Founder, The Chair Centre Group, Ibukun Awosika had long emphasized that a business partnership was not just a contract, it was a commitment akin to a marriage. In her experience, the most successful ventures were built when partners shared vision, values, and purpose, rather than simply chasing money or influence.
She recalled that many entrepreneurs were often drawn to partners with wealth, connections, or industry clout. While attractive, these factors alone rarely ensured success. The first step, she explained, was clarity on shared goals. Two people could enter the same industry, but their intentions might diverge. One partner could view the business as a vehicle to secure quick profits, while the other could be building a long-term legacy to pass on to future generations. Aligning objectives upfront was essential to avoid conflict and misalignment later.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: Tony Robbins’ 114 Companies Generate $12 Billion Annually, Redefining Business Success
Values, she insisted, were non-negotiable. Many partnerships failed because partners did not share the same ethical standards, work ethic, or long-term priorities. Awosika advised that due diligence should be rigorous: examining a partner’s past, understanding their character, and even observing how they treated employees and clients. Decisions made in the name of a partnership impacted both parties legally and reputationally, making it imperative to choose wisely.
Beyond ethics, character and temperament were critical. A partner could hold admirable principles yet fail in practice—through poor communication, lack of respect for staff, or inconsistent decision-making. Awosika stressed that emotional intelligence and alignment in everyday business behavior were just as important as shared goals.
Spiritual discernment played a role as well. Awosika highlighted that for those with faith, seeking God’s guidance ensured that the partnership was aligned with divine purpose. Prayer, counsel from trusted advisors, and careful reflection were tools she used to confirm that any partnership she entered was right. When partners shared a spiritual as well as professional alignment, she found that even the inevitable challenges in business could be navigated with unity and resilience.
Structure and strategy were other pillars she emphasized. Growth altered the nature of a business; processes, systems, and teams had to evolve alongside it. She shared that founders often had to replace early employees with more qualified personnel or invest heavily in training to maintain standards. Without proper structure, a growing business risked losing its core values, quality, and efficiency.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: Dangote’s $350 Million Refinery Expansion Sets a New Benchmark for African Industrial Leadership
Finally, Awosika stressed continuous personal growth. Founders had to educate themselves constantly, refine their skills, and remain teachable. Leadership required understanding how to leverage the strengths of each partner and team member while remaining accountable. The right partner multiplied impact, but the founder’s own growth and discipline determined whether the partnership would succeed.
In her experience, the most fruitful partnerships were those chosen deliberately, with care, patience, and prayer. They were relationships built on shared purpose, aligned values, and complementary skills. When chosen wisely, partners became forces that amplified each other’s strengths, helping build businesses that endured, thrived, and left a legacy.
