2023: My Year in Review

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

If You’re Reading This Happy New Year! As the dust settles on 2023, I find myself reflecting on a year that, while not without its challenges, was ultimately one of growth and learning. Though slightly delayed (twice in a row; a trend I promise to break!), this review serves as a window into the past twelve months, offering a glimpse into the experiences that shaped me. For those curious about the previous chapters, you can revisit my journeys in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. So, without further ado, let’s delve into 2023.

Reading 📚

Reading was one of my 2023 goals, so I set a daily 30-minute alarm to crack open a book. Let’s just say life got in the way (a lot!), and the number of books I finished isn’t exactly brag-worthy. Determined to make up for it, I became an airport and aeroplane bookworm, trying to squeeze in some reading wherever I could.

1. The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream — Barack Obama
2. Vantage: My Life, Starting Out and Startups — Olumide Soyombo
3. Leaving the Tarmac: Buying a Bank in Africa — Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede

My absolute favourite is “Vantage” by Olumide. I read it on a flight and had a lightbulb moment, no kidding.

Work 💻

What can I say? There are mixed feelings regarding work.

1. One of my goals for 2023 was to get deeper into venture capital through my role as a venture scout for SHL Capital. 365 days around the sun and I didn't scout a single startup.
2. Every year, I build a no-code project. Unfortunately, in 2023, I hit a creative block and didn’t work on anything like that. However, I’m excited to tackle two projects in 2024. If you have any fun ideas, let’s have a chat!
3. In my full-time job, I began the year dedicated to building a new product in the investment-tech field. Picture a team of less than 10 people building a product that another company took over 10 years, 100+ employees, and $1+ billion in funding to achieve. This year challenged my product expertise; I had to constantly learn, unlearn, and relearn while on the job.
4. The doomsday of the story in number (3) above unfolded in December, but that’s a tale for some time in 2024.
5. Continued working on my GTVA (Global Talent Visa Application) consulting and assisted approximately 10 individuals in the process.
6. Incoming from 2022, Direx was selected as a Tech Nation Rising Stars 5.0 city winner and regional finalist. It marked the first occasion I spoke publicly about Direx to a small audience of around 7 people during the live pitch event in Birmingham.
7. In January, Direx, acting as a merchant of record, faced a challenge with chargebacks that involved Direx, one of our merchants, and Stripe. Cosplaying as a lawyer and a fraud detection analyst, I took on the role of investigating, collecting evidence, drafting letters, and more, just to plead our case and retrieve our money. Unfortunately, the resolution did not go in our favour, and we incurred a significant $$$ loss.
8. Post number (7) above, my co-founder and I had to do a major rethink, redesign, and redevelopment of Direx.
9. Direx secured a spot as one of the top 5 finalists in the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge 2023, organized by Africa Tourism Partners in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Government of Namibia. I had the opportunity to pitch on stage at the finals in Swakopmund, Namibia.
10. Direx was selected as one of the 40 UK startups to join the Barclays Black Founders Accelerator 2023 Program, organized by Barclays Bank in collaboration with Foundervine. This was an amazing three-month accelerator program.
11. Direx emerged as the regional winner for the Middle East and Africa and a global finalist in the Global Startup Pitch competition for traveltech, organised by Web in Travel and Phocuswire. Initially selected from a pool of 25 startups in May, we progressed to become one of the 15 semifinalists and eventually secured a spot as one of the 5 startups in the finals, held in Singapore.
12. Direx was selected as one of the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024 by Phocuswire, often referred to as the Techcrunch for the travel industry. It served as a positive end-of-year recognition for Direx and some sort of validation for me.
13. In terms of non-vanity metrics, I didn’t do that much with Direx—there was a lot of directionless movement. I brought someone onto the team to assist in this aspect in March, but unfortunately, things didn’t unfold as expected. It seemed like nine months went by without much success, but the experience taught valuable lessons.
14. Dedicated most of Q4 to crafting a plan for the Direx pivot—same industry, same product, just different customer segment, and a new member of the founding team. Wish me luck!

Speaking 🎤

This year marked a significant journey as I began conquering stage fright and honing my public speaking abilities. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of speaking and pitching at various tech events and conferences around the world.

1. Speaker: Founderfest 2023—London, United Kingdom.
2. Speaker: Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge and Summit 2023—Swakopmund, Namibia.
3. Speaker: Web in Travel Singapore 2023—Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

Travel 🧳

Do your research
To travel, go and see the
Go really see the corners of the world that
Are alien to you, really do interest you
And you know, ’cause in due process, then you’ll meet
New people and then
Those people will tell you new stories then you become
A voice for the voiceless, I mean
You should ask Daniel, really and truly, where he goes to find himself
’Cause I don’t know anything, I’m just speculatin’
Um
More importantly for you and your family
You then get to ask the questions and answer the questions
About where you were made
Like where you come from, where you’re going
London, Lagos, L.A.
The journey is the film

The quote above was an interlude by Nathan James Tettey towards the end of “In the Fire", which is one of my favourite tracks from Dave’s album “We’re All Alone in This Together.” I have come to view travel as one of the most significant avenues for learning—an admittedly costly one. However, I am grateful to some sponsors 😀 who made it possible for me to explore various corners of the globe. This year took me to five countries, including the Netherlands, Namibia, Romania, Singapore, and Morocco. Among these countries, Namibia stood out as my personal favourite.

Travel Backdrops from 2023

Entertainment 🎤

As someone who enjoys being at home, having things that entertain me is crucial for my happiness. In 2023, various entertainers, including those in music and podcasts, played a significant role in keeping me content. I want to give a special shoutout to my favourite podcasters, the 90s Baby Show. As Fela once said, “Music is the weapon,” and my Spotify Wrapped reflects how I embraced music as a weapon against boredom.

Spotify Wrapped 2023

Beyond all the mentioned aspects, I express deep gratitude to God and to my family and friends. In 2023, two of my favourite people celebrated significant milestones, and I am thankful to have contributed to those joyous occasions. Throughout the year, I had the privilege of meeting new people, both at home and abroad. You guys rock. Additionally, I extend my gratitude to Twitter, the exceptional app that has become a constant source of inspiration and connection for me.

As I step into the uncharted territory of 2024, I bring along the lessons from past experiences, the optimism for what lies ahead, and a steadfast belief that, with the guidance of God, I will figure it all out.

Be Uncomfortable

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours — Henry David Thoreau’s Walden

Till next time, happy new year!