Time-Saving Tips for Entrepreneurs: How to Balance Family and Business Growth

How often do you find yourself exhausted after an entire week of grinding, yet feel like you are still not where you want to be? As a creative entrepreneur, balancing your business ambitions with family responsibilities and personal well-being can feel impossible. Perhaps you have already tried every productivity hack out there, but you are still struggling to maintain a sense of control. So, how do you navigate the constant pull between success and survival?

Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.

For entrepreneurs in the African diaspora, this challenge is uniquely intensified. Cultural narratives and family commitments can sometimes conflict with the fast-paced demands of running a business. Yet, what if the key to thriving in both your business and personal life lies in owning and telling your story?

Obehi Ewanfoh, a storyteller, writer, and entrepreneur, has faced these challenges head-on. His journey from a young boy in Uromi, Nigeria, writing his first book to now managing his podcast illustrates that embracing your roots, purpose, and narrative can help you navigate the complexities of business, family, and personal growth without burnout.

In this article, we will unpack the practical strategies Obehi has employed to maintain a balanced life while driving success, offering time-saving tips that are rooted in owning your story.

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Whether you are looking to scale your business or just make more room for the things that matter most, these lessons could be your game-changer.

The Power of Storytelling in Business: Why Your Narrative Matters

For many African diaspora entrepreneurs, success isn’t just about offering a product or service—it’s about creating a connection. You have a story, a rich history, and a unique perspective that the world needs to hear.

Storytelling is not just a marketing tool; it’s a powerful way to build meaningful connections with your audience. This is especially evident in Obehi’s work. For example, his weekend storytelling live events on LinkedIn, the Business Storytelling Series, and the Diaspora Storytelling Series all highlight his commitment to the power of storytelling.

In these events, Obehi brings together various experts to discuss the importance of storytelling in both personal and professional life, demonstrating how it can strengthen relationships and drive impact.

In his Harvard Business Review article, Storytelling Can Make or Break Your Leadership, Jeff Gothelf emphasizes that telling a compelling story is essential for building credibility both for yourself and your ideas.

Drawing from his experience as a speaker, publisher, and author, Gothelf outlines five key characteristics of effective storytelling. He argues that great stories should be audience-specific, clearly contextualized, human-centric, action-oriented, and humble.

Whether you are persuading a colleague, impressing a recruiter, or captivating a conference audience, adhering to these principles will help you communicate with care and compassion, even when presenting complex or challenging ideas.

That is precisely why many professionals and entrepreneurs are paying attention to Obehi’s journey which shows just how impactful storytelling can be. From the streets of Uromi to the global stage, Obehi has used his personal narrative to drive business success.

Whether through his books, his podcast “The Obehi Podcast”, or his nonprofit Evideos Association, Obehi has made it clear that embracing one’s cultural heritage and lived experiences can resonate with audiences worldwide.

He uses his storytelling prowess to explore African identity and the diaspora experience, building a loyal and engaged community along the way.

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In today’s digital world, where people are constantly bombarded with information, it’s your story that will differentiate you. As an entrepreneur, owning your narrative doesn’t just mean talking about your business—it’s about weaving in the struggles, triumphs, and values that are core to who you are.

By sharing your personal story, you create an emotional connection that is far more powerful than any marketing gimmick.

Actionable Tip:

Start by identifying the key moments in your life that have shaped who you are today. How have your cultural experiences informed your business? Share those stories with your audience through blogs, podcasts, or social media, and watch how your authenticity draws in the right people.

Time Management for Creative Entrepreneurs: Finding Balance Without Burnout

Being a creative entrepreneur comes with its own set of challenges, one of the biggest being time management. Your mind constantly races with ideas for your business, but you also need to be present for your family, friends, and yourself. How do you balance it all?

Obehi Ewanfoh has mastered the art of time management, and his strategies offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs who are striving to avoid burnout while still growing their businesses.

The reality is that entrepreneurship is often demanding, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By intentionally prioritizing your time, you can not only avoid burnout but also create space for both personal and professional growth.

Obehi emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, not just in business but in personal life too. As a husband and father, he understands the need to protect family time.

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According to a study by the International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, over 70% of entrepreneurs report that work-life balance is a major challenge. However, 65% of those who set clear work and family boundaries reported lower levels of stress and burnout.

Obehi’s Time Management Approach:

1. Batching Tasks: Instead of jumping from one task to another, Obehi advocates for batching similar tasks. For example, writing multiple articles in one sitting or recording several podcast episodes in one day allows him to be more efficient.
2. Delegation: He emphasizes the importance of delegation. In his case, managing AClasses Media means relying on a trusted team to handle day-to-day operations, freeing him to focus on high-impact tasks like writing and public speaking.
3. Prioritization: Not every task is created equal. Obehi focuses on activities that directly contribute to his business growth or personal fulfillment, while automating or outsourcing the rest.

Actionable Tip:

Take time to review your weekly schedule and identify which tasks are most important. Start delegating tasks that don’t require your personal input and try batching similar tasks to boost your productivity.

Embracing Digital Platforms: Efficiency Through Technology

In an age where time is limited, technology can be your best friend. For African diaspora entrepreneurs, leveraging digital tools can streamline business processes, improve efficiency, and free up time for creative pursuits.

Obehi’s success can be partially attributed to his mastery of digital platforms. From the Obehi Podcast to his articles and videos, he uses technology to reach audiences across the globe.

He is not just a content creator but a strategic user of platforms that allow him to connect, educate, and entertain without overwhelming himself. Digital platforms like social media, podcasting, and blogging provide valuable opportunities for exposure, but they can also be overwhelming if not managed effectively.

Obehi’s Digital Tools for Success:

1. Podcasting Tools: Obehi uses platforms like OBS and Zoom to record and distribute his podcasts, allowing him to create quality content without spending excessive time on production.
2. Project Management Software: Looking to making things easy for yourself? Tools like Trello and Asana are helpful to help you organize and delegate tasks within your work, ensuring that projects stay on track.
3. Social Media Scheduling: Instead of posting content in real time, Obehi uses tools like Buffer and Hootsuite to schedule posts in advance, saving hours each week.

Actionable Tip:

Invest in a few digital tools that can help streamline your workflow. Whether it’s automating your social media posts, using project management software to stay organized, or recording podcasts with ease, these tools will help you focus on what matters most.

Building a Support Network: The Power of Collaboration

Entrepreneurship can often feel isolating, especially when you’re striving to scale a business. But you don’t have to do it all alone. Obehi Ewanfoh has built a strong network of collaborators, mentors, and peers who help him manage the complexities of running a global media company.

One of the biggest advantages of being part of the African diaspora is the rich network of fellow entrepreneurs, creatives, and cultural advocates you can tap into.

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, African diaspora communities represent a growing and influential entrepreneurial force, with over 25% of African-born individuals in the United States engaged in entrepreneurial ventures.

For many of these entrepreneurs, success is built on collaboration, mentorship, and shared resources.

Obehi’s involvement in his nonprofit, Evideos Association, which documents African experiences in Italy and promotes working with other Africans in the diasporas, is a prime example of how collaboration fuels growth.

By joining forces with like-minded individuals and organizations, he’s been able to expand his reach, diversify his offerings, and increase his impact.

Actionable Tip:

Take the time to nurture relationships with others in your field. Whether it’s through online communities, industry events, or local gatherings, finding a mentor or joining a collaborative group can help lighten your load and provide valuable resources.

Staying True to Your Values: The Key to Sustainable Success

As you build your business, it’s easy to get caught up in the race to succeed. But success without fulfillment is a hollow victory. This is why staying true to your values is paramount, not just for your personal well-being but for the longevity of your business.

Obehi Ewanfoh’s work has always been grounded in the values of African cultural preservation, identity exploration, and empowerment. He has never sacrificed his integrity for quick wins.

In fact, his commitment to these values has been the driving force behind his success. His documentary films like Pan-Africanism: Testing Ideas on Reality or Creating the Blackness of Africa which won an award at the Verona African Film Festival in 2011 are good examples how he Stays True to Your Values, living in Europe. In Creating the Blackness of Africa, he challenged the simplistic and stereotypical narratives often presented about African identity.

In today’s fast-paced world, where shortcuts and “hacks” often dominate, it can be tempting to compromise your values in favor of rapid growth. However, research shows that entrepreneurs who align their business with their personal values are not only more successful but also experience higher levels of satisfaction.

According to a Harvard Business Review study, 80% of purpose-driven entrepreneurs report higher levels of fulfillment and resilience.

Actionable Tip:

Regularly assess your business practices and ensure they align with your core values. This alignment will give you a sense of purpose and direction, helping you avoid burning out and stay motivated in the long run.

Conclusion: Owning Your Story, Owning Your Time

As an African diaspora entrepreneur, you are uniquely positioned to create a business that not only thrives but also reflects your cultural heritage and personal journey. By embracing storytelling, managing your time effectively, leveraging digital platforms, and building a supportive network, you can find the balance between business, family, and personal growth without sacrificing your well-being.

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Obehi Ewanfoh’s life and career demonstrate that owning your story is more than just a marketing strategy, it’s a way of life. When you share your narrative with authenticity and purpose, you not only attract the right audience but also create space for meaningful connections and sustainable growth.

So, take a moment to reflect on your story, prioritize what matters most, and watch your entrepreneurial dreams come to life without the burnout.

Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.