03/03/2026
THE PERSON YOU DISMISSED TODAY MIGHT BE THE REASON YOU HAVE A CHANCE TOMORROW
When Mr. Daramola walked into the interview room, he didn’t bother to hide his impatience. “Next,” he called, barely looking up from his phone.
A young man stepped in—simple shirt, worn shoes, a folder clutched tightly in his hand. His name was Tunde. Fresh out of school. Nervous. Hopeful. Mr. Daramola scanned his CV for less than a minute.
“No experience?” he said flatly. “We’re looking for people who know what they’re doing.”
Tunde tried to speak. “Sir, I may not have experience, but I learn fast. I just need a chance—” “We don’t have time to train people,” Mr. Daramola interrupted. “You can go.” And just like that, the door closed. Three years later, everything changed.
Mr. Daramola’s company began to struggle. A new tech-driven competitor had entered the market, attracting all their major clients. Contracts were lost. Revenue dropped. Staff were laid off.
Desperate for funding and partnership, Mr. Daramola scheduled a meeting with the CEO of the fast-rising company that had disrupted his business. He walked into the boardroom, nervous but composed.The door opened.
In walked a confident young man in a tailored suit. “Good afternoon, Mr. Daramola,” he said calmly. It was Tunde. No worn shoes. No nervous voice. Just quiet authority. Mr. Daramola froze.
Tunde continued, “I remember you once told me you didn’t have time to train people. That day pushed me to build something of my own.” Silence filled the room.
Mr. Daramola swallowed his pride. “I need your partnership. Without it, my company may not survive.” Tunde looked at him for a moment—not with anger, but with understanding. “Everyone deserves a chance,” he said. “I didn’t get one from you. But I’ll give you one.”
That day, Mr. Daramola learned a lesson no business school could teach:
Never underestimate anyone. Never dismiss potential.
Never assume today’s position defines tomorrow’s power. Because the person you dismiss today… might be the reason you have a chance tomorrow.
