Tale Alimi On Her Journey To Building A Business Empire

Meet Bamitale Alimi the brain behind Tale Alimi Global. Tale, as she is popularly called, is a radio show host, author, business growth expert, business coach and strategist.

Tale has a wealth of experience that spans over thirteen years from running her own businesses, having a degree in Accounting, a Mba degree from Lagos Business School and a certificate from the Coaching Academy Uk in Performance coaching.

In her book, Uplevel which is slated for release on the 6th of March she teaches people to live fulfilling lives. As a coach, Tale has trained over 5000 individuals and business organizations in the last 5years.

In this interview, Tale Alimi talks on life as a coach, lessons from being a serial entrepreneur, and running a business in Nigeria.

You were a host on WFM 91.7 and you are also a business coach…As a multifaceted individual, can you tell us about the different sides of Tale Alimi?

 Firstly, I am a believer. I believe in God and I believe with God nothing is impossible. It is this awareness that I am building my life and work. I will also describe myself as an intellectual creative. Which has sort of shaped my career and the things I have done so far in business, media and writing and the things I plan on doing in the future.

As a business coach and strategist, I work with high achieving aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs to create successful businesses. I guide them to create the strategy, systems, and structures that will enable them to win in business and change the game.

I am also an Author with my new book; Uplevel which provides practical tips and tools for people to find their niche and profit from their passion.

Personally, I am very family oriented and I belong to a close-knit nuclear family. I am also a mom to a gifted 8-year-old Son. I have quite an integrated life that revolves around my walk with God, serving my clients and audience, exercising, spending time with my few close friends and collecting experiences through books, movies, and travel.

You have had quite an interesting journey so far in your career. It took you a while to get a clearer picture of your career, how would you say this journey began?

Academically, I have a first degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration. My career has been shaped a lot by me listening to my heart or my inner compass like I write in my book. Even though I had a finance based academic background, I fell in love with technology very early.

We were fortunate to have a computer in our house from a very young age and I was able to relate with technology and it has been an enabler in my career. I went on to get professional certifications in IT which was how my career started as a Database Administrator and then I went on to work in the financial systems department of a Telecommunications company.

I had to pivot after some time because the work was not fulfilling and I believed I could do more with my potential. Getting to where I am today has taken a lot of pivoting and I believe my inner compass has helped me navigate the path from business school to working in consulting, to starting several businesses and now working as a business coach.

Do you think women are at a disadvantage in Nigeria especially in your chosen field?

I don’t think women are at a disadvantage in my field, however, I have realised that you will have to spend time building your credibility and proving you know your onions.

I have also become aware that men are not as open to working with a female business coach as they are to our male counterparts. The truth is I have decided to focus on people who know I can add value to them and to serve them at the highest level and let the results speak for me.

A lot of people have given up on their dreams and career aspiration. We would like to know what motivates you to keep chasing after your dreams?

Believe me, I have also given up several times! I have been told by my close family member to be more realistic. What has kept me going is the vision God has given me. Even in tough times, I am reminded that I am here to fulfill a purpose and I have an assignment.

Several times I have wanted to quit then I get an email, a chat, a Dm etc telling me how much I have made an impact or helped a business grow etc. I also read and watch inspiring stories of others to keep my mind programmed positively and focused on my possibilities. They keep me going and I sincerely know that everything good will come if we don’t give up.

You have had a lot of exciting experiences so far in running several businesses that have been a defining moment for you. What has been your most challenging experience so far?

My most challenging experience is always the next experience! When I had to walk away from a business that I was very passionate about, I thought that was the greatest challenge I will ever face, but believe me, I have had to face many more challenges after that. I have had to grow another business to over 300% revenues from making losses for 7 years. I am currently in the process of promoting my new book, which is another challenge on its own.

If you are a progressive person, you will continue to face and overcome challenges because that is how you will grow.

Walking away from a few businesses which you started for various reasons, what lessons would you say all these taught you?

I have learned that life is in phases and no matter how hard it is for us to believe, nothing is really permanent. I have also learned to handle emotional separation because a business is like a child and you get attached so it is usually hard to separate when it is time to exit.

Most importantly, I have learned how to build a team and choose the right partners which should be people with complimentary skills and similar values. Because when the chips are down people’s real character will come out.

With the ongoing recession and instability in the country, do you think Nigeria is a suitable place to run a business?

The answer lies in this question: what do you see? In life, some people will see opportunity where others see chaos. I once heard about a famous investor who said ‘the best time to invest is when there is blood on the street’. His logic is because that is when you will get the best deals as everyone else is running away.

I tend to agree with him because if you can build something in these tough times, you will have created something that will excel when things get better and believe me, they will. My advice to people is to stop complaining, buckle up, look for opportunities and get to work.

What is that one advice you would want anyone to know that is starting out as a business coach/consultant? 

Firstly make sure you are passionate about helping businesses succeed. It is not an industry you enter into because you are looking for a quick buck.

Then I would say invest in getting an education and practical work experience so you are not just a theoretical coach, but you can actually help your clients get results. The industry has a low barrier entry because it is not regulated, so it is your results that will speak for you.

My mid to long term goal is to train a team of elite business coaches and create a platform for them to gain practical work experience so we can democratize the industry and help more people build successful businesses.

How would you describe an inspirational life?

 An inspirational life is a life lived to its fullest and highest potential serving at your best so that when you are gone you will be remembered for living your footprint no matter how small in the sands of time.