Industry leaders have urged aspiring entrepreneurs to seek clarity, validate their business ideas and invest in mentorship before launching out, as sustainable businesses are built on careful planning, self-awareness and providing solutions to real problems rather than just being driven by passion.

The advice was given at the inaugural edition of The Clarity Room, where entrepreneurs and professionals shared practical insights on business growth, career development and leadership with aspiring founders and corporate professionals.

The Convener of The Clarity Room, Patience Uket, said the initiative was conceived to bridge the gap between ambition and direction by creating a platform where people could learn directly from experienced professionals.

Uket noted that many people have the desire to succeed but often lack access to practical guidance on how to navigate through careers or businesses, prompting the need to assemble speakers with proven track records to share lessons from their journeys.

She said it is to help participants gain clarity and confidence about their next steps, regardless of whether they were entrepreneurs or professionals in the corporate sector.

Founder of Reni Luxury Real Estate, Morenike George-Taylor, advised entrepreneurs to develop business plans, understand their profit margins, assess competitors and gain knowledge of key aspects of business management, including finance, operations, marketing, branding and legal compliance.

She said entrepreneurship should not be viewed through the lens of social media success stories alone, noting that building a sustainable business requires discipline, planning and a realistic understanding of the challenges involved.

George-Taylor encouraged aspiring founders to seek mentors whose values and achievements align with their personal aspirations.

Adding that books and other learning resources could serve as valuable sources of guidance for those unable to access mentors directly.

She also urged them to validate their ideas before investing resources, stressing that every successful business begins with identifying a genuine problem and providing a solution people are willing to pay for.

Founder of Recruten Consulting, Michael Alasa, advised entrepreneurs and professionals to begin by identifying their strengths and areas of expertise before deciding on their next career or business move.

According to him, individuals should assess their technical competencies, determine where they can create the greatest value and continuously improve their skills to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive environment.

Alasa also urged participants to understand the needs of their target market and decide whether they intend to build expertise in a specialised area or develop broader capabilities, saying such decisions would shape their long-term growth.

He added that mentorship, continuous learning and strategic networking remain critical to helping entrepreneurs and professionals make informed decisions and navigate the different stages of their careers and businesses.