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The Most Important Lesson I’ve Learned in Life and Career

Question: What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your life? What was your life like before and after learning it?

A Constant Journey of Learning

I was hoping to avoid this question because it’s such a difficult one to answer. But the truth is, I feel like I learn something new every single day. Every experience, every year, things get recontextualized, and I find myself realizing that what I once thought I had figured out, I actually didn’t.

There’s a song that expresses this idea perfectly—it talks about how you think you have everything figured out, only to discover that you know nothing at all. That’s exactly how I feel. Learning is continuous, and every new experience shifts my understanding of the world.

A Shift in Perspective: It’s Not About Me

One of the biggest realizations I had when I was younger was that it doesn’t have to be about me. I don’t have to be the star. I don’t have to be the biggest name or the most successful individual in the industry. Instead, what truly matters is being part of something greater than myself—something meaningful, something impactful.

There’s a quote from a film that has always stuck with me:
“What is an ocean but a multitude of drops?”

That quote changed my perspective. I realized that I don’t need to be the entire ocean; I can just be one drop—one small contribution to a much larger movement. By doing my part, I can help others grow, and that, in itself, is significant.

Before and After This Realization

Before this shift in mindset, I had big dreams of becoming a famous filmmaker, standing on a stage, talking about my films, and having an audience admire my work. My focus was on my success, my projects, my recognition.

After this realization, my goals shifted. Instead of chasing personal fame, I became passionate about helping the industry move forward as a whole, particularly in Africa. I found fulfillment in mentoring others, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for growth.

Impact Through Teaching and Mentorship

One of the ways this realization shaped my path was through lecturing. Watching my students grow, achieve incredible things, and push boundaries in their careers became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I now believe that true impact is a ripple effect—when you help one person, they, in turn, help others, and that cycle continues. My contribution, however small, is still shaping the future of the industry, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.

Final Thoughts

So, if I had to summarize the most important thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

🌊 I don’t have to be the biggest name—I just have to be a meaningful drop in the ocean.
🌍 Success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about lifting others and creating lasting impact.
💡 The impact I’ve always dreamed of having is happening—not through my individual success, but through the success of those I’ve helped along the way.

I hope that answers the question well enough.