When you hear these words together, they almost sound cliché.
We’ve said them time and again, but when you really think about it, what does it mean?
I think this year has really taught us the importance of community, and the power of ‘us’. In many ways, we have learned to show up for one another, speak in a united voice, and hold each other up.
But beyond that, 2020 has not been a year without lessons – easy ones, tough ones, and one of the most important ones that stand out to me is the fact that we can get through the worst of times if we have each other. I asked some of the amazing team members at Flutterwave to share their most impactful 2020 lessons. Here’s what they had to say
“This year, more than ever taught me the importance of impact.”
Olubunmi, Recruitment Consultant, People Operations
You become more, by giving more of yourself – simply put, be impactful. This year more than ever taught me the importance of making an impact. The ability to be creative, reinvent, thrive and remain resilient, all comes from a place of impact, and extending a hand to make someone else’s life easier. More importantly, be thankful to God for life and good health only then is one able to give more of one’s self.
“I learned the importance of being flexible and resilient in the face of uncertainty.”
Rick, Global Head of Finance
I learned the importance of being flexible and resilient in the face of uncertainty. 2020 was a historic year for everyone due to COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns; life, as we all knew it, came to a screeching halt.
Until mid-March, I had been working in an office in New York City almost every day for nearly 20 years. I have not been back since. Despite the sudden changes, I saw how important it is to be flexible and resilient. I quickly adapted to a remote-led world, learning to replace in-person meetings with virtual meetings all while catering to my children who were suddenly schooling from home.
I also joined Flutterwave, despite never meeting a team member in person, as I believe strongly in the leadership team, the company and its mission. I believe these lessons will be important to take with me, as I continue on this exciting journey with Flutterwave.
“This year has reinforced the importance of resilience; the ability to soldier on even in the wake of adversity.”
Andisiwe, Compliance Officer, South Africa
This year, for me, has reinforced the importance of resilience; the ability to soldier on even in the wake of adversity. I’ve learnt to challenge myself in unimaginable ways and to always focus on the solution rather than the problem.
This has enabled me to take on risks, push new boundaries and join the Flutterwave team during this challenging time. I’m looking forward to making more magic within this wonderful team.
Another important lesson that I’ve learnt during this year is having compassion. In a time like this, it is very easy for us to get caught up in our own needs and problems and to easily forget the plight of others. Compassion enables us to understand the challenges of others and to support them.
Please don’t be too hard on yourself and those around you. Let’s try to be more supportive and understanding, it hasn’t been an easy year.
”2020 has shown me the power of the human will, the fact that we have in us what it takes to defeat the most daunting challenges.”
Henry, Head, Transaction Switching and Processing
2020 has shown me the power of the human will, the fact that we have in us what it takes to defeat even the most daunting challenges. And this is a lesson I plan to apply to my role at Flutterwave, as we seek simpler ways to create endless possibilities for the world.
”2020 overhauled customer preference and brought about a force majeure; thus breaking the barrier on online adoption.”
Jo-Sharon, Customer Success and Technical Account Management
2020 has been a year of change and a year of a-whole-lot. We see every year as a year of change (“New Year”) but you’ll agree that we couldn’t keep up with the pace and demand of 2020. That said, we want to send a big thank you to You — our customer for standing by and with us, coming to us with an open mind and trusting us with your business. Thank you!
As this unprecedented, challenging year comes to a close, it’s an understatement to say we’ve learned a lot. One thing out of the lot for me is: 2020 fundamentally changed customer preferences, needs and expectations.
Almost overnight, we saw physical stores draw their curtains. Customer demand shifted from miscellaneous items to specific and essential items only. We all started to prioritize health and safety over cost and convenience.
At the same time, we all engaged more on social media. Social media became that community, pub or restaurant where we could all meet and talk, work and even make purchases. Online retail stores saw a boost in demand and purchases. Even the brick and mortar financial houses perceived to be very conscious of social and online risks; all succumbed to finding an online space.
In just a matter of weeks, adoption of online retail and online literacy skyrocketed. We, at Flutterwave, kept the lights on through the provision of Flutterwave store to cater to and support a seamless transition from the physical to online.
Fintechs have always been at the forefront of leveraging and promoting online presence however, there has been that continued resistance and poor adoption from consumers due to perceived online fraud. But 2020 taught us differently. The year overhauled customer preference and brought about a force majeure; thus breaking the barrier on online adoption.
“Demanding excellence from myself means I get to still do very well even on my off days.”
Namnso, Product Design
Demanding excellence from myself means I get to still do very well even on my off days.
“My biggest lesson for the year is that we are all resilient enough to forge through our missions despite challenges.”
Awa, Global Head, Settlement Ops
This year, I was simply blown away by our capacity to adapt as human beings. 2020 has brought about unprecedented chaos which forced all us to reevaluate priorities and change our way of life. Yet, time and time again, I have seen folks everywhere, especially within my team at Flutterwave tackle these challenges with gusto, fierce passion and grace.
My biggest lesson for the year is that we are all resilient enough to forge through our missions despite challenges!
“Banking is important but banks are not.”
Norris, Country Expansion, Cameroon
My Biggest Lesson learned in 2020 is that Banking is very essential but Banks are not. The Emergence of Covid-19 made seamless payments an integral part of our lives.
“There is power in my optimism.”
Husseina, Global Expansion
If you never go after what you want, you’ll never have it.
At the beginning of the year, I had plans to move back to Nigeria and everyone I told this to, either told me I’ll regret it or it wasn’t a wise decision. They said, “There are no good jobs back home”, “You won’t be valued like you are in America” and a lot more.
My stubborn and optimistic self went on anyway! I knew I needed to be more intentional about my decision so I wrote in my little journal the type of organisation I wanted to work for, the type of boss I wanted and lastly, a job that came with benefits that at least made me happy!
I started my job search in February (From America), shot my shot (3 times!!) and the rest is history!! This year, amongst other things, has taught me that there is power in my optimism. I have not only moved back home but also ticked a career goal/milestone off my list.
Again, thank you Flutterwave!!!
“Cherish moments with loved ones while they are here.”
Anita, Customer Experience
The year 2020 has been a rollercoaster of emotions. It came so fast and breezed through like a whirlwind leaving behind so many memories and defining moments in our history. It’s taught me to enjoy and cherish moments with loved ones while they are here.
I’ve also learnt to lend a helping hand in daunting times which could be a defining moment in individuals and businesses by being a part of a fantastic team [Flutterwave] that supports survival, growth and continuity of businesses and the global economy at large.
“Just Keep going, even when everything seems to be going sideways.”
Zainab, Growth Vertical Lead (SME)
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt this year is resilience, being able to pull through even when everything seems to be going sideways, just keep going.
“Invest in the things that matter the most.”
Nosa, Lead, Frontend Engineering
This year was very tough for me and it taught me to invest in the things that matter the most, friendships, quality relationships. Most importantly, do the things that you love, things that make you happy because in the end, those are all the things you’re going to be thinking about and you really don’t want to have regrets at that moment.
“Slow down, be present and cultivate gratitude.”
Dammy, Commercial Alliances
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt in 2020, is to slow down, be present and cultivate gratitude.
“Respond, not react.”
Niel, Country Manager, Uganda
I saw this line somewhere; “respond not react” and I think this sums up my 2020. This year has been a year that has taught us to live and perceive life like never before and I think learning that life will always be filled with various challenges but those that keep their mind above the water just have a different perspective has been my greatest lesson.
Those that persevere, press on and make it do so not because they are any more special than everyone else; they have a different mindset – It’s a heart posture!
“Stop worrying about the things that are yet to come.”
Leah, Country Business Development, Rwanda
I learned to stop worrying about the things that are yet to come and all the things I wish I had, but rather be completely content and promise myself a better morning next day.
Regardless of Pandemic that affected the whole world. I learnt not to generalize things according to the majority of what people are saying about the year 2020. To myself and my family this year has been Amazing and beautiful since it’s beginning.
“It is important to always remember, when you fall to the ground, fall like a seed that grows back to fight another day.”
Dessy, Business Development, Kenya
Covid-19 has shown us how reality can change in a blink of an eye. We should always be prepared. The ability to think outside the box has proven very key in growing and emerging businesses, as observed within the shift from the usual norm.
However, it is important to always remember, when you fall to the ground, fall like a seed that grows back to fight another day.
“Seamless digital payments are no longer an option, but mandatory, if businesses are to remain competitive and survive.”
Lumbani Gondwe, Country Expansion and Business Development, Malawi
My 2020 lesson: The tremendous revolution in payments in the year 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic signifies the roadmap businesses should be taking in managing their payments. Seamless digital payments are no longer an option but a must, if businesses are to remain competitive and survive.
“It’s been a year full of learning and one of the most significant for me, is the unlimited powers of a ‘can do’ and resilient mindset.”
Olugbenga GB Agboola, CEO and Founder
Our biggest lesson as a team is that we can do a lot with the right mindset. We can do even more when we persevere and are resilient – a common attribute many on my team exhibited this year. When the pandemic hit and the lockdown became inevitable, we were faced with the challenges of full remote work.
We had to transition from having a remote work policy to remote work being the norm. It was a huge challenge and we did not know that we’d ease into this new reality the way we did, but here we are.
We had the right mindset and stayed resilient. It was a challenging moment and we found ways to adapt, and survive. I would ask everyone whether a Waver or not, to cultivate the right mindset when you are faced with challenges. It will not be easy at first. It will not look like it will blow over, but it will.
Months into the pandemic, we were no longer thinking of our survival. We were now focused on how to help businesses and even economies survive the economic implications of the pandemic. It’s been a year full of learning and one of the most significant for me, is the unlimited powers of a ‘can do’ and resilient mindset.