The Journal

Thinking on Business,
Finance & Growth

Frameworks, insights, and hard-won lessons from a decade of building, breaking, and rebuilding businesses across 4 industries and 3 continents.

THE HUNGER THAT WOULDN’T DIE: Startup Failure and Rebuilding Lessons.

Dapo Abiola

 DAPO ABIOLA   This isn’t a success story- it’s a survival story. Its an honest account of how a young founder rose Quickly, betrayed by people, failed dramatically,, and offers critical startup failure lessons on how to rebuild with clarit rather than prophecy.   I’m sharing it because silence breeds Shame, and shame breeds Isolation, […]

The Price Of Growth: Insights On Private Equity by Dapo Abiola

Dapo Abiola

I’ve met many established founders, and one word comes up in every conversation: growth. It’s the kind of growth that turns small ideas into global success stories—it’s the heartbeat of entrepreneurship. Lately, one financial engine, in particular, has become a powerful catalyst for that dream: private equity, especially in discussions around Private Equity by Dapo […]

Free Business Templates

Free Business Templates

Free Business Templates Every Startup Needs (and Where to Get Them) Time is your scarcest resource as a founder — and building everything from scratch is the fast lane to burnout. Enter business templates. Whether you’re validating an idea, building your first financial model, or onboarding new hires, templates give you a repeatable foundation without […]

Startup Success Stories: Real Lessons from Founders Who Made It

Startup Success Stories: Real Lessons from Founders Who Made It - Dapo Abiola

Success in the startup world often comes from a blend of insight, adaptability, and relentless execution. Let’s explore a few standout stories and the lessons they offer to aspiring entrepreneurs. 1. Squire: Pivoting from B2C to B2B Founders: Songe LaRon & Dave SalvantIndustry: Barbershop Management SaaSLesson: Deep industry insight and willingness to pivot can unlock […]

Lessons from Failed Startups: What Every Founder Should Know

Lessons from Failed Startups: What Every Founder Should Know - Dapo Abiola

Startup success stories often dominate headlines, but there’s immense value in understanding why ventures fail. Analyzing these failures can offer invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Let’s delve into some critical lessons drawn from notable startup failures. 1. Validate Before You Build Lesson: Ensure there’s a genuine market need for your product or service before scaling. […]

Email Marketing Campaigns

Email Marketing Campaigns That Work: Strategies for 2025 - Dapo Abiola

Email still delivers. Learn how to build campaigns that convert, from welcome sequences to re-engagement strategies.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

I Felt Like a Fraud — Until I Realized I Wasn't Alone

“Despite my achievements, I constantly felt like I was faking it.”   That’s how Alex, a tech entrepreneur, described his experience with imposter syndrome. Even after successfully launching a startup and securing funding, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he didn’t belong.   The Invisible Weight of Success   Alex had always been driven. He […]