My Early Days
From a one-room face-me-I-face-you flat in Lagos to global tech success: This is a story of my early days and my journey of perseverance, growth, and cultural pride.
Today, I'm going to share the story of my life - a journey that has taken me from a crowded room in Lagos, Nigeria, to the forefront of global technology and entrepreneurship.
As I recount my experiences, from my humble beginnings to my current endeavours, I hope you'll find nuggets of inspiration for your own journey.
Back to Where It All Began
I grew up in a single-room "face-me-I-face-you" flat in Lagos, Nigeria.
For Non-Nigerians, this is a communal living arrangement, where multiple families share common spaces.
Our family of eight - my parents, five siblings, and myself - navigated daily life in close quarters, sharing everything from our modest living space to communal toilets, bathrooms, and kitchen facilities.
It was chaotic.
Every day came with its own episode of drama, reminiscent of the popular Nigerian sitcom "Fuji House of Commotion," though our reality was far more intense.
Despite the challenges, this environment in Ilupeju, Lagos, was instrumental in shaping my character.
The daily interactions, negotiations, and compromises required to coexist harmoniously in such close proximity taught me invaluable lessons in patience, empathy, and resourcefulness.
I grew up in a family-oriented community, where the training of a child was not left solely to the parents.
There, the African proverb "It takes a village to raise a child" came to life in the most authentic way.
My dad was a retired military man, and children in the community looked up to him.
My father's military background instilled in me a sense of discipline and perseverance that would shape my future.
His words, "There's nothing like failure. Think about what you want to do and drive it to completion," became a mantra that guided me through life's challenges. Though he has since passed away, his wisdom continues to resonate with me.
Education
I went to St. Paul African Church Nursery & Primary School, Ilupeju, followed by Ilupeju Secondary School, and St. Finbarrs College Akoka.
I went on to study Science Laboratory Technology at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, before pursuing Applied Physics at the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
While I was studying at the university,
I was determined not to return to a "face-me-I-face-you" house after school, no matter what.
I knew what I wanted; I wanted to make something of myself, to do better than what my environment then could afford me.
I researched, underwent training, and read books on various subjects. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for computer technology, a field that would later become the cornerstone of my career.
Despite not owning a computer, I refused to let this obstacle hinder my progress.
My 400-level Industrial Training (IT) placement at an IT company became my gateway to hands-on experience.
I seized every opportunity to practice on the workstation computer, honing the skills I had been learning theoretically.
This period of self-directed learning and practical application was crucial.
It not only equipped me with valuable skills but also instilled in me a lifelong love for continuous learning and adaptability - traits that would prove invaluable in my future career.
Beginning Of My Career
I had just graduated and I had to think of the next steps of what I wanted to do with my life.
Every Tuesday, I would invest my last naira in purchasing The Guardian newspaper, not for the news, but for the treasure trove of job advertisements it contained.
I meticulously scanned each page, applying for every IT-related position I could find, regardless of the experience required.
I was that desperate.
This determination led me to attend over seven interviews during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in Anambra State.
My breakthrough finally came in 2000 when I was invited to interview with Joint Computer Company.
Despite the company's requirement for 10 years of experience, my enthusiasm and knowledge impressed the interviewer, who decided to take a chance on me
The person who interviewed me said he was impressed
And, although they were looking for someone with considerable years of experience, they were willing to take a risk on me.
I was offered a position as a unit administrator and relocated to Port Harcourt.
This role came with perks like free accommodation and transportation, but more importantly, it provided invaluable experience.
I worked on the server controlling their service operations in Africa, supporting companies like Shell Petroleum Development Company - a responsibility that accelerated my learning curve in the IT field.
However, the reality of professional life soon set in.
My Salary Couldn't Sustain Me
My salary of ₦25,000 was barely enough to cover living expenses in Port Harcourt. By the second day of each month, my earnings were already exhausted, highlighting the challenges of entry-level positions in a high-cost city.
After a year in this role, I got a job at Access Bank as a front desk teller officer.
Recognising that this position didn't utilise my IT skills, I took the initiative to approach the head of IT audit
I told him about my skills and explained that the bank was wasting my talents by having me work at the front desk as a teller officer.
As a result, I was moved to the IT audit division.
As the telecommunications industry in Nigeria began to boom, I seized the opportunity to join Global Communication (GLO), working on their value-added services.
This experience paved the way for subsequent roles with V-Mobile and eventually Ericsson Sweden where I worked for a while with each position building upon the last and expanding my professional network.
This period of my career was characterised by rapid growth, and a willingness to seize every opportunity.
It pretty much laid the foundation for my future.
Relocating to the US
My journey to the United States was a natural progression of my expanding career in telecommunications.
Prior to 2007, my work had already taken me across the globe, with my first international assignment being in Mozambique.
These experiences opened my eyes to the world beyond Nigeria and prepared me for the significant move that was to come.
The catalyst for my relocation came unexpectedly.
After successfully completing a project in Lesotho, my boss at Ericsson Sweden, who managed projects across Africa, received an opportunity to move to the United States.
In a moment that would change the trajectory of my life, he extended an invitation for me to join him.
Ericsson US took care of the necessary paperwork, filing for my work permit.
In December 2007, I found myself boarding a plane bound for Dallas, Texas, ready to embark on a new chapter of my life and career.
Arriving in the midst of a cold winter, with Christmas around the corner, was a stark contrast to the familiar warmth of Nigeria.
My introduction to American life came through an unexpected source - an Iranian cab driver who picked me up from the airport.
This chance encounter proved to be a blessing, as the driver became instrumental in helping me navigate the early days of settling into a new country.
Our initial connection has now blossomed into a lasting friendship.
My role at Ericsson US as a senior engineer expatriate allowed me to continue building on my expertise while adapting to a new work culture.
The transition was both challenging and exhilarating, pushing me to grow both professionally and personally.
It wasn't until 2010 that I made my first trip back to Africa, with my visits becoming more frequent from 2015 onwards.
These return trips were always filled with excitement, allowing me to reconnect with family and friends.
They were crucial in maintaining my ties to my roots while building a new life in the United States.
Building Something New
My travels across the globe, which began with my first international project in Mozambique, were more than just work assignments - they were eye-opening experiences that planted the seeds for my future entrepreneurial venture.
Mozambique is a very beautiful country.
It’s fine sand beaches, lagoons, and palm forests - awakened me to Africa's immense, yet largely untapped, tourism potential.
As I continued to traverse the world, I noticed a striking trend: there was a significant demand for authentic African products, particularly in fashion and design.
I observed tourists eagerly paying premium prices for genuine African designs, crafts, and cultural experiences.
This realisation sparked an idea: how could I create a platform to showcase African creativity and passion to the world?
Driven by this vision, I purchased the domain for Pashione. The name itself was a reflection of the passion I saw in African artisans and designers.
I held onto this domain, nurturing the idea as it continued to take shape in my mind.
The concept was rooted in the essence of African resilience and creativity. I thought about the artists who would spend hours crafting magnificent pieces, then walk under the scorching sun to sell their work.
This unwavering spirit, the "shine in our eyes" that says "we go better" (it will be well) regardless of circumstances, was something I wanted to capture and share with the world.
However, it wasn't until down the line that the full concept of Pashione crystallised.
I had an event in Dallas and wanted to wear traditional African attire.
I placed an order for an outfit, paying $1000, but to this day, that attire has never been delivered.
This frustrating experience illuminated a significant problem faced by Africans in the diaspora: the lack of reliable access to authentic items from home.
This incident was the final push I needed.
I wrote more about it here:
My Name is Michael Fasere
In December 2022, I took a leap of faith and left behind a rewarding 20-year career in cybersecurity to pursue a newfound passion. My name is Michael Fasere, and this is the story of my unconventional journey from a globe-trotting cybersecurity manager to the founder of
It highlighted not just a personal inconvenience, but a gap in the market that affected countless others.
Pashione was born out of this realisation - a platform designed to connect African artisans with a global market, ensuring reliable access to authentic African products for those living abroad.
The journey from recognising a need to actualising a solution has been exciting.
It is not just a business venture, but a bridge between cultures, a celebration of African creativity, and a means of empowering artisans across the continent.
What's Next for Me
The launch of Pashione marks not an endpoint, but a new beginning in my journey.
After dedicating over three decades to building a successful career as a network and security expatriate, I've taken a leap of faith to pursue this entrepreneurial venture.
While some might view this career shift as risky, I've never felt more invigorated.
The process of building something new, something pulsating with value and potential to create positive change for Africans, has reignited a passion within me.
But Pashione is just the start. I have two other ambitious projects on the horizon, each aimed at addressing critical needs in Africa in the fields of health care and human resource development.
Conclusion
I'd like to conclude by sharing six key insights that have shaped my path and might prove valuable in your own journey:
The Power of People and Mindset: With the right team and a determined mindset, any goal becomes attainable. Success is rarely a solo endeavor - it's about surrounding yourself with the right people and approaching challenges with unwavering determination.
Embrace Humility: No matter how far you've come, remain grounded. Humility opens doors to learning and growth that arrogance often shuts.
Determination Trumps Circumstance: Not everyone starts from a place of privilege, but with determination, you can transcend your initial circumstances. Your starting point doesn't define your destination.
Cultural Openness Fosters Growth: Be open to learning about and appreciating different cultures. This openness not only enriches your personal life but also expands your professional horizons, allowing you to connect with people from all walks of life.
Adaptability is Key: The ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and mindsets is crucial in our interconnected world. Adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills are invaluable assets in both personal and professional spheres.
Faith as a Guiding Force: While self-reliance is important, I've learned to trust in a higher power. My faith has been a source of strength and guidance, reminding me that some things are beyond our control, and that's okay.
These lessons have been my compass, guiding me through challenges and celebrations alike. They've shaped my approach to business, relationships, and personal growth.
Remember, your background doesn't define your future - your determination and actions do.
As we say in Nigeria, "e go better" - it will get better.
Keep pushing, keep learning, and keep believing.
The world is full of opportunities for those who dare to seize them.
Your own extraordinary journey might be just beginning.
Very Inspiring sir.
well digested.