My name is Laeticia BALOU, and I am the CEO and Founder of LB Global-Consulting. I am originally from Congo-Brazzaville, born in Cameroon to a Congolese father and a Cameroonian mother, and raised by my Cameroonian grandparents. I am a Christian, a wife, and a proud mother of three children.
I pursued my education in Cameroon, Congo, Senegal, and France, holding an MBA in Finance from INSEEC Paris and a Master's in Structured Finance from the African Management Institute in Senegal.
At LB Global-Consulting, we specialize in strategy, management, and organizational consulting across finance, marketing, human resources, and customer relations. We provide expert guidance to companies of all sizes and industries, offering services such as market research, strategic planning, and business development. Our tailored approach ensures that we address the unique needs of each client, while our results-driven focus guarantees measurable outcomes you can rely on.
What inspired you to start Leading Businesses Global Consulting (LBGC), and what has been your biggest challenge as its founder and CEO?
I was inspired to create LBGC while working at a private equity firm in Senegal. During that time, I encountered many companies with significant potential, but they struggled to meet funding requirements due to mismanagement, inadequate structures, and organizational dysfunction. This observation led me to establish a consulting firm that would bridge the gap between businesses seeking to raise funds and investors, providing the necessary support to ensure they are structured and managed effectively.
As the Founder and CEO, one of the biggest challenges I've faced is being a young woman in leadership. I've encountered numerous indecent proposals and, in some regions like Congo, youth was often equated with inexperience. This perception made it harder to be taken seriously. Additionally, isolation in the early stages as an entrepreneur was a significant challenge to overcome.
How does LBGC differentiate itself in the competitive landscape of global consulting firms?
At LB Global-Consulting, we have a deep understanding of the Sub-Saharan African landscape that permit us to navigate the complexities of the region. This expertise enables us to propose tailored solutions that precisely address the specific needs and challenges of our clients. By leveraging this regional knowledge and our extensive experience (more than 8 years), we ensure that our strategies are not only effective but also sustainable in the local context.
Can you share a recent success story in which LBGC significantly impacted a client's business in Africa?
Yes, we worked with a client who wanted to relaunch his factory but lacked the necessary funds. Remarkably, we were able to help him do so without requiring any upfront investment. Our approach involved leveraging his relationships with loyal, long-term clients who were willing to place substantial orders and pay in advance. These clients agreed to wait while the company purchased new machinery, fulfilled the orders, and delivered the products. This strategy allowed our client to relaunch his factory without incurring any debt, thanks to our strong negotiation skills and innovative problem-solving.
What strategies do you believe are essential for fostering sustainable growth in African businesses?
To foster sustainable growth in African businesses, we need to encourage innovation and technology adoption to stay competitive and address local challenges. Diversify products, services, and revenue streams to reduce dependence on a single market or sector. Develop local talent, supply chains, and partnerships to create long-term value. Invest in community development, education, and healthcare to enhance social impact. Ensure strong governance, transparency, and regulatory compliance. Understanding the culture of each country is very important. Africa has more than 50 countries with different culture and to operate in these countries we need to have an adaptability skill, be open minded and be ready to adjust.
How do you see the role of women leaders evolving in the business consulting industry, particularly in Africa?
The role of women leaders in the business consulting industry in Africa is evolving positively, with increasing numbers of women taking on leadership positions and making significant contributions to the industry. More women are entering the consulting industry, and many are rising to leadership positions, bringing diverse perspectives and skills. Women leaders are challenging traditional stereotypes by demonstrating that they can excel in male-dominated fields like consulting. There are more and more women networks and mentorships program to support each other's growth and development. There are leveraging their cultural competence to navigate complex African markets and develop effective solutions. Successful women are also actively engaging on inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in consulting, creating a positive impact on the industry.
What key trends do you see shaping the future of consulting in Africa, and how is LBGC preparing to address them?
The consulting industry in Africa is indeed evolving, and several key trends are shaping its future. Here are some of the most significant ones and how LBGC is preparing to address them:
¥ Tailor-made solutions: Clients now expect customized services, and consultants must adapt to meet these demands. LBGC has put in place an information report on what's going on in the different countries and different industries as it requires a deeper understanding of client's specific needs and industries.
¥ Workplace transformation and remote work: The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of hybrid work models, and We must help clients navigate this change. we at LBGC are all working from home or remotely, in different countries such as Cameroon, Congo, France and Senegal which gives us the experience we trained our client to develop.
Technology is changing the world, and it's impacting every industry out there. In Africa, digitalization is making strides in areas like agriculture, and it's more important than ever for consulting firms to stay up to date. At LB Global-Consulting, we're all about nurturing our talent and creating a dynamic, startup-like atmosphere. To stay relevant and helpful, consulting firms need to keep up with these exciting changes.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in Africa who want to build successful businesses in today's global economy?
Aspiring entrepreneurs in Africa can build successful businesses in today's global economy by:
¥ Identifying a genuine need and create solutions that address them.
¥ Developing unique products or services that stand out from the competition.
¥ Understanding your target audience, their needs, and preferences.
¥ Clearly outline your goals, strategies, and financial projections.
¥ Surround themselves with skilled, passionate, and dedicated individuals.
¥ Embrace technology and Build relationships with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.
¥ Stay adaptable and persevere.
That's the way to a successful entrepreneurship journey in Africa.
