Metrowoman entrepreneur of the week: Alice Uba

Alice Uba is the CEO of McDera Kitchen, a catering company that supplies already made soups and stews to busy executives using the finest ingredients. She is also the founder of the McDera Food Bank Foundation, an NGO that uses 10 per cent profits from every bowl of food sold from the McDera Kitchen to organise outreaches to the needy in slums in Lagos State

What is your definition of success?
Success is simply the achievement or realisation of set goals. When you set a goal for yourself and achieve it, that’s success. Success also goes beyond the amount of money in my bank account. It’s more about the priceless smile on the faces of my clients after experiencing our tasty meals and services. Anyone can achieve success in, whatever their profession, if they care to know and do what it takes. Build capacity because success only happens when opportunity meets capacity. This is why, at McDera Kitchen, we’re always learning and updating ourselves with global practice, and this has helped us in no small measure.

How can a business achieve long-term success?
The best way to achieve long-term success is to simply break down those goals and take one step at a time. Along the way there may be something you would need to discard and there are also things that you would need to imbibe and stick with to launch you to the next phase. Meaning, there’s a need to be flexible with our plans.

What would you say are the five key elements for starting and running a successful business?
You must have an idea that addresses a problem. Passion. Focus. Willingness to take risk. One must get trained.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
My most satisfying moment in business happens during my outreach where I get to feed poor people who would ordinarily be unable to feed themselves.

What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone?
An entrepreneur have to work extra hard because salaries have to be paid, also take risk and always be ready to think outside the box.