Abraham Orukpe, the visionary CEO of BULSMA, has transformed the Business Structure, Leadership, and Management Academy into a globally recognized consulting and training powerhouse. With a foundation built on sincerity, integrity, and robust client support, Orukpe has navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship with unwavering dedication. Drawing from a wealth of corporate experience and a deep commitment to continuous learning, he has not only scaled his business but also empowered countless entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable growth. In this conversation, Orukpe shares the principles, strategies, and philosophies that have fueled his remarkable journey.
How has your background shaped the person you are today?
My early life could be described as normal until it wasn’t. I was born and raised in Edo State, Nigeria, in a relatively stable environment until my parents separated when I was 11 years old. From that point, it was just me—deciding, thinking, analyzing, and carving out my path. My childhood was a blend of sweet and sour experiences because no child at 11 should have to navigate life alone due to family decisions.
That period taught me resilience, independence, and the ability to adapt. Though my upbringing was tough and left a bitter taste, I am grateful for how it shaped me. Today, my background no longer reflects where I am in life, and I celebrate the growth and transformation that came from those challenges.
What inspired you to leave a stable career in banking and pursue your entrepreneurial dreams? What challenges did you face in making that decision?
Leaving my career in banking was not an easy decision. Banking provided stability and comfort, but deep within me, there was a yearning for more—a desire to stretch beyond my limits and explore new opportunities. My time in banking taught me valuable lessons, and I remain grateful for the mentorship of my boss, Mr. Akin. Though his corrections and criticisms felt harsh at the time, they were pivotal in shaping my growth. Today, I pray for him and acknowledge his significant impact on my career.
Transitioning into entrepreneurship was tricky. Leaving the stability of an 8-to-5 job with a steady income for the uncertainties of business was a huge leap. My first venture was a medical facilitation company, an entirely different field from banking. It was a tough start—finding clients was a major challenge. I set a goal for myself: within 12 months, I needed to make a profit of at least one million naira. If I couldn’t achieve that, I would return to paid employment.
The first seven months were full of struggles, but in the eighth month, I secured my first major job, which gave me the breakthrough I needed. More opportunities followed, and with that, I decided there was no going back. While the entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been entirely smooth, looking back, I am certain it was the best decision for me. It laid the foundation for where I am today, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.
Your journey from a banking professional to a globally recognized business owner is remarkable. Can you walk us through the key steps to building BUSLMA Consulting?
Thank you. BUSLMA Consulting, which stands for Business Strategy, Leadership, and Management Academy, didn’t happen overnight. The first thing I’ve learned is that no idea comes fully formed or crystal clear. It’s a process, and consistency is the key to refining that process. As I often say in my training sessions: Consistency gives clarity, clarity builds confidence, and confidence generates speed.
When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I founded Smart Facility Management, followed by Smart Planet Farms, and later My Planet Consulting. Now, we have the Business Tutorials and Management Academy, popularly known as BUSLMA. A crucial step I’ve taken in each business endeavor is focusing on consolidation before diversification. It takes me a minimum of three to four years to diversify because I believe in solidifying one area before venturing into another. Even when I have the resources and knowledge, I ensure the foundation of each business is strong enough to support expansion.
Another critical aspect is choosing “all-weather” business models—industries that have demand year-round. For example, our poultry farm operates consistently from January to December, as does our industrial cleaning service and consulting firm. Many entrepreneurs fail because they enter seasonal businesses without understanding the dynamics, making it difficult to sustain operations.
Additionally, I’m deliberate about understanding my niche. I conduct thorough market visibility studies, cost analysis, and customer segmentation before committing to a business. This preparatory work ensures that I’m not just running with an idea but building something sustainable. Unfortunately, some people skip this step and exit the business after six months due to a lack of preparation. I always take time to analyze my goals and invest in proper planning before moving forward.
Many young talents dream of starting their businesses but face significant challenges, including governmental insensitivity and lack of support, causing many to lose their way. What was the biggest obstacle you faced, and how did you overcome it? Additionally, what strategies can effectively nurture and harness young talent to prevent them from falling into social vices like internet fraud?
One of the most significant challenges I faced when starting my business in 2015 was the lack of mentorship. My first venture was in industrial cleaning and facility management. At the time, I had no one to guide me, and I mistakenly believed I could figure everything out on my own. This mindset led to wasted time, money, and resources as I ran in circles trying to figure things out. Looking back, I see how essential mentorship is. Having someone ahead of you in your journey can save you from unnecessary setbacks. Their experience and guidance are invaluable. If you can’t find free mentorship, invest in paid programs to gain the knowledge you need.
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Another challenge was funding. Passion drove me to start, but I quickly realized that passion alone isn’t enough. To succeed, you need a clear understanding of cost-benefit analysis, potential partnerships, and the resources available within your network. Basic skills are essential to run a business effectively. While passion can ignite your vision, it must be complemented with the right strategies, planning, and perseverance to navigate the obstacles.
As for nurturing young talent and preventing social vices like internet fraud, I believe mentorship plays a central role. Governments, private organizations, and community leaders should create programs that connect young people with experienced professionals. These programs should offer training, networking opportunities, and resources to support entrepreneurial development. Education is another pillar—emphasizing skill acquisition and financial literacy from an early age can empower young people to channel their energy into productive ventures.
Finally, creating enabling environments—such as access to funding, business incubation centers, and platforms for young entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas—is essential. By combining mentorship, education, and systemic support, we can guide young people away from social vices and towards meaningful contributions to society.
Was there a defining moment in your career when you realized you were on the path to greatness? How did that impact your approach moving forward?
Yes, there was a defining moment in my career. It happened when I got my first major cleaning contract worth 1.9 million naira. While the amount might seem small to some, it was a significant milestone for me because I had anticipated something far less. That job was a turning point, signaling that I was doing something right. If someone could trust my business with such a substantial job, it validated the quality of our services.
Another defining moment was when inquiries about our services began to increase. Even though not all inquiries converted into sales, they reassured me that people were noticing our work. It was proof that our efforts were making an impact and gaining recognition.
Finally, a major milestone was securing our first office space. We started from the streets, renting equipment and going door-to-door. Transitioning from that to having an office where clients could visit felt monumental. These three stages—my first big job, the growing inquiries, and acquiring an office—were clear indicators that the journey was worth it.
You have become known for your integrity, empathy, and accountability. How have these values shaped your business practices, and why do you think they are essential in today’s business world?
In my training sessions, I emphasize the importance of being either transactional-minded or transformational-minded in business. While we are all in business to make a profit, it’s essential to balance the two approaches.
When you are transactional-minded, your focus is solely on completing a deal without building meaningful connections with clients. For example, some businesses enforce rigid terms like “no refunds” without considering the client’s perspective. On the other hand, a transformational-minded approach prioritizes delivering value, and creating satisfied customers who become ambassadors for your brand.
Our core values are empathy, professionalism, effectiveness, and efficiency. Among these, empathy is fundamental. Every customer seeks a product or service that addresses their pain points. By understanding their struggles, you can tailor your services to meet their specific needs. Empathy also fosters trust and long-term relationships, making integrity a natural extension of your business practices.
Integrity, to me, is about delivering on your promises, even when the client isn’t looking. For instance, if a client gives you a budget of 100,000 naira and your material costs are 50,000 naira, integrity ensures you maintain transparency and deliver quality instead of cutting corners to maximize profit.
Without empathy, integrity becomes a challenge. Businesses that prioritize empathy recognize that every transaction is tied to someone’s hard-earned money. By respecting that, they naturally build accountability and trust. However, when businesses adopt a “take-it-or-leave-it” mindset, they risk alienating customers and damaging their reputation.
Ultimately, empathy, integrity, and accountability are interconnected. They not only enhance customer satisfaction but also establish a strong foundation for sustainable business growth.
Business structure, leadership, and management academy is now a globally recognized consulting and training firm. What strategies or principles did you adopt that are critical in scaling your business to this level?
One of the core strategies we adopted was sincerity. Customers can sense your intentions, whether before or after they pay for your services. A client may pay because of how well you present yourself, but the moment they engage with your service, your true nature becomes evident. At Bozeman Business Structure Leadership and Management Academy, we have made it a policy to avoid misleading clients or taking on projects we know we cannot deliver.
There have been instances where we referred clients to other professionals or admitted that we didn’t offer the required service instead of taking their money dishonestly. This level of transparency builds trust and preserves our reputation. Additionally, we emphasize support systems—offering clients 14 to 30 days of follow-up services after consultation or training. This ensures they see value beyond the immediate transaction and motivates them to retain us for future needs. Sincerity and consistent client support have been pivotal in our growth.
As a certified project manager and business leadership coach, how has this qualification helped you in your business journey? Do you believe continuous learning is crucial for entrepreneurs?
Absolutely. As the saying goes, “We start dying the day we stop learning.” Entrepreneurs must recognize that they will encounter diverse challenges requiring adaptable solutions. My certifications and academic achievements have equipped me with the theoretical knowledge and practical tools to address these challenges.
For instance, my work across various sectors, including poultry farming and facility management, provides hands-on experience that complements my certifications. Combined, these experiences enable me to train and guide individuals at different managerial levels. Continuous learning allows entrepreneurs to stay relevant, innovative, and effective in an ever-evolving business landscape.
You’ve had experience in corporate banking with FCMB and Sky Bank. How did your corporate experience help you in building and managing your business successfully?
My corporate background is the foundation of my approach to business. Working in the banking sector instilled a strong sense of discipline and accountability. For example, I understood the importance of punctuality—resuming work at 8 a.m. and closing at 5 p.m. sharp. This structured environment taught me that consistency and responsibility are non-negotiable traits for success.
Many struggling business owners lack this foundational experience. They might start their day late or run their business without accountability, which reflects poorly on their operations and team dynamics. While I’m not dismissing the potential success of entrepreneurs without corporate backgrounds, I believe my experience in corporate banking added depth to my understanding of leadership and management. It shaped me into a CEO who values structure, punctuality, and accountability.
Is there a particular mantra or philosophy that has kept you going during difficult times?
Two philosophies guide my actions and decisions.
First, “Karma does not need your address to find you.” This reminds me to approach all my dealings—personal or professional—with intention and integrity. If I act dishonestly or negligently, I cannot expect loyalty or dedication from those I work with.
Second, I rely on the “Three Circles of Life”: the circle of control, the circle of influence, and the circle of concern. These circles help me maintain balance in my life. I identify what is within my control—my time, investments, and personal development—and focus my energy there. The circle of influence helps me build meaningful relationships, while the circle of concern reminds me to address challenges strategically without becoming overwhelmed.
These philosophies ensure I remain focused, intentional, and balanced even in challenging times.
