On November 8, 2025, business and social impact leader Bella Disu earned a standing ovation at TEDx Ikoyi for her compelling presentation titled, “Say Yes Now: Why Readiness is a Myth.” Her core message was clear: readiness is not a prerequisite for action, but rather a result of it.
Action Creates Momentum
Disu’s talk challenged the notion that individuals and organizations must wait for the "perfect moment" or ideal conditions before making a decisive move. She argued that people often hesitate at the critical juncture that demands bold action.
Business Examples: Referencing well-known corporate history, Disu highlighted how Kodak stalled after recognizing digital imaging, how Blockbuster dismissed the emerging innovation of Netflix, and how Apple surged ahead. Her conclusion was pointed: "Two companies protected their past, while one created its future."
The Nigerian Context: She noted this pattern is mirrored in Nigeria, citing how once-dominant quick-service restaurants faded while adaptable brands like Chicken Republic and Kilimanjaro flourished, and how the agility of FinTechs forced traditional banks to redefine their business models.
Disu stressed that "Doing creates readiness," framing urgency, when paired with clarity, not as chaos but as direction.
Personal Growth and Courage
The speech included a heartfelt reflection on her own experience, sharing that she felt she encountered her “whole self”—the CEO, the creator, the lifelong learner—at age 38, not through perfect preparedness but through a conscious choice to step outside familiar boundaries.
She concluded with a powerful call to action: “Readiness is not a destination, it’s a posture. And we become ready by doing.” Disu emphasized that every transformative change begins with a single 'yes'—a step that may be uncomfortable but is always essential for growth. Her message is already resonating, underscoring the truth that courage is contagious.
Watch the TEDx Ikoyi talk here:
