My journey through the Kosmos Innovation Centre
When I first saw the Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC) advert, it was not clear to me what I had seen, but curiosity got the better of me. I decided to have a closer look. This second glance was the beginning of a process that would make me rethink entrepreneurship and the art of scientific market research in business creation.
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Right from the interview stage, I became confused who was set to win a prize because the team at KIC were more committed to the programme than us, the participants. The team at Kosmos, and more specifically at KIC, offered a commitment that defined the standard one needed to keep.
It was difficult to comprehend why KIC would so much want us to realise our dreams. They practically intimidated us into working hard by their own standard I will forever remain grateful to Kosmos for the amazing experience.
On the first day, we were filled with wild expectations. With $50,000 up for grabs, what else did they expect? But KIC made me appreciate that challenges are the ornaments of success. All my lost hopes of building a personal empire were rekindled.
It appeared from the beginning there was not going to be a clear winner. At every stage of the journey, there was a conscious effort to rejuvenate our inner power for a win, thanks to “fire in the belly” mantra.
Ironically, it became extremely challenging to even choose teammates because people kept flowing along with the tide without making any effort to distinguish themselves. But some of us knew we could not all be serious, so we ad0pted several techniques to establish teammates. Unfortunately, I cannot say I was part of the lucky ones.
KIC taught us not to feel bad or dejected, but to believe in ourselves and our unique qualities. KIC showed us how ‘intimidation’ derives positive results. They positively intimidated us with the presence of those who lived success by “walking the talk”, not just abroad, but in Ghana.
They introduced to us resource persons who were unbelievably unique beyond bench marks. For me, it was another way of making us feel guilty for failing to push hard for our own success; they are good at leaving you with no room for excuse of failure.
At a point, I felt obliged to succeed. I came to understand that Kosmos is highly infectious with their approach to success and invested in every person they brought onto the programme, that measure of vigour. Yes, that is what KIC does, it leaves you with no reason to fail.
The experience I had at KIC exceeded my expectations, to say the least. Those of us who had some knowledge of market research were astonished at the quality of research techniques they taught us. Our trainers were extraordinary.
Kosmos Energy Ghana is doing what I call “corporate human responsibility”. The KIC is the window through which Kosmos will touch the hearts of generations in Africa and beyond.
After what I have been through at KIC, I can say unequivocally that the next decade of generational entrepreneurs will come from KIC.
A local saying goes: “The child who dignifies cleanliness will earn the honour of eating among the elderly.” In the past, wisdom was the measure of prominence, but in our current world, wisdom has been honourably replaced with creative talent that results in wealth creation.
Today, if a child wants to eat with the elderly, he must create his own world. Creating a world of your own is rough, unpredictable and extremely expensive. But at Kosmos Innovation Centre, creating such a world is as easy as being committed to the programme.
In simple words, they shorten your years of entrepreneurial hassle to a few months of extensive exposure and lead the way for you to explore and conquer the world.
The writer is a participant in the KIC AgriTech Challenge.