The skills that make an individual contributor successful differ from those required for effective leadership. As an individual, you rely on technical expertise, problem-solving, and personal productivity. In leadership, however, success depends on the collective performance of your team, not just your efforts.
Many of us like to think we are calm and composed under pressure, but when time is scarce, instinct takes over. In those moments, we don’t become the leaders we aspire to be—we become the leaders our past has shaped us into. These default tendencies, often formed in childhood, can be unpredictable. Relying on them is like gambling blind, increasing stress, mistakes, and failure. Research shows that 72% of leaders move from meeting to meeting with little time to reflect, and 68% frequently feel uncertain about decisions.
For Sariki Abungwo, an esteemed entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Blesatech Consultancy Services, leadership wasn’t a choice—it was a necessity. Born into a close-knit family, he faced a defining challenge early on: the loss of his father. As the eldest sibling, he stepped into a leadership role within his household, taking on responsibilities that required him to mature quickly. His mother’s resilience and unwavering faith became guiding forces, shaping his perspective on life and leadership.
Childhood Influence on Leadership
Losing his father was a turning point. “When I lost my dad at a very young age, all we had was each other. I had to take up the responsibility as the firstborn child to lead my siblings. This gave me a sense of being the man of the house, to take charge of certain things. I had to be more intentional about the places I go, what I wear, how I speak, or approach people—as a leader of a family would,” Sariki shares.
Through this experience, he realized that leadership is not about authority but about service. He learned that challenges are often disguised as opportunities for growth. This mindset ultimately shaped the foundation of Blesatech Consultancy Services, where he now helps others navigate their leadership journeys.
The Influence of Faith on Values and Leadership
Sariki’s mother played a pivotal role in shaping his values. She emphasized vision, integrity, and persistence—qualities that became the pillars of his leadership style.
“My mother always taught us to be people of vision with integrity and be persistent in our heart’s desires. But how could we hold on to a vision that seems far away, neither to imagine being persistent in it? This is where we anchored on the power of faith in God as a guiding light to our path,” he recalls.
Faith was a central part of his upbringing, with daily family prayers at 5 a.m. and again before bedtime. These moments of spiritual grounding became a cornerstone of his leadership approach. There were many times he had to lead the family’s prayer sessions, further reinforcing his ability to guide others.
“For me, this became the backbone of the leadership style I cultivated throughout the years, especially in the way I work with everyone, including business owners and entrepreneurs. Watching my mother go through life challenges each day to provide for us while doing business ventures with so much faith in her heart for a better tomorrow solidified my belief system for the future. This is why I approach business not just as a service but as a mission to serve others.”
Career Milestones and Achievements
Sariki’s transition into entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to create tangible solutions for business owners struggling with inefficient processes. One of his key achievements includes successfully helping a real estate consultant implement an automated system that transformed his client engagement process. By introducing structured scheduling and lead conversion strategies, Sariki enabled his client to transition from offering free consultations to a streamlined, revenue-generating business model.
Another significant milestone was overcoming early business challenges, such as limited resources and self-doubt. Through persistence and continuous learning, he refined Blesatech’s approach to marketing consultancy, ensuring that his services deliver measurable results for clients.
Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
Starting Blesatech came with its share of difficulties. Limited financial resources and a lack of immediate support made the initial stages of business development challenging. However, Sariki relied on his problem-solving skills and faith to navigate these obstacles. Investing in continuous learning, seeking mentorship, and refining his approach through trial and error helped him establish a sustainable business model. Additionally, he had to overcome self-doubt, a challenge many entrepreneurs face when stepping into uncharted territory. By anchoring himself in his core values—faith, integrity, and persistence—he built a foundation that allowed him to push forward despite setbacks.
Influences and Mentors
Sariki credits his mother as one of his greatest influences. Her perseverance in providing for the family, despite difficult circumstances, shaped his mindset on resilience and persistence. He also draws inspiration from business leaders who emphasize systems-driven approaches to entrepreneurship. Learning from industry experts allowed him to develop strategies that align with proven business principles while maintaining a mission-driven approach.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on his experiences, Sariki offers key advice to those facing similar challenges:
- Embrace Responsibility – Leadership often comes from unexpected circumstances. Facing challenges head-on can shape you into a strong leader.
- Stay Anchored in Vision and Faith – Persistence and belief in long-term goals are essential for overcoming uncertainties.
- Invest in Systems and Strategies – Passion alone isn’t enough; having structured plans and tools in place can make a significant difference.
- Learn from Setbacks – Failures should be viewed as learning opportunities rather than defeats.
- Lead with Service – Entrepreneurship is about solving problems and creating value for others.
Future Plans and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Sariki aims to expand Blesatech’s reach by developing more automated solutions tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises. His goal is to create accessible, scalable systems that empower business owners to achieve growth without being overwhelmed by operational tasks. Additionally, he is focused on mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing insights from his journey to help them navigate the challenges of business ownership.
Industry Impact and Influence
Sariki Abungwo’s approach exemplifies resilience, strategic thinking, and faith in overcoming challenges, shaping his business consultancy. Rather than offering generic advice, he provides actionable solutions that enhance efficiency and profitability. As the driving force behind Blesatech, he has helped numerous entrepreneurs optimize their processes, emphasizing automation and structured marketing systems for sustainable growth. Through his work, he continues to empower businesses with strategic, technology-driven solutions, making a lasting impact in an increasingly competitive market.
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