Festus Bello

Completing an MBA at Kent Business School has enabled Festus Bello to grow BFG Global Consulting Limited, the management consulting firm he founded in 2018. His work aims to democratise access to consulting services for underserved African businesses and provide innovative e-learning experiences for emerging tech talents, leveraging AI, automation, and big data.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

Since graduating from Kent Business School, my career path has been characterized by a focus on business analysis, project management, and entrepreneurship, particularly within the tech and consulting sectors.

Upon graduation, I have further grown BFG Global Consulting Limited, a management consulting firm I founded in 2018 which specialises in research, strategy advisory, workforce training, and information technology services. The firm aims to enhance operational efficiency and drive digital transformation for clients across various industries, particularly startups and SMEs in Nigeria.

As a tech entrepreneur, I have initiated the development of BFG's SaaS products, Appetiza.ai and Careerfun.io. These platforms aim to democratise access to consulting services for underserved African businesses and provide innovative e-learning experiences for emerging tech talents, leveraging AI, automation, and big data.

For contributions to the field of management consulting and technology, I have been awarded the Management Consulting Award for Best International Business, Research & Analytics Specialists from Wealth and Finance International. Receiving the accolade has reinforced my dedication to advancing business management practices and supporting entrepreneurship in Africa.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

A typical workday for me is dynamic and multifaceted, revolving around various responsibilities as a business analyst, project management professional, and tech entrepreneur.

My mornings tend to start early with exercise and a healthy breakfast to set a positive tone for the day ahead. The work day is then made up of various meetings, client consultations, project work and strategic planning sessions. I like to use an hour over lunchtime for networking and meeting with industry contacts or potential partners.

My evenings are then dedicated to personal development, relaxation, and family time. I might attend virtual workshops or take online courses before unwinding and recharging to prepare for the next day.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

One of the most notable professional highlights of my career has been my extensive work in enhancing operational efficiency within the startup and SME ecosystem in Nigeria over the past six years through BFG Global Consulting Limited.

This journey has allowed me to support over 400 startups and more than 80 SMEs, helping them to scale and adopt better operational practices in a highly competitive environment.

Being recognised with the SME Entrepreneur and Innovation Scholarship from Kent Business School was particularly significant as it not only acknowledged my efforts but also fuelled my commitment to shaping the future of business management and processes for startups and SMEs in Nigeria and across Africa.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My time at Kent Business School was instrumental in shaping my career and achieving the success I enjoy today.

The MBA program at Kent Business School offered a comprehensive curriculum that provided me with a deep understanding of business principles, management strategies, and innovative practices. Courses in business analytics, operations management, and strategic management equipped me with the knowledge necessary to excel in my career.

Specialised courses on digital transformation, change management, and agile operations management gave me the technical expertise required to implement these practices in real-world scenarios. The exposure to frameworks like SAFe, Six Sigma, and COSO ERM was particularly beneficial.

The program also emphasized practical learning through real-world projects, case studies, and simulations. These hands-on experiences allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, enhancing my problem-solving and analytical skills.

I was pleased that Kent Business School’s diverse student body and faculty provided a rich networking environment and I was able to build relationships with peers, professors, and industry professionals to expand my professional network. Something that has been maintained in the strong alumni network which has offered continuous support and opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and business partnerships.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

For current and prospective students aiming to enter the fields of business analysis, project management, and tech entrepreneurship, I recommend focusing on acquiring a strong foundation in business principles and management strategies through your studies, while actively seeking practical experiences through internships and real-world projects.

Networking is crucial, so build relationships with peers, professors, and industry professionals. Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies, and cultivate an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset. Most importantly, embrace continuous learning and be prepared to adapt to the evolving business landscape to drive impactful change in your career.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

Yes, as a student at Kent Business School, I actively engaged in several extracurricular activities that significantly enriched my academic and professional journey. I served as an MBA Ambassador, where I played a key role in international marketing, recruitment, and admissions, particularly focusing on the Nigerian market.

Additionally, I co-delivered a change management project as an MBA Consultant, implementing a Continuous Improvement Lean Process for Macknade UK Limited and an International Marketing Strategy Process for Micrel Medical Service in Greece.

These experiences were invaluable in developing my skills and expanding my professional network.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

One of my favourite memories from my time at Kent Business School was co-hosting the MBA Guest Lecture on Entrepreneurship. This event brought together five distinguished guest speakers from Africa and Europe and drew over 60 attendees. The lively discussions on business management, innovation, venture capital, and talent management were incredibly enriching and inspiring.

The experience not only expanded my knowledge but also allowed me to connect with industry leaders and like-minded peers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration that has had a lasting impact on my career.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

If I could repeat my time at Kent Business School, I would focus even more on building deeper connections with my professors and peers. While I engaged actively in academic and extracurricular activities, I believe that cultivating stronger relationships could have opened up additional opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and learning.

Additionally, I would seek out more internships or practical projects to gain further hands-on experience in real-world business environments. These experiences would have provided even greater insights and practical skills that are invaluable in the business world.

What are your future ambitions?

My future ambitions are centred on expanding the impact of BFG Global Consulting Limited and continuing to drive innovation and growth within the startup and SME ecosystems across Africa. I aim to further develop and scale our SaaS products, Appetiza.ai and Careerfun.io, to empower more businesses and tech talents with advanced digital tools and e-learning platforms. Additionally, I aspire to influence policy and education to support entrepreneurship and technological advancement in Africa.

Long-term, I hope to establish a foundation dedicated to fostering business innovation, digital transformation, and human capital development, ensuring that underserved communities have the resources and opportunities to thrive in the modern economy.