Thursday, August 2, 2007

Brilliant Minds- I Will Secure The Future Of My Family

Words by Te-Erika

Twenty-five-year-old Brandon Okpalobi has always admired his father’s work ethic. As a young boy Brandon heard the stories of how his father traveled to America from Nigeria and worked diligently to provide for his family. “He never changed who he was for anyone else. He worked hard. He worked until 10 or 11 at night. Back then I didn’t understand but now I do because looking back, life was pretty good,” Brandon said.

Brandon’s ultimate fantasy is to use his God given gifts of leadership and intelligence to ensure the financial security of his future family. Although he doesn’t have a family yet, he appreciates the time he has to focus on creating a legacy much like his father who owns and operates an accounting firm in New Orleans.

A descendant of a royal family in Nigeria, Brandon’s father, Chuka Okpalobi, is the Ochendo of Achalla-Ibusa in Delta State. His father’s election as King of a tribe in Nigeria taught Brandon that strength of character and determination will open the doors necessary to receive even more than you could hope for in life.

When Brandon moved to South Florida to attend the University of Miami, he had a dream of securing a place on the school’s celebrated basketball team. In direct competition with other young basketball stars, he tried out as a walk-on and secured a position on the team. Through hours of daily practice, focus and sheer willpower, Brandon landed a starting position and a scholarship. By his junior year of college, he was elected team captain and he held on to the position for two years. He was awarded the team’s Hustle Award, an honor reserved for team members who exhibit consistent excellence regardless of the circumstances.

Brandon now works as an Enterprise Risk Services consultant with Deloitte & Touche. His vision is to open a sports complex for families in Miami, Florida where he lives. “I hope to give families a place to come together that is affordable and fun,” Brandon said. “My mission is to exceed the average expectations of a community center by providing inspiring, educational and recreational experiences with exquisite ambiance for individuals committed to achieving excellence in their community."

He offers four key factors to successfully prepare to achieve your fantasy life:

1) Get a solid education in school and in life. Become an expert at whatever you plan to do.
2) Develop a solid business plan as a map for your vision.
3) Learn how to network by joining strong organizations that support where you are trying to go in your career.
4) Find a good mentor who will open the doors of wisdom and opportunity.

Daily affirmations are the key to Brandon’s success. “I wake up every morning and I get myself pumped by first reading the Proverb for the day. Then I read my daily devotional and afterwards I have a list of affirmations that I go through,” Brandon explained.

“Everyday that you wake up is a special occasion. Every day you get to walk is a special occasion. Treat everyone as if they are higher than they are and watch how doors open for you. All anyone wants is smile,” Brandon affirmed. “You’d be surprised by what a genuine smile can do.”

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

EXACTLY!

Anonymous said...

hEY bROThER! ROYAl YAYYYY!!!!!!! lOVE YOU!