Mr Awesome of DEXA

Markus Villig was 19 when he declared war on Uber and Lyft.

Armed with zero experience and a tiny budget, he built Bolt into an $8.4B empire—from his small Estonian hometown.

His strategy was so brilliant it left Silicon Valley in awe.

Here’s how he did it: 👇

Born in 1993 in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, of just 40,000 people, Marcus Villig grew up in a tight-knit community.

But in 2003, something happened that would change everything...

That year, Estonian engineers launched Skype - the first free international voice calling software.

Marcus's older brother worked there, and what happened next would plant the seeds of an empire...

While other kids read comic books, 12-year-old Marcus was learning about high-growth tech companies and coding.

What he did next seemed crazy for his age, but it would prove his greatest advantage...

By high school, he was sneaking into hackathons, often the youngest person in the room, working alongside Skype's founding engineers.

Little did they know, this teenager was about to disrupt their entire industry...

In 2013, at just 19 years old, Marcus spotted something everyone else had missed:

Transportation was a trillion-dollar industry with a fatal flaw.

The solution was so obvious, yet no one was doing it...

His idea? A simple app to see every taxi in the city and order with just a few taps.

But there was one massive problem that nearly killed everything before it started...

Marcus was completely broke. His only option? A desperate move that could've ruined his family:

He borrowed €5,000 from his parents - their entire college fund savings.

The app barely worked. His girlfriend designed the logo for free.

At launch, they got just 20 rides per day.

Looking back, the warning signs were everywhere...

With zero marketing budget, Marcus did something that seemed insane:

• Cold-called journalists
• Visited taxi ranks daily
• Got thrown out of countless taxis
• Kept pushing until he signed up 50 drivers

But his biggest challenge was still coming...
When Marcus tried raising money, every major VC slammed their doors.

"Uber will dominate everything," they said.

But Marcus had spotted something they all missed...

Instead of burning billions like Uber, he created a strategy so counterintuitive it seemed destined to fail:

• Hired engineers in Eastern Europe (2-3x cheaper)
• Took smaller commissions from drivers
• Expanded where others wouldn't

Then came the move that shocked everyone...

He set his sights on Africa.

While competitors laughed, Marcus saw what they didn't:

• High unemployment meant easy driver signup
• Poor public transport created a huge demand
• Local payment methods were being ignored

But how did he enter Africa? That's where it gets interesting...

They launched in South Africa with just ONE employee hired over Skype.

No one from headquarters even visited for a year.

This extreme frugality seemed crazy - until the results started coming in...

Today, Bolt has transformed into something no one expected:

• 100M customers in 45 countries
• 130,000 scooters (Europe's largest)
• Revolutionary car-sharing services
• Game-changing driver financing programs

But here's where the story takes an unexpected turn...

The billionaire who still walks 3 miles to work every morning isn't done yet.

His vision? Something far bigger than anyone imagined: Making Bolt the Amazon of transportation.

In 1998, Amazon was a $600M company and Bezos drove a Honda Civic.

In 2021, Bolt made €500M and Marcus walked to work.

That's how a teenager from a tiny Estonian island built one of Europe's most valuable companies.

Start small. Stay frugal. Go where others won't.

I hope you've found this article helpful.

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6 months ago | [YT] | 17

Mr Awesome of DEXA

Want to learn how to build websites even if you can't code?

Here is A 5 Section Beginner's Roadmap to Becoming an Expert WordPress Web Developer — From a Techbro.

🎗️ 1. Understand WordPress Core Concepts.

WordPress(.)org vs. WordPress(.)com:

Most beginners always get confused here.

WordPress(dot)org allows you to host your site on any server, providing full control over your site's design and functionality.

WordPress(dot)com is a hosted service where you have less control but simpler management. Ideal for beginners who want a stress free experience.

I recommend .org if you must build anything solid.

🎗️ Key Concepts:

- Posts and Pages: Posts are used for blog articles, sorted by publication date. While Pages are static content like 'About Us', Terms and Condition, or 'Contact'. Posts are timely content while pages are static and timeless.

- Themes and Templates: Themes control your site's appearance. Templates within themes define the layout of various pages or post types. You can build any type of website without codes. You just need to buy an already built theme or download a free one, and then rework it to your taste.

- Plugins and Widgets: In WordPress, a plugin is a small software program that adds new features or functionality to your website.

Think of plugins like apps on your smartphone — they can enhance your website's capabilities, making it more powerful, efficient, and user-friendly.

Plugins extend functionality, while widgets are blocks of content that can be added to sidebars or footer areas of the website.

- Categories and Tags: Categories organize your posts into groups eg, (post, news, step by step guides, funding, scholarships, etc). Tags (just like hashtags), offer more detailed labeling for SEO and navigation.

🎗️.2 Setting Up and Configuring WordPress
Installation:

Download the latest WordPress software file from WordPress(dot)org, set up a hosting account on any Hosting provider of your choice. I have my top preferences though, and follow the installation wizard.

➡ Basic Configuration:

Set your timezone, site title, and tagline in the General Settings.

Adjust permalink structure to something SEO-friendly like /%postname%/ under Settings > Permalinks.

➡ Essential Plugins:

Install Yoast SEO for SEO optimization, Wordfence for security, and W3 Total Cache for performance enhancement. There are other very essential ones I didn't mention. You'll find out when you begin your practice.

🎗️3. Content Creation and Management.

- Content Creation:

Use Gutenberg, the block editor, for creating posts and pages. Learn to insert various blocks like images, galleries, or custom HTML. For more complex layouts, leverage Elementor, a visual, drag-and-drop page builder.

- Media Management:

Upload images via the media library, use the 'featured image' for posts, and optimize images for web performance.

* * * Tips:
Write regularly to keep your site active. Use drafts for content preparation.

🎗️4. Customizing and Extending WordPress.

Theme Customization:

Use the Customizer for simple changes. For more control, learn about child themes to modify without losing updates. For deeper customization, use Elementor page builder with live preview.

- Plugins:

Check the plugin directory for solutions to specific needs, but avoid plugin bloat. (Using too much plugin)

- Basic Coding:

Familiarize yourself with HTML for structure, CSS for styling, and PHP for dynamic content. Start with small tweaks in your child theme.

🎗️5. Security, Performance, and Maintenance
Security:

Always update WordPress, themes, and plugins. Use strong passwords and consider two-factor authentication (2FA).

- Performance:

Cache your site through plugins, optimize images with tools like Smush, and consider content Delivery Network (CDN) like Cloudflare.

- Maintenance:

Regularly backup your site. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus for automated backups.

- Common Challenges:

Site Speed: Always monitor and optimize your site's loading times. This is very important for so many reasons including showing up on google search and user experience.

SEO: Regularly update your SEO practices as algorithms change.

- Another IMPORTANT Advice:

Experiment in a staging environment before applying serious changes to your live site. Most hosts have staging functionality on the Cpanel/Hpanel.

Join WordPress communities like the WordPress(dot)org forums for support and networking.

When you master these foundational elements, you'll be very much on your way to becoming an expert WordPress developer, capable of creating, managing, and optimizing professional websites including Ecommerce platforms like Jumia and Amazon, blogs, company sites, etc.

𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔, 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒅𝒆, 𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒅𝒓𝒚, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕" -

𝑀𝓇 𝒜𝓌𝑒𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒

#Tech #wordpress #Webdesign #DEXA #wordpresswebsite #WebDevelopment

7 months ago | [YT] | 3

Mr Awesome of DEXA

I'm addressing this again because this argument will soon gain momentum,

and I don't like the classist and hierarchical atmosphere I envisage that this will bring to the already frail African Digital space.

Some of us are burning money and quality time to bring digital skills closer to Africans.

But It seems our people are so bent on classism in everything and it's unhealthy.

In ethnicity, the University you schooled at, where you work, what certificate you hold, etc.

Now let's talk!

Whether or not a Virtual assistant (VA) is considered a techie depends on their specific role and skillset.

While some VAs may primarily focus on administrative tasks that don't require advanced technical knowledge or use of complex software, others may specialize in tech-related tasks such as:

Managing social media: which involves using various social media platforms and tools.

Email marketing: which requires knowledge of email marketing software and automation tools.

Web design and development: This involves coding and using website building platforms. Wordpress, wix, webflow, etc.

Data entry and analysis: which requires familiarity with spreadsheets and data analysis tools.

IT support: Which involves troubleshooting technical issues and providing technical assistance.

Therefore, a VA who specializes in tech-related tasks and possesses a strong understanding of technology can definitely be considered a techie.

However, not all VAs fit this description.

But let's understand who a Techie is? Tech bro, Tech sis, etc.

Who is a Techie?

A techie is a person who is knowledgeable or enthusiastic about technology. Some definitions even say; Techies are People who are passionate about technology and follow the latest trends, even if they don't work in the tech industry.

So while every VA role does not fit the popular definition of a "Techie", I would want us to move away from this classist argument.

Let's encourage people to keep upskilling and coming closer to being a Techie.

Every techie does not code. Let this sink!

As a matter of fact, as long as you have a digital skill that requires you to solve problems using any form of software, I consider you a member of the family.

Let's not keep arguing on who qualifies to hold the title or not.

I single handedly designed and scaled the DEXA platform, and haven't seen the need to make anyone who can't design or code a website feel less by bringing that classist argument.

Let's encourage people please.

"𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔, 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒅𝒆, 𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒅𝒓𝒚, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕" -

𝑀𝓇 𝒜𝓌𝑒𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒

8 months ago | [YT] | 13

Mr Awesome of DEXA

KEY BENEFITS OF ATTENDING DEXA’s BOOTCAMP TO BOOST YOUR TECH CAREER!!!

1. Fast-Track Your Learning

• DEXA’s Bootcamps focus on immersive, hands-on training, helping you acquire valuable skills in a short amount of time, often in just a few months.

2. Industry-Relevant Skills

• DEXA’s Bootcamps are designed with input from industry experts, ensuring you learn the latest tools, technologies, and practices that employers are looking for.

3. Practical, Real-World Projects

• Gain experience by working on real-world projects, which you can showcase in your portfolio to potential employers.

4. Networking Opportunities

• Connect with instructors, peers, and industry professionals, building a network that can open doors to job opportunities and career growth.

5. Job Placement Support

• Many bootcamps offer career services, including job placement assistance, resume building, and interview coaching, to help you land your dream tech role.

6. Flexible Learning Options

• Bootcamps often offer both in-person and online learning formats, allowing you to choose a schedule that fits your life.

7. High Return on Investment

• With focused learning and quick turnaround times, bootcamps offer a cost-effective way to enter the tech field and start earning in-demand salaries.

8. Confidence and Portfolio Building

• Completing a bootcamp gives you hands-on experience and projects to showcase, building your confidence and credibility in the tech job market.

These benefits can give you the competitive edge needed to launch or advance your tech career.

11 months ago | [YT] | 9

Mr Awesome of DEXA

Remember the DEXA student who just got a Virtual assistant job paying NGN2.4million/month last week?

She has resumed work already and she's doing exceptionally well.

She started it afriad. She was unsure. Uncertain and completely bothered of making a mess.

But now she is Learning fast and already impressing her new boss.

Nothing beats intentionality and dedication.

That can be you. Draw strength from her journey into Tech!

Your Certificate might land you the job, but your discipline will determine whether or not you keep it, grow or level up.


Remember, in this tech journey, you're the most important factor.

What you cannot do for yourself, not even DEXA CEO can do it for you.


- Send that proposal today. 😊

- Apply for that job now!!!

- Follow up that email today.

- Get that Certification today

- Update that Resumé now.

- Fix that Linkedin account today.

- Optimize that upwork profile this minute

Be mindful!

"𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔, 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒅𝒆, 𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒅𝒓𝒚, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕" -

𝑀𝓇 𝒜𝓌𝑒𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒

11 months ago | [YT] | 11

Mr Awesome of DEXA

We had our first mid-year staff retreat at DEXA last weekend. A 2 working days retreat.


It was a wholesome experience and one I have always looked forward to.

As someone who started this huge project alone, having a wonderful team at this young stage of our company's growth feels refreshing and promising for what we are yet to do.

We had our team members speak on different important subjects that reflect our mission in the tech education space of Africa,

And I held productivity training sessions, along with our experienced team members.

📌 Here is a brief summary of our staff retreat:

Our staff retreat took place on July 12 and 13, featuring various sessions and presentations.

On Friday, July 12, we began with Introductions, dream sharing, and a review of company progress and future projections by DEXA CEO.

Jeanie, our Cyber Security Programs Director presented on "Emotional intelligence & Stress Management"

Followed by a productivity training on "Building Effective Teams and Leadership" by the CEO.

Anuoluwa, the HR Management Program Director shared a program report from the HR Management Bootcamp, and we concluded the day with a session on bootcamp processes by the CEO.

On Saturday, July 13, Ayooluwa Adesanya, our Product Management Course Director presented a program report on Product Management Program and led a productivity training on "Effective Communication and Collaboration".

Prince Achara, our Project Management Course Director presented on "Servant Leadership", and went on to share a program report from the Project Management programme.

We concluded the retreat with productivity training on "Goal setting and Accountability" by Anuoluwa Kikelomo (HR) and a presentation on "Data-driven decision making" by our CEO, Victor Kelechi Kingsley".

We are super charged to take on the coming months and can't wait to unveil all we have in stock for Africa.

Anticipate; #DCTH

#LearnwithDEXA #buildingdexa #yourtechbro

1 year ago | [YT] | 23

Mr Awesome of DEXA

Just find purpose and you wouldn't run out of energy.

Just Find purpose...

For yourself or for your business.

Why do you do what you do?

Whose problem are you solving?

Is it worth it?

Most people get into businesses without a mission and then wonder why they become inconsistent along the way when the money isn't forthcoming yet.

It's basically because you do not know your "why".

Your mission or purpose is the reason you wake up everyday and swear to go harder each time.

It gives you direction so you don't stop at everything calling your attention and then lose your focus.

Focus is energy.

If your mission is to get to Lagos, you can drive into the highway and take a turn towards portharcourt.

But if your mission is to get to Lagos and Help Tony Elumelu hack a locked macbook and recover a missing document in his office, then you'll stop nowhere until you get to Lagos.

Because someone with value is waiting and frustrated and needs your services in exchange for value. Your mission is to solve his problems.

Your purpose keeps you coordinated.

Why you, why your business? Why start?

Please answer that question today and see the energy you'll feel to be consistent afterwards.

For example, at DEXA we are reducing unemployment and cyber crime among Africa's employable population, through distribution of high income Digital skills and helping everyday people begin careers in tech seamlessly.

Even without a degree.

This is why I wake up every day and know Rwanda needs me, Kenya needs my company, Nigeria calls out for me, Madagascar needs us, Malawi is open to receive us, etc.

Find your mission. Find the purpose for which you exist and put it at the forefront of your decisions and you'll never burn out of ideas or energy.

"𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔, 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒅𝒆, 𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒅𝒓𝒚, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕" -

𝑀𝓇 𝒜𝓌𝑒𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒

1 year ago | [YT] | 20

Mr Awesome of DEXA

Nothing is impossible if you insist.

1 year ago | [YT] | 3

Mr Awesome of DEXA

If you're 25 years old now, 10 years ago you were just 15.

So when you do that 10 years throw back and say;

"No situation is permanent"

"Things have changed. We now balling.

" Consistency got me here"

Bla bla bla

What exactly do you mean?

What do people do at 15? Work at oil companies?

Get into real estate? Work in the bank?

Come on!

They just focus on growing.

Look, stop putting pressure on yourself.

Your physical changes are just because you grew biologically. And I bet you've not even seen a pinch of what wealth is.

Don't pressure yourself. Grow slowly, but steady. Don't try to prove anything to anyone.

You don't look tiny from then because you were suffering. You were just growing.

Didn't you expect to grow?

Please!!! Give growth a chance. Don't force stages.

You should focus on what 35, 45, 55 vs Now will look like.

I'm not about spoiling your celebration, and its ok to celebrate being alive, healthy and all, but leave out the glow up, economic/financial side of it.

15 year old you born in Nigeria, under our economic circumstances, without Rich ancestors, naturally has nothing to do with cars, exotic travels, etc.

It's normal for every kid around the world.

And to you teenagers! Don't let any of those get to you.

You're not suffering! And you don't have to work your as* out to biologically look better. It comes with age as long as your lifestyle is healthy.

No cultism, no hard drugs, no smoking, no stds, no roughness.

Stop farming for pity.

You're growing. You are growing. You are growing!

You are growing.

Focus on that!

I'm rooting for you.

"𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔, 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒅𝒆, 𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒅𝒓𝒚, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕" - 𝑀𝓇 𝒜𝓌𝑒𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒

Mr Awesome

1 year ago | [YT] | 10

Mr Awesome of DEXA

Rain sounds like a riot only nature has control over.

It alarms you up and then brings you peace when the cold breeze splashes across your face, hitting your roof loudly with soft hands and no intention of breaking in.

I love the sound of Rain

A Chaos God controls.

1 year ago | [YT] | 5