The Art of Imitation: How Learning from Industry Leaders Can Fast-Track Your Success
Hello Ladies,
Steve Jobs once said, “Good artists copy; Great artists steal” Before you come for me, just think about this: there's a better chance of success when you're copying an idea that already has a proof of concept. Have you ever wondered how the people making waves in the industry often do it? Following in the footsteps of those before you is not a bad thing as long as you do it well.
Being a “Copycat” might be one of the smartest moves you make for your growth. In an era with hardly anything “new” under the sun, successful people don’t try to reinvent the wheel; they look at what’s working and fine-tune it.
Let’s dive into how following pacesetters could help us thrive:
Mirror Their Moves
The industry’s trailblazers have created a blueprint for success. Whether it's through a winning marketing campaign, a smart strategy for scaling, or effective engagement tactics, they’ve shown what works. Take a page from their playbook and try it out yourself. This doesn’t mean you have to replicate everything exactly as they did, but using their guidelines will set you on the right path. After all, no two journeys are identical, but results often rhyme.
Keep Your Ego in Check and Go Back to the Drawing Board
The biggest obstacle to learning from others? Is our pride.
Remember, there’s no shame in taking cues from people who have walked the road before you. ASAP Rocky once said, “Since when has it become not cool to try?” This quote, simple yet powerful, reminds us about trying our best and putting in effort. Striving and earning is how we grow. Drop any reluctance to follow a proven path; often, the key to your unique breakthrough is in trying what’s already been tested.
Learn and Relearn
Never stop growing I say to you! The journey doesn’t end once you start seeing results; the best pacesetters are constantly evolving, learning, and adjusting. As you adopt and adapt strategies, keep a growth mindset always. Revisit what you’ve learned, make tweaks, and continue honing it. Soon, your version of success will look uniquely yours—but rooted in tried-and-true practices.
Draw the Line, But Keep Pushing Boundaries
It’s essential to put your own twist on what you learn. The balance between following and innovating is layering your personality and creativity onto proven strategies, you’re not just a “copycat”; you’re a clever creator shaping your niche within a powerful blueprint.
HerTechJourney
Welcome to the second issue of HerTechJourney! We’re excited to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary Iwalola whose bold moves led to creating solutions that improve customers' lives and finances.
Iwalola’s advice to all women in tech on their journey is to conduct a self-evaluation and document all the hurdles they’ve overcome and the challenges they’ve faced head-on. Acknowledge your wins and celebrate them! For any L’s you’ve got, make a plan to get a W next time you try. Don’t beat yourself up too much, you’re doing amazing!
Read the full interview here to discover how she continues to inspire and lead in the tech community.
Event Roundup
November 29th at 11 AM is your moment to dive deep into the art of personal branding with our webinar happening on our IG Live (@womenintechnigeria): Your Story, Your Brand: The Power of Personal Branding for Women in Tech with Blessing Abeng.
For all my designer babes, this promises to be an engaging session where you can gain insights from over 15 industry leaders on building innovative leadership in your careers and global design techniques. Whether you're an innovator, a student, or just curious about designs, there is a ticket for everyone here.
The Africa Startup Festival sets the tone for 2025 The event will convene top investors, founders, builders, and operators to discuss how tech advancements and strategic innovations are transforming various industries in Africa. Get your tickets here.
Are you excited for the CyberSpace Conference on November 12, 2024? Get ready for an immersive experience where industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts come together to explore cutting-edge technologies.
Secure a spot to connect with tech disruptors and industry leaders at ConTech Nigeria here From interactive sessions and keynote speeches to networking opportunities, get ready to dive deep into the future of tech and connect with like-minded visionaries.
Art of Technology Lagos, get ready to engage and connect with AI Pioneers here. Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of Lagos’s vibrant tech scene and experience firsthand the future of technology!
Job Opportunities
Check out the latest roles from companies hiring:
Content Marketing & Social Media Manager at HerSynergy Tribe.
Product Manager at Branch International
Always remember to support and cheer for each other's work in every room we enter.
Fun Fact: Did you Know
By observing, adapting, and evolving from the work of pacesetters, you’re carving out your own unique path. So, don't be afraid to draw from established paths while putting your own twist- you’re setting yourself up to lead and potentially inspire the next generation of leaders.
Till next time, stay tech-savvy!