A Remarkable Journey: Adebayo Ogunlesi and the BlackRock Deal

Dear Community,

In our latest newsletter, I'm shifting the focus to an inspiring figure, Adebayo Ogunlesi, a Nigerian lawyer and investment banker. Currently serving as the chairman and managing partner at Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), he has built an incredible legacy in the private equity sector.

@Bloomberg

In July 2006, he founded GIP, transforming it into a standout firm in less than two decades. With a team of just 400 people, GIP now boasts $106 billion in assets, including stakes in airports, ports, green energy, and large pipelines.

His recent success includes the BlackRock deal, where GIP was acquired for $12 billion, making him one of the largest shareholders in the nearly $120 billion BlackRock company. This deal has sparked significant interest, given his journey from building GIP from scratch alongside friends and former coworkers at Credit Sussie.

Amidst various articles and insights into the vision behind this deal, I recommend watching his interview with Bloomberg's Wall Street, where he discusses the partnership's significance and the future of GIP and BlackRock. [Link to the interview:

Now, let's delve into 10 valuable lessons SMEs can learn from his journey and the BlackRock deal:

1. The Marshall's Principle: Applying the Marshall's principle, Ogunlesi advocates for leadership empowerment—surrounding oneself with individuals of greater intelligence, removing obstacles, and inspiring their full potential. This approach fosters collaboration, unleashing collective potential for business success.

2. Age is No Barrier to Bold Career Moves: His switch from banking to investing at 52 proves that it's never too late to chase new career passions. His story reminds us that age shouldn't hold us back – competency and passion matter more than the number of candles on the cake!

3. Embrace Accountability and Positive Challenges: Accept accountability for your career choices. His wife's ultimatum encouraged him to either find fulfillment in his job or explore new opportunities, emphasizing the importance of taking charge of one's professional satisfaction.

4. Learn from Setbacks and Navigate Challenges: His experience with $US600 million Biffa failed investment teaches us that setbacks can happen, even with well-thought investments. The key is not to avoid failures but to learn from them, adapt to changing circumstances, and navigate challenges with resilience for long-term business success.

5. Networking and Strategic Alliances Are Key:  Ogunlesi's diligence and work ethic led to Credit Suisse investing $US1 billion and General Electric contributing $US500 million. This highlights the critical role of networking and maintaining an upstanding reputation in the corporate world. Strong relationships not only open doors but also solidify trust, fostering opportunities that can reshape your business trajectory.

6. Customer Satisfaction is Key: The transformation of London City airport under Global Infrastructure Partners reveals that prioritizing customer service is vital for business growth. The substantial investment not only improved punctuality and reduced delays but also enhanced overall customer experience. This exemplifies how focusing on customer satisfaction positively impacts a business, fostering growth and long-term success.

7. Diligence and Hard Work Pay Off: His journey from an international student at Harvard to co-founding GIP with significant financial backing illustrates that diligence, hard work, and dedication can lead to remarkable career achievements.

8. Stay Bold, Stay Resilient: His switch from banking to launching GIP showcases the power of staying bold and resilient in the face of new challenges. His story is a reminder to embrace change with a spirit of entrepreneurship, fostering resilience as we venture into uncharted territories.

9. Ownership Odyssey:  His sale of GIP to BlackRock amidst industry shifts highlights the importance of foresight for business leaders. Anticipating market changes and making strategic moves can not only position your company for success but also align it with a larger vision. Be part of something bigger, embrace foresight, and let it guide your business journey toward a brighter future.

10. Success Beyond Figures: Finally, beyond the $12.5 billion deal, Adebayo Ogunlesi’s success story emphasizes that true leadership goes beyond financial figures. Building a legacy involves creating positive impact, fostering innovation, and inspiring others. Remember, success is not just measured in dollars but in the lasting influence you leave on your industry and beyond.

Wishing you inspired leadership and entrepreneurial success,

Ayo Bankole Akintujoye.

Convener & Co-Founder