Isaac Newton said, “If I have seen further, it’s because I stood on the shoulders of those who went before me.” For the past ten months, I have had the opportunity to stand on the shoulders of a mentor in the Strategic Transitions Incubator mentorship program. Not only have I seen further, but I have been exposed to a world of opportunity and deliberate self-development that I never knew existed up until now.
Ten months ago, I was an average 5th year medical student following the common trail that most of my colleagues traverse as relates to medical practice here in Nigeria. With little or no exposure, my focus was solely on getting my medical degree, getting a good paying job, having a family, C’est fini. I had given little or no thought to self-development as a way of improving my community.
In November 2020, a few of my colleagues and I were given the rare opportunity to be part of an incubator program aptly named “Strategic Transitions” founded by Dr Yonette Thomas. She is a mentor and urban health champion. As with every new phase in life, I didn’t know what to expect and I had my fears about how the program would be instrumental in my personal development. Luckily, Dr Yonette had a way of giving powerful pep talks that resolved all our doubts.
Fast-forward a few months on and I had already learnt about the three key elements of my impact narrative: my landscape, my ecosystem and bearing fruits. As Dr yonette would say “It’s not what you plant, but how you plant it.”
As relates to my landscape, I learnt to connect my individual self to my professional self. We all had to explain to an imaginary “Queen of England” who we were, what we stood for, what set us apart, and what got us excited. This culminated in us realizing what our avatars are.
As relates to my ecosystem, I learnt to build more professional networks as well as establish my digital footprint in a way that reflects my interests, values, and thought process. Ultimately, this deeper understanding I gained about my landscape and ecosystem has translated into a more productive workflow as relates to my academic and community work as well as my other social relationships.
The Strategic Transitions Incubator program has greatly helped me improve my personal and professional life. I now have a more active presence on LinkedIn with series of global and local connections. I am also actively thinking of new ways to impact those around me by imbibing positive habits learnt from my global network. Strategic Transitions has equally helped me shift my focus from the negativities of a failed governmental system to the possibilities that lie all around me in Nigeria.
Going forward, I hope to utilize all I have learnt in revolutionizing the face of healthcare in Nigeria. I equally hope to further cancer research in Nigeria as a surgical oncologist. Furthermore, I hope to change the negative perception that our youth have about having a purpose filled professional journey in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Strategic Transitions has really made me step up my game on the professional front. The words of Dr Yonette will forever echo in my mind “You are a movement.” Luckily, I was bold enough to take the first step and I believe that anyone can do the same as well.