The Spartan Mindset: A Blueprint for Resilience and Excellence

When people hear "Spartan," they think of warriors—unyielding, tough, and driven by purpose. But true strength isn’t just about raw power; it’s about grit, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to the mission. Last night, as the Michigan State University basketball's season ends with March Madness heartbreak vs Auburn in Elite 8, I am encouraged that the guys delivered, exceptional performance with a 30-7 season, and it was all through grit, resilience and teamwork. It was not about superstars or any one individual performance! A lesson in business. And a guiding theme for my own life.

Growing up between two continents—born in the US, Nigerian by ancestry—I often questioned what drives success; especially as a minority, a diaspora, or someone that does not feel like a born super-star. Over time, I realized that the foundation of success is discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. You just have to outwork your competitors.

This insight became clear during my time at MSU, where basketball success wasn’t based on talent primarily, but on teamwork and grit. Coach Tom Izzo built a legacy not just on recruiting stars but on developing players with the discipline to outwork others. His motto? "Players Play – Tough Players Win." Under his leadership, MSU has won 8 Final Fours and 27 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. In February, Izzo became the winningest coach in Big 10 basketball history. MSU’s success is about mental toughness, adaptability, and unity—principles that also define great businesses and leaders that I admire.

Resilience, adaptability, and discipline are as powerful in business as they are on the battlefield. African entrepreneurs like Kola Aina, Strive Masiyiwa, Aliko Dangote, Ola Brown (we started building in Africa at the same time - she built a profitable air ambulance business and a successful VC fund) and Jason Njoku (who built and exited a sustainable business - ROK) faced immense obstacles, but through grit and willpower, they built businesses. These leaders didn’t wait for perfect conditions; they made their own opportunities, thriving through perseverance.

At Venture Garden Group, we embrace this Spartan mindset, valuing individuals who turn adversity into opportunity. We look for builders and problem-solvers who outwork, outlearn, and outlast the competition. And people that learn to work in true partnership with others.

There are key lessons from MSU basketball that apply to business:

* Teamwork Wins Championships – No single player wins alone. Collaboration is key.

* Resilience Under Pressure – Spartans adapt and push forward, no matter the challenge.

* Commitment to Excellence – Constant improvement leads to long-term success.

Whether it's revolutionizing transportation with Avitech Software Solutions, powering instant cross-border funds with VigiPay, or empowering progress with Advancly, our approach to building sustainable businesses, which we call 'Camels', is rooted in resilience and excellence. Great teams are built through mentorship and skill development. We invest in Africa’s next generation of leaders, cultivating Spartans who are fearless, innovative, and ready to lead transformative projects.

The Spartan Mindset isn’t just about winning—it’s about how you win. Whether on the basketball court or in the boardroom, resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence set Spartans apart.

As Theodore Roosevelt said:

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust, sweat, and blood; who strives valiantly..."

We are in the arena. We are Spartans. And we are just getting started.

Will you stand on the sidelines, or step into the arena and build something great?