Opening Remarks and Reading Encouragement:
- Tejumade Olomola expresses his intention to rekindle his passion for reading and participate more actively in future meetings.
- Thanni Quowam emphasizes the importance of reading for personal growth and competitive advantage, highlighting that shared ideas foster human connection.
Discussion on "Tao Te Ching":
- Thanni introduces "Tao Te Ching" by Lao Tzu, a foundational text in Taoism, and elaborates on its principles: non-action, wordlessness, and non-contending.
- Key takeaways include the value of silence, empathy, and simplicity in life and leadership. Thanni explains Taoism's perspective on adaptability, letting go, and maintaining a neutral stance toward life's events.
Insights from Participants:
- Participants, including Naomi and Tejumade, share their reflections, resonating with the concepts of stepping back, embracing silence, and letting things take their natural course.
Naomi’s Presentation on Gari:
- Naomi discusses the health benefits of gari (cassava flakes), addressing misconceptions about its impact on eyesight due to cyanide content in improperly processed cassava.
- She highlights gari's nutritional value, including its vitamin, mineral, and carbohydrate content, which supports energy, bone health, and skin care.
- Enhancing Gari as a Balanced Meal:
  - Naomi explains how to make gari more nutritious by adding ingredients like:
  - Groundnuts: Source of fats and protein.
  - Grated Coconut: Adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  - Milk: Provides protein and calcium.
  - Cold Water/Ice: Enhances taste and makes it refreshing.
  - Gari can serve as a cereal-like meal, similar to cornflakes, when enriched this way.
- Practical Observations:
  - Thanni notes that while vitamins in gari may dissipate during heating (e.g., when making eba), the overall nutritional difference is minimal.
  - He emphasizes moderating carbohydrate intake and prioritizing protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and chicken to maintain a balanced diet.
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  Tejumade on "Crossing the Chasm"
- Adapting to Modern Consumer Behavior:
  - Tejumade shares insights from the book Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore:
  - Modern markets are oversaturated with shiny tech products, leading to reduced consumer enthusiasm.
  - Companies must focus on solving real problems and providing high-value, cost-effective solutions to stand out.
- Real-World Application:
  - Tejumade's ed-tech startup, Tutoria360, developed a mock exam simulator tailored for students, addressing the gap in accessible, realistic practice tools.
  - This approach, aimed at providing practical value, garnered significant engagement and success.
- Key Takeaway:
  - In tech and business, it's crucial to refine products, address genuine needs, and avoid becoming just another "shiny object" in a crowded market.
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  Fejiro on "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People"
- Core Concepts:
  - Paradigms and Perception:
  - Humans operate with two mental maps:
    - Reality Map: How things are perceived.
    - Ideal Map: How things should be.
  - These maps shape attitudes and behaviors, which can be positive or negative.
  - Principles vs. Values:
  - Principles are timeless and unchanging, guiding actions regardless of circumstances.
  - Values, on the other hand, may vary and influence short-term decisions.
- Decision-Making Based on Principles:
  - Fejiro shares an example of a man choosing between work and family:
  - A principle-driven person prioritizes what aligns with their core beliefs, such as family time, over immediate external rewards like promotions.
  - Principles help avoid reactive, emotion-driven decisions and foster proactive behavior.
- Proactive vs. Reactive Mindsets:
  - Reactive individuals blame external factors for their situations (e.g., bad weather, unhelpful lecturers).
  - Proactive individuals focus on adapting and taking responsibility for their actions regardless of external conditions.
- Practical Reflections:
  - Fejiro reflects on personal growth and how embracing principles like honesty and learning from mistakes can guide her life decisions.
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  Key Themes Across the Meeting
- Learning and Growth:
  - The participants emphasize continuous learning through reading and applying insights from books.
  - Real-life applications of concepts from books like Tao Te Ching, Crossing the Chasm, and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People highlight the transformative power of knowledge.
- Practical Problem-Solving:
  - The discussions underscore the importance of addressing real-world problems, whether through innovation in tech or personal development.
- Balanced Living:
  - Topics range from nutrition and health to work-life balance, showcasing a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.
- Principles and Values:
  - A recurring theme is the importance of having a strong moral compass and principles to guide decisions, ensuring alignment with long-term goals and integrity.
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  Next Steps
  
  Participants were encouraged to:
- Continue reading and sharing insights during future sessions.
- Reflect on how the discussed principles and concepts apply to their personal and professional lives.
- Seek ways to innovate and provide high-value solutions in their respective fields.
  
  This collaborative meeting highlighted the power of shared learning and thoughtful discussions in fostering individual and collective growth.

Tejumade on "Crossing the Chasm"

Fejiro on "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People"

Key Themes Across the Meeting

Next Steps