Podcast Summary: "The Hard Parts of Entrepreneurship No One Talks About... ft. Vidette Adjorlolo (Sorted Chalet)"

Episode Release Date: October 6, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of To My Sisters, hosts Courtney Daniella Boateng and Renée Kapuku sit down with Vidette Adjorlolo, the visionary CEO and Chief Minister of Sorted Chalet, a burgeoning travel company based in Ghana. The conversation delves deep into Vidette's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she faced, and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way.

Journey into Entrepreneurship

Vidette begins by sharing her passion for travel, highlighting how her wanderlust has been a defining feature of her life. Reflecting on her university days, she recalls, "I ended up going to the Netherlands and honestly, that really opened me to a whole world of travel that I didn't know existed" (07:35).

Her professional journey started in the corporate world at HSBC in China. However, Vidette’s desire for international exposure led her to seek an international placement, ultimately landing her in Hong Kong. This experience was transformative, teaching her that "not all wanderers are lost" (10:13). Despite the challenges, such as her project not succeeding in Hong Kong, she realized the importance of context and humility in business.

The Leap of Faith: Leaving the Corporate World

The pivotal moment in Vidette's life came when she decided to leave her stable job at HSBC to pursue her dream of building a travel company in Ghana. She shares, "It was a push. It wasn't a choice. It was God saying, you have to go" (17:57). This decision was both spiritual and calculated, backed by extensive research anticipating a resurgence in the travel industry post-pandemic.

Vidette meticulously saved £500 each month from her banking salary, illustrating her commitment to financial discipline. "I have always been someone who was very calculated. I don't like suffering. So from the moment I stepped into the bank, I set up something on my account where every month £500 would just leave my accounts" (22:17).

Navigating the Post-Leap Challenges

Transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurship wasn't seamless. Vidette discusses the uncertainties of running a business, including managing payroll, acquiring clients, and the constant need for self-renewal. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive team: "Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision, people who like you, just like you as a human being, and people who are willing to go the extra mile with you is going to be so pivotal" (27:31).

Overcoming a Business and Friendship Breakup

One of the most profound segments of the episode covers Vidette’s experience with a co-founder and friendship breakup. She candidly reflects, "The biggest lesson I've learned from my co-founder breakup is to everyone else, this is a launch pad" (30:56). The dissolution of her business partnership led to the end of a twelve-year friendship, a situation she describes as more painful than any romantic breakup.

Vidette highlights the critical takeaway: "If you choose to have a business with your friend, it's a different type of business. You're not co-founders anymore. Your co-founder is just a friend. It changes the dynamic" (33:24). She underscores the necessity of prioritizing friendship over business and the importance of self-reflection during such tumultuous times.

Belief in Africa and Contribution to Its Growth

A passionate advocate for Africa, Vidette shares her unwavering belief in the continent's potential. She states, "Where is my home? Where do I go that I look like the people, I sound like the people. Truly my ancestors are from there. Truly, these are the people that want me. That's Africa" (50:12). Through Sorted Chalet, she aims to provide social and cultural capital that fosters economic investments in Africa.

Vidette emphasizes sustainable and impactful business practices, such as paying her Ghanaian team members 25 to 30 times the daily minimum wage. "I want the young people that we work with to not just have the leadership skills as they interact with our plethora of international clients, but I also want them to have the economic capabilities to also move forward in their lives" (53:43).

Wisdom and Encouragement for the Sisterhood

As the conversation winds down, Vidette offers a heartfelt piece of advice: "To my sisters. Your 20s are some of the best times to explore the world. Don't complain about being single. Don't complain if you know life isn't exactly how you want it to be. Just enjoy the ride. It works out in the end, I promise you" (57:07).

Her resilience and intentional growth serve as an inspiration for listeners navigating their own entrepreneurial paths and personal challenges.

Closing Reflections

The episode concludes with Courtney and Renée expressing their deep admiration for Vidette's journey and contributions. They encourage listeners to engage with Vidette's work and join upcoming international retreats organized by To My Sisters and Sorted Chalet.

Notable Quotes

• Vidette Adjorlolo: "Not all wanderers are lost." (10:13)
• Vidette Adjorlolo: "It was a push. It wasn't a choice. It was God saying, you have to go." (17:57)
• Vidette Adjorlolo: "Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision... is going to be so pivotal." (27:31)
• Vidette Adjorlolo: "If you choose to have a business with your friend, it's a different type of business. You're not co-founders anymore." (33:24)
• Vidette Adjorlolo: "To my sisters. Your 20s are some of the best times to explore the world. Don't complain about being single..." (57:07)

Conclusion

This episode of To My Sisters offers an honest and introspective look into the lesser-discussed challenges of entrepreneurship. Vidette Adjorlolo’s story is a testament to resilience, strategic risk-taking, and the importance of aligning one’s professional endeavors with personal values and spiritual beliefs. Her insights not only shed light on the hard parts of building a business but also inspire a sense of community and sisterhood among listeners striving for holistic wellness and growth.

For more insights and to join the global sisterhood, follow To My Sisters on Instagram and visit twomysisters.com.