When Femi Otedola dropped his memoir Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business on August 18, 2025, it wasn’t just “a book release.” It felt like a cultural moment. The rollout itself was a masterclass — part storytelling, part strategy, and part spectacle.
And honestly, there are lessons in there for anyone trying to build or sell something — whether you’re dropping a product, running a campaign, or even just pushing your personal brand.
Let’s break it down.
1. He didn’t wait till launch day to hype it up
Otedola was building buzz long before the actual release. Think sneak peeks, little reveals, and intentional buildup. By the time launch day came, people were already invested.
Takeaway: Don’t wait till the “big day” to talk about your work. Let people in early — behind-the-scenes, teasers, or even small hints. Hype multiplies attention.
2. It wasn’t just a launch, it was an event
This wasn’t a quiet rollout. It had all the energy of a cultural milestone. People beyond the business world were watching. It was more than a book; it was a moment.
Takeaway: Don’t just launch — stage. Whether it’s online or offline, create an experience people won’t forget.
3. He leaned on his network
Big names showed up. Industry peers gave visible support. And it made the project feel bigger than one man’s story — it became a collective endorsement.
Takeaway: Your network isn’t just a circle; it’s your loudspeaker. Tap into it.
4. He sold a legacy, not just a product
The book wasn’t positioned as “another business memoir.” It was framed as a guide, a blueprint, a legacy piece. That gave it weight beyond launch week.
Takeaway: Don’t just push the product. Sell what it represents. Tie it to something timeless.
5. Results came from strategy, not luck
The book shot up charts in less than 24 hours. That’s not coincidence — that’s careful planning, timing, and placement.
Takeaway: Impactful launches don’t happen by chance. They’re built.
Why this matters for you
You don’t need Otedola’s billions to pull off a smart launch. These principles work at every level:
- Anticipate: Build buzz before launch day.
- Elevate: Make it more than a transaction.
- Leverage: Use your network for reach.
- Think Legacy: Tie your product to meaning.
- Launch Smart: Be strategic, not random.
Final Thought
Otedola turned his memoir into a movement — not because of money, but because of intention. Strategy, story, and spectacle made it stick.
So, here’s the question for you:
How can your next launch do more than just sell?
How can it shift conversations, spark culture, or leave a lasting mark?
At the end of the day, that’s what separates a simple product from a cultural moment.