Idumota to Dubai, FC to COO, my journey with Vista has been through many interesting & challenging phases over the last 15 years. I would take this opportunity to thank all my bosses & colleagues, past and present for their valuable contribution towards my growth both as a person & professional.
Last few years have been tough for world economy in general but Africa in particular. Most of the African countries went through over 100% currency devaluation and commodity prices on which its economies thrive were at its lowest. As a group we saw all this coming and took this as an opportunity to consolidate our position by taking right calls i.e on one side by cutting down on external borrowings, overheads, market outstanding’s, being bottom line focused and on other side by making some strategic investments, entry into growing economies like Ivory coast and new futuristic verticals i.e. Agric.
From mid 2017 we could see green shoots coming out in the world economy. Europe being the surprise package grew at 3% and American economy sent strong signals. All this gets confirmed by the revival in the commodity prices which experts believe are on upward trajectory for the next 4 years. All commodities from oil, copper, steel, paper, aluminum, zinc etc. to name a few are all at their 52wk high as I write. Africa mostly being a commodity driven economy should contribute to a large extent to the world’s gdp, which is expected to grow by over 4% in 2018.
With tough years behind, introduction of fresh ideas at the top, infrastructure & right team in place, Vista is in the best possible position to take advantage & attain new heights from the expected revival of world economy and commodity cycle.
We are all playing our respective roles. One role, which is common to all, is of being a leader. We are leaders either to our family, subordinates, colleagues or people who look up to us. I end this with a quote by Jim Rohn
“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.”
Thanks & have a great year ahead.
