When sales veteran and industry leader Kayode Kolawole announced that his new book, The Salesperson’s Pocket Guide to Artificial Intelligence, would be released as a free, open-source download, many in the business community were taken aback. In an age where information is often commercialised and knowledge gated behind paywalls, his decision appeared both intentional and altruistic, almost rebellious.

In this conversation with Abigail Ikhaghu, Kolawole speaks about why he chose to share years of expertise at no cost, and what this decision means for the future of sales professionals in Nigeria and across the world.

Kayode, you could have sold this book and earned from it. Why did you choose to make it free?

Because the people who need this knowledge the most are often the ones who cannot afford it, junior salespeople, fresh graduates, and young professionals trying to find their way. People in emerging markets are competing with global standards but lack access to quality training.

I remember my early years in sales. I know what it feels like to be hungry for direction and short on resources. I chose to give this work away because the world is changing fast. Artificial intelligence is moving quickly. The sales profession is transforming. If we do not democratise knowledge today, many people will be left behind tomorrow. This is my way of removing that barrier.

What moment convinced you that this book needed to be open source?

I was speaking to a group of young salespeople. Many of them had heard of AI but had no idea how to use it. They were worried; they felt technology would replace them. One of them said, “Sir, where do we even learn these things without paying so much money?”

That moment stayed with me. I realised that knowledge without access is just privilege. If I truly want to make a difference, I should not lock the information behind a paywall.

What do you hope this book does for the next generation of sales professionals?

My hope is simple. I want this book to be the first step in someone’s journey towards confidence. I want a junior salesperson to open it and say, “This finally makes sense.” I want them to see that AI is not a threat; it is a tool that can help them grow.

I want people to walk into a sales interview feeling prepared. I want teams to use it during training, and founders to use it to build their processes. If this book gives someone clarity at a time when the world feels overwhelming, then the mission is complete.

How do you see AI changing the sales profession?

AI will automate many of the tasks that used to steal hours from us, CRM updates, report writing, lead scoring and customer insights. All of these can now be done faster and better with AI.

But the real work of sales remains human. People still buy from people they trust. AI will never replace empathy, listening or genuine concern for a client’s success. What AI will do is free us to focus on what truly matters, which is relationship-building.

What personal belief guided this decision?

I believe knowledge should lift people, not isolate them. We rise by helping others rise. That is how I was trained, and that is how I have built my career. When you give generously, the return is never only financial; it is about impact, influence and legacy. This book is my contribution to the profession that shaped me.

Do you see this book as part of a larger mission?

Yes, absolutely. I want to help build a global community of sales professionals who understand technology and can compete anywhere in the world. Africa is full of brilliant young people who simply need access. If we equip them with the right tools, they will surprise the world.

Making this book free is only the first step. I plan to create workshops, templates, and more open resources. My goal is to reach every salesperson who needs this knowledge, whether they are in Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Johannesburg, London or Atlanta.

What message do you want readers to carry with them?

Do not be afraid of the future. Learn. Adapt. Stay curious. AI does not replace you; it enhances you. Your humanity remains your greatest advantage. If you understand both technology and people, you will thrive in this new era.

How can people get the book today?

It is available as a free PDF. Anyone can download it, share it, teach with it and pass it on to others who need it. That is the entire point. The more people it…