30/07/2025
What I Learned About Business From the movie “To Kill a Monkey”
After decades of constructing and surviving business, I’ve gained many of my hardest lessons not just from books or mentors, but from living them in action. But occasionally, a movie descends that hits you where you live.
I just watched To Kill a Monkey by Kemi Adetiba and I mean, outside the storytelling, it unsettled me. There were parts that felt eerily like things I’ve witnessed, choices I’ve had to make and mistakes I’ve made. So I decided to write down the five biggest lessons I took away from it ,lessons that every entrepreneur, especially women in business, need to keep close.
1. Always negotiate before you begin.
No matter your present condition, even if things are hard or you feel desperate, don’t jump into any deal without negotiating your share, your role, and the terms. Don’t assume anything. Clarity from the start will save you from regret later.
2. Communication is everything.
So much went wrong in that story simply because people didn’t talk. In business, silence can destroy deals, relationships, and trust. Speak clearly. Ask questions. Keep the lines open. Never underestimate the power of good communication.
3. Find the right audience and the right partners.
Efe had a brilliant tech idea, but he was pitching it to people who didn’t get it. That happens a lot in real life. No matter how great your idea is, if you’re showing it to the wrong people, it won’t go anywhere. Don’t waste energy convincing people who can’t see your vision ,find those who already believe.
4. Don’t let emotions run your business.
Business is not for the soft-hearted. Emotions can cloud your judgment, and in the heat of the moment, you can make decisions you’ll regret. Stay grounded. Stay focused. Not everything needs your reaction ,some things just need strategy.
5. Trust is earned, not given blindly.
There was betrayal after betrayal in that movie ,and it all started with trust given too easily. In business, learn to observe people. Protect yourself. Do your due diligence. Not everyone who smiles at you has good intentions. Loyalty in business is rare ,and when you find it, it’s earned over time.
And lastly, let me say this clearly: no matter what you’re chasing, do not get involved in anything negative. Don’t bend your values. Don’t allow anyone to convince you to “just do this one thing.” The road is long, and once you start down a dark path, it gets harder to turn back. The stakes keep getting higher. Protect your integrity ,it’s your greatest asset.
These are my takeaways from To Kill a Monkey,not just as a movie lover, but as a woman who has built her life on business. I saw pieces of myself, of past decisions, of near-misses and close calls. And I’m sharing this because someone out there may need the reminder: your values matter. Your instincts matter. And your business deserves the best version of you.
A businesswoman who’s seen it all and is still standing.
God continue to bless my business Lagosbabe Luxury Empire
