Most businesses measure success by comparing themselves to competitors.
But competition is a weak benchmark. If the industry standard is 30% efficiency and you’re at 40%, you call yourself number one. But what if your true capacity is 80%?

You see the danger? You may win the market, but still lose to yourself.
The only real benchmark is your inherent capacity, how much you could be doing versus how much you are doing.

Leading an industry is not always about surpassing others. It’s about maximizing what’s inside your company. Until you stretch to full capacity, your “number one” position will still look like you’re underperforming..

Dr. Smith Ezenagu is the Chairman of Esso Group, a diversified conglomerate shaping real estate, finance, education, and media. Dr. Smith Ezenagu is recognized as a real estate & investment mogul, life coach, and private equity expert. He leads Esso Group and its subsidiaries: Esso Properties (awarded Nigeria’s Most Innovative Real Estate Company in 2024 and recognized as the best real estate company in Nigeria), Esso School of Enterprise (the leading institution equipping entrepreneurs), and Esso Capital (delivering smart, trusted financial solutions across Nigeria).