerian accent’ and often at times not feeling confident within myself or unsure of my identity (despite the facade I presented)

Over the years that followed, I would eventually come to find so much pride, joy and hope from accepting the uniqueness of being that 10 year old boy in this picture.

How?

I realised that no two people have the same story in life no matter how similar.
Hence why I embraced my past, my journey, my lessons, my story and my hopes for the future.

This is not a sob story post, but one that hopes to remind you that accepting the uniqueness in who you are, where you come from, what you have been through; all of it makes you, YOU!

And the best possible person you can be is you. So, please embrace your story and be the best YOU!

Ever found yourself coming across a unique business that you thought only you had thought about?

The truth is that, a business is simply a solution to a problem or need.
The problem you experienced that led you to think of a solution that would make a great business; that same problem has been experienced by other people, who may have also thought of potential solutions.

So whether you and 100 people think about it; the victory only goes to the one/s that decided to bring it from idea to reality.

You can decide to make excuses about not having the funds, knowledge or expertise to bring it to life OR you can get in touch with those that do and bring it to life.

So I ask you now, what business idea or service do you have in mind that you can bring to life, to solve a problem or need?
No excuses, just ex*****on!

It is easier to focus on what you don’t have to justify why you can’t do something.
However, it’s important to focus on what you have and capitalise on it, to go as far as possible.

This picture was taken during the 2012 London Olympics when my team were invited to train with Chris Paul (a highly accomplished active National Basketball Association star for the Golden State Warriors

I still remember how he motivated my teammates and I. He shared how he never allowed himself to dwell on his weaknesses but capitalised on his strengths.

Though I had heard similar remarks like that prior, that time it really ignited a fire in me.
This spurred into my performance as a Basketball player.
What I lacked in height, I made up for in speed, agility and fitness which elevated me as a strong defensive player.

This also poured into my academics, personal and even years later into my professional life.

When will you finally stop dwelling on what you don’t have, and capitalise on what you have?

This 15 year old boy was not meant to be on that stage.

I was selected to participate in the Jack Petchey Speak Out challenge day workshop in my school. And even this wasn’t by plan, as I was late to school that day and it just so happened they asked me to join the workshop to complete the numbers.

At the end of the day, 2 students were selected to represent my school in the Regional Finals which would happen months later. I was not selected.

Fast forward to just 1 day before the Regional Finals; I was informed that one of the representatives from my school was ill.
A last minute replacement was needed to fill in the gap for the Regional Finals and this was offered to me.

Surprised but excited, I said “Yes, I can do it”
With less than 24 hours to prepare my speech, I prepared a speech.

On the day of the Regional Finals, listening to previous speakers from different schools; I quickly realised that my speech wouldn’t cut it at all in comparison to previous speeches. So I decided, I’d improvise on the spot when I was called up. And that I did!

I ended up speaking on the topic of Fear and boy did I surprise myself.
I was awarded 2nd Place in the Regional Finals 🏆 - On a stage that I was not meant to be on, but was able to deliver on, when the opportunity presented itself.

Many people pray and say that they want opportunities, but answer this question:
- Will you be ready to deliver, if the opportunity comes right now? -

Link to Full Speech is in the first comment
Would love to hear your thoughts too 😁

Jack Petchey Foundation

How do people really see you?

The first image is a drawing by a student in a workshop on Exam Preparation, which I led yesterday at Oldbury Academy school in Birmingham, to 300 students throughout the day

One key thing along with many, that I took away from the day was this - ‘Young people in schools are really trying to do their best in the midst of all distractions and pressures of life; they just want to see that you truly care about them, beyond their grades’

In a generation of so much pressures, schools need to remember that those in their care, can hear what the teachers are saying, but many times they don’t see themselves in the teachers, which causes them not to act as advised, because they can’t relate

Solution = LET THEM SEE HOW MUCH YOU TRULY CARE

This doesn’t come by just screaming at them, comparing them to their peers to show them how bad they are, sanctioning them without understanding them.

Rather it comes by keeping it real with them with who you are, the challenges you faced, loving them through creating a safe place for them to be open with you about life. Encouraging them through affirmative words and most importantly showing them that they are more than just their grades.

I had the great privilege of being given this opportunity to join a special team in Birmingham, put together by the great Mr Beezy Public Speaker to run a whole day of talks and workshops to the incredible students, along with other incredible individuals - Shevelle Serita, Vinicia Ferreira, Sharleen Dacosta

A great opportunity that I am truly grateful for.

Now, I’d like to call out to all teachers and schools that come across this post, to get in touch so we can start to address the ‘HOW’. Looking forward to speaking at your schools and working with you to figure out the ‘HOW’ behind it all.

Are the beliefs you hold truly yours or even true?
I have been enjoying the incredible Diary Of A CEO book by Steven Bartlett

I want to encourage you to truly challenge the beliefs that you have held onto for so long or will encounter in the coming days and weeks.

Such as; Why do believe that you are not good enough?
What makes you believe that you don’t deserve the best things in life?
Who made you believe all those lies about yourself?

Please be more careful of the beliefs you adopt this year whilst you challenge any and all limiting beleifs that you have held all this while.

No one has the right to hold you hostage to the negative or limited beliefs that they have of you. So get rid of it and adopt new positive and stronger beliefs.

The Year just keeps getting better!
This time thanks to and the Team

I am honoured to announce that I was invited and seleceted to be a Business Mentor for this year’s Enterprise Challenge.

An opportunity for students with entrepreneurial ideas at University of Greenwich to truly compete in refining and nurturing their ideas to be pitched in the chance to secure the funding and exposure necessary.

I am truly looking forward to it all and the group of entrepreneurs I have been fortunate to be matched with, in the Mental Health market.

What a way to start 2024 in Prison!

Yesterday, I had the incredible privilege to visit HMP Isis Young Offender Institution, along with some great brothers from the Men Of Purpose brotherhood; led by the incredible and inspiring Lord Dr Michael Hastings CBE aka Pops.

We had an incredible time speaking with the Men inside, playing basketball 🏀, breaking bread 🥘 and showing them LOVE - one of the most important attributes they all need.

One of the prison officers asked Lord Michael, “how do you guys get the best from these men” and his answer was clear and direct - “we simply show them love and they respond”

I was inspired and frankly humbled!
In there, were genuine nice Men that found themselves in unfortunate crowds, situations and lifestyles; many with a desire to transform their lives when they come out.

I’m looking forward to staying in touch with them and also many more prison visits around the country this year.

This Year for me is a year of bringing about true impact in the lives of others, in my communities and wider.

The life we have cannot just be limited to what we can get out of it, but also what we can give to others and what purpose we can fulfil on Earth that will impact people beyond just ourselves.

Stay tuned and get in touch for many more Impactful work this year.

What if I told you that multi-color pens like the ones I have in my hand was one of the most sought-out school item that kids back in my time, were on the look out for?

If someone asked to borrow a pen; you don’t offer this one. No, you find anything else or even a pencil instead, to give to them because you may never even get it back.
Many fights even happened because of this pen 🤦🏽‍♂️
Nobody played about with these special pens

What if I told you that kids would hold onto it so dearly if they owned one because they knew if they lost it (or someone took it); they would never get it back?
Why?

Well, this was the pen that allowed you to switch between writing in Black, Blue, Red and even Green 🤯 DO YOU KNOW HOW COOL THIS WAS BACK THEN? Cutting down the amount of pens you needed to carry around by a great deal.

But I look back now, many years later, and though I still prefer this pen to any other; I also am reminded that just like this pen, there are many things back then and even right now that may be the talk of the town and a ‘must-have’ - these two will phase away and change

Moral of the story - There will be things that right now you may feel you cannot live without having but trust me, you will survive. It may sound funny because my example was a pen but just like this pen, what you desperately want (note, not ‘need’) can come in different colours/sizes etc; but do not allow it to dominate your life, your value or even your ability to still make do with what you already have.

Truth be told, you can only write with one colour at a time with this pen just like any other pen.

Ps. looking forward to a lifetime supply of these pens and collaborations. Thanks in advance 😁

Where are you even driving to in a go-kart vehicle when you’re doing laps in the same building?

Sounds funny but it’s not. The truth is that for many of us, we fall under the false illusion that we are going somewhere when in fact we have been driving around with our ideas, gifts and skills in a track of our own that is so repetitive to not avail, and simply going no where!

The last few months has made me realise that in many aspects of my life, I had been so comfortable doing everything except from actually going somewhere. Why?
It is because in my head I felt atleast I had certain skills and the few times I used those skills it was nice and made me feel good. However, this wasn’t enough because I still remained at the same level with no real improvements.

Just like a go-kart vehicle isn’t equipped to ride on the very busy roads and the go-kart track doesn’t lead anywhere but rather just forms a cycle 🔁; I realised I had to do two key things.

1) UPGRADE MY VEHICLE - Which meant working on my skills, developing it with an example being my public speaking skills, through Dawid Konotey-Ahulu’s amazing Spell Bound Public Soeaking Programme.
With the upgrade also resulting to a lot of adjustments I needed to become familiar with, such as the way I spoke, the tone, the pace and so much more.

2) GETTING ON TO THE MAIN ROAD - Whilst daunting at first because I had been so out of it for so long, I decided to start reaching out to schools and organisations with an interest to speak (driving the new vehicle on the main road).

3) DRIVE - And drive with all the confidence you can because you are ready to get on to highway 🛣️. Having had the privilege of speaking at various settings and audience sizes over the last 4 months; I can definitely tell you this - Leave the go-kart and upgrade your vehicle so you can drive on the highway.

What represents the go-kart for you?

See you on the road soon 😁

Ps. Get in touch with me for speaking engagements at your school, event, organisation on topics around Personal Development & Mental Health

I have had the pleasure of having 3 weeks of incredible public speaking masterclass training by ; acquiring and refining key skills that will surely elevate my ability to speak with impact

I was joined by other great and inspiring brothers who also gained exceptional skills which was put on the display during our last session yesterday.

A lot of people can talk but not many are able to speak with impact and I am convinced that, with the skills acquired through this programme, I have furthered my ability to speak with impact

Excited for what the future holds
Thank you for the priceless investment you’ve made to not just myself, but also to all those that participated and will participate in your Spellbound Public Speaking Masterclass.

“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.” - Robert Greene

Had a pleasure of supporting my brother .simpson this week ahead of the release of his Recent impactful film ‘SAVE ME’ out now

A movie that sets out to emphasise the realities of the challenges many young people face in the community around violence, the power of upbringing and a call to a collective social responsibility we all have towards each other.

Reminding us all that we truly are a village and it requires each and every single individual to play a part in making society better, whilst educating and equipping viewers on how play that role and remain aware.

So proud of you my brother .simpson and I know I’ve told you many times already, but CONGRATULATIONS to you and your incredible team on a brilliant production

Search ‘SAVE ME - Official Short Film Trailer’ on YouTube