Afkar Printing and Publishing Company Limited (fondly called Afkar) is a one-stop, high quality and state-of-the-art printing company that commenced printing operations on the 1st of November 2010 but was rebranded and upgraded in 2012 to an international standard printing company. In this SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEW, WHERE To Print magazine speaks exclusively with the delectable Doctor of Commercial Law and Print Expert at the helms of affairs at the award-winning company – Dr. Florence Adesola Falaiye who gladly shares her decades of experience in law, printing and corporate governance. Be motivated by her time-tested advice, insights and more in the expose’ interview excerpt below:
AS A BUSINESS, WHAT WERE THE THREE ACCOMPLISHMENTS LAST YEAR THAT YOU WERE MOST PROUD OF?
Thank you for your question but permit me to mention four accomplishments out of many. One; we increased our equipment capacity, which has helped our finishing operations to achieve impressive quality and speed. Two; we upgraded our power supply. This has improved our supply change management and reduced overall cost of production. Three; we improved our corporate culture and quality customer service delivery, and lastly; we established a printing academy to nurture new talents, improve capacity of print professionals, thereby giving back to the industry.
WHAT SURPRISED YOU ABOUT LAST YEAR?
No surprises per se. We are grateful that we are still standing.
WHAT WERE THE LOWS AND HIGHS OF LAST YEAR?
Inflation and uncertain business climate. Getting suitable employable candidates due to the ‘Japa’ Syndrome. However, the positive part was the loyalty of our existing clients. Despite all odds, they weathered the storm with us.
WHAT GOT YOU THROUGH THE LOWS AND MOTIVATED YOU TO REACH THE HIGHS?
We had to reduce the lead time on our quotation. We also incorporated and implemented a succession policy to help keep our business moving with or without the exportation of talents currently plaguing the Nigerian labour market. Constant and effective communication with all our suppliers, clients and members of staff on developments as it concern them also helped us reach the highs.
WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR?
We are grateful for our team members’ lives and thankful that our business is still standing.
WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU OVERCOME, ESPECIALLY IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC POLICIES OF GOVERNMENT?
We were able to battle the foreign exchange fluctuations by sourcing most of our materials and business consultancy services locally.
WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN THAT OTHERS CAN ADOPT?
Thinking outside the box. For example; on power, we had to come up with a solution against the ever-increasing cost of diesel at the time, and we are thankful for the project’s success. Also, the resilience of the Afkar workforce gave us the results we achieved, and this is because we practice an all-inclusive people’s management, and as much as possible, we maintained our staff welfare policies. This and many more helped us retain the loyalty of our staff members.
YOUR TIPS FOR BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY IN THIS ECONOMY?
Constant review of operational procedures; Constant review of business terms and conditions; Periodic review and evaluation of the environmental factors; and Strict compliance policy as a company. We believe the result of non-compliance is expensive. Hence, we strive to stay compliant with regulations and operations. In fact, this earned us the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) Compliance Award last year. I will also suggest that businesses look more inward for alternatives in sourcing raw materials. More importantly also, they should continue to strive for customer satisfaction at all times.
ON STAFF RELATIONS: HOW DO YOU THINK MANAGEMENT OUGHT TO DEAL WITH STAFF TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN THEM FOR OVERALL GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BUSINESS?
Establish clear goals, but let your employees find their ways to reach them. If you want to maintain good morale and a positive outlook among your employees, be wary of criticizing and controlling their efforts too much. Supporting and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed is better. Appreciating your team’s work ethic and professional integrity will empower them. They will continue to produce high-quality work and pursue rewarded efforts. Encouraging them to progress and providing incentives will demonstrate your leadership skills while helping them become a solid team and produce the best work possible.
WHAT IS YOUR THOUGHT ON BEING A WOMAN MANAGING A BUSINESS IN A MALE-DOMINATED BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT?
I have had to answer this question in almost all my interviews. My first reaction has always been, what’s the big deal? But I have come to realise that people see it as a big deal, especially in a chauvinistic society where women are perceived as less than men. My response to this is that – God created us, male and female, although with different biological sets; He created us with equal capacities and capabilities with minds to make our choices and explore our opportunities. Having said that, a leader, being a male or a female, would succeed when he or she is competent to handle the job and is human on the job. This goes beyond the knowledge of the technicalities. It is the ability to be a comrade amongst the team and apply fairness in operations and decision-making without fear or favour. I look forward to many more women MD/CEOs in this industry.
WHAT DO YOU THINK PRINT & ALLIED PRACTITIONERS SHOULD DO DIFFERENTLY NOW TO TAKE THEIR BUSINESSES TO THE NEXT HIGHER LEVEL?
Follow the trend of digitalisation and digital marketing processes. Upgrade your mindset, processes and procedures.
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THIS YEAR AND WILL MOTIVATE YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS TO SUCCEED?
Afkar has up-to-date machines, and we are enthusiastic that our quality deliverables this year will be top-notch. We also hope to perform outstandingly beyond past years.
ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, WHAT NEW HABITS DID YOU START AND ARE WORKING WELL FOR YOU THAT OTHERS CAN LEARN FROM?
I have always enjoyed reading and learning; I have, however, decided to structure it more so that I will be more consistent and track my progress. You will be amazed at the power of knowledge, especially when upgrading your knowledge on the job. I have also decided to take my work-life balance more seriously.
WHAT ARE THE KEY RELATIONSHIP TIPS YOU DISCOVERED THAT YOU KNOW WILL BE VITAL TO BUSINESS GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY?
Networking within and outside your area of relevance and influence; Building on existing client relationships for referrals; Team Marketing; and Consistency.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNGER WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY ON CAREER DEVELOPMENT?
Dream big! It starts from the mind. Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve… If you can think it, you can do it. Be focused enough to achieve the dream. Follow the processes with all diligence and integrity without compromise. The road to the top may be hard, but staying at the top may be harder, so make sure your ladder to the top is strong and sure-footed. Success is not served a la carte; it is a buffet. You have to carefully make your selections and choices by knowing that there will be consequences for your decisions, whether positive or negative. Mentorship matters a lot, so seek mentors who will help direct or redirect your goals and ambitions without causing you to lose yourself in their shadows. At the end of the day, your vision is yours to accomplish. The most important variable is the God factor! He is the best choice on the buffet table; don’t forget a big sprinkle of the God factor.
WHAT WILL YOU DO NEXT YEAR IN TERMS OF PRODUCT OR SERVICE OFFERINGS TO DISTINGUISH YOU FROM THE COMPETITION?
We are already distinguished from the competition by our top-range quality and professional delivery. Having said that, we continue to strive to surpass our quality drive with up-to-date maintenance of our machines. Hopefully, we will add to our pools of equipment. We plan to purchase a new computer-to-plate machine as soon as possible to further enhance our print quality and improve our productivity.
ARE THERE SPECIALS, PROMOS OR DISCOUNTS THAT YOU’RE OFFERING TO YOUR CLIENTS?
Yes. We offer design services for clients who print with us at no cost.
WHAT ASSURANCE ARE YOU GIVING YOUR CUSTOMERS IN 2024 TO GUARANTEE YOUR COMMITMENT TO THEIR NEEDS ANYTIME, ANYDAY?
Improved quality; Improved service delivery; and Improved relationship.
FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN THIS 2024 BUSINESS YEAR?
To surpass our target and accomplish our business goals and objectives. And to formally launch Afkar’s Printing Academy.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
Dr. Florence Adesola Falaiye holds a PhD in Commercial Law from the prestigious University of Lagos. As a corporate law expert, an accredited mediator, and tax solution expert in Nigeria, her legal and business expertise complements her in-depth knowledge of the country’s printing and publishing sector. Under her leadership as Managing Director and CEO of Afkar Printing and Publishing Company Limited (Afkar), the international standard printing company and full-time member of Nigeria’s printing industry regulatory body – the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) has maintained and daily improves on its quality standard, industry pace-setting values as well as stakeholders’ interests inclusion. For more information on Afkar, please visit www.afkarprintsng.com
