Mulika 15 Years of Entrepreneurship: Reflections Beyond the Balance Sheet
This year, as we celebrate 10 years of Sahara Ventures, I find myself filled with deep gratitude — Alhamdulillah — for how far we’ve come. The achievements, the recognition, the networks, and the ability to open doors I once only dreamed of — these are all blessings I don’t take for granted. I began this journey as a young man with big dreams, and today I stand as a different man — seasoned, battle-tested, and still learning with every sunrise.
Entrepreneurship has been my path, my teacher, and in many ways, my identity. But I won’t lie — it’s lonely at the top. Along the way, I’ve lost close friends. My support system has crumbled at times. The sacrifices have been immense. I love what we’ve built at Sahara Ventures, but there are days I ask myself: at what cost?
My family has borne the most significant cost. My wife and my daughters — they’ve paid the highest price for this pursuit of greatness. I’m forever grateful they’ve stayed by my side. They are the heartbeat of my resilience.
They say if your vision doesn’t scare you, it’s not big enough. And I’ve asked myself often: Is this truly my purpose? Is it worth it? Why me? But with time, you learn — you are not doing it, you are it. This is who I am. It stopped being about work long ago. It’s not about the money either. I’ve walked away from lucrative opportunities because they didn’t align with my mission. It’s about the journey, the adrenaline, the pressure, the learning, the places you go, and the people you meet. It’s a lifestyle. It makes you reflect deeply on the meaning of life.
Bad people will come. They will treat you poorly. But don’t take it personally. They are just sharpening you for what you are becoming. One day, they’ll return with humility and respect. But don’t take revenge. Don’t dwell. Let them be. Learn the lesson, stay focused, and stay humble — but never weak. This game does not reward the “nice guy.” Be a good person, but don’t let the world take advantage of your kindness.
You will also meet extraordinary people — those who seem to stop time, lighten every burden, and bring peace. But not all of them are meant to stay. Some are only part of the journey for a season, not the destination. Detachment is the first spiritual law of entrepreneurship. People, ideas, systems, and businesses — they come and go. You must constantly evolve. Reinvent yourself. Detach. Grow. It’s cold at the top, and your only real support system is you.
When pressure mounts, avoid chasing dopamine — whether through drugs, alcohol, or relationships. They’re illusions of comfort. When the storm hits, you’re alone. People will question you — your family, your friends, your clients. Your competitors will try to undermine you. You must hang on to yourself — your values, your intentions, your discipline. Always remember why you started. Embrace the journey, not the outcome — because the outcome may never come.
Focus on your 5Fs:
- Faith — Anchor your spirit in something bigger than yourself.
- Family — Love and protect them; they are your real legacy.
- Fitness — Your health is your greatest asset.
- Finances — Strive for financial freedom and build generational wealth.
- Find-Out — Always be learning, questioning, and discovering.
Be the one to break the generational chains of poverty. Build a foundation for future generations. Let love fuel your drive. Never hate — it’s a burden too heavy to carry. Forgive, let go, and don’t allow the pain others caused to become your identity.
As long as you can sleep peacefully at night and look your children in the eyes with pride, that’s enough. But strive to create a world where other fathers and mothers can do the same for their children. This journey is not a zero-sum game.
If something is no longer working — move. Build again. Start over. Embrace abundance. We came into this world naked. We don’t know how we’ll leave — but we can choose how we live.
Above all — don’t lose yourself. It’s not worth it. And remember — you can always start again. Don’t carry your trauma into new spaces. Ask for help if you need it. The strongest people cry too — whether in pain or in victory. That’s not a weakness. That’s humanity.
Communicate. And when you’re tired, pause. The only regret is staying when you should’ve left — or leaving when you still had a reason to stay. Make your decision. Live with the consequences.
The Almighty works in mysterious ways. What seems broken may be the start of something beautiful, and what appears perfect may be your most significant test. There’s no such thing as perfect “work-life balance.” It’s all life. So don’t forget to live. Laugh. Make mistakes. Forgive yourself. Love deeply. Stay spiritual. And always fight for another day.
It will get lonely. But you were built for this.