Linda Achan, Co-founder and CEO, NatureWrap UK and EnergyWells LLC
Linda Achan is Co-founder of NatureWrap UK, a Foodtech company and EnergyWells LLC, an energy supply company. As an entrepreneur, she obtained a multimillion-pound financial facility for a natural resource client and structured strategic and tactical plans that retained and won new business.
She has international business experience. Devising and implementing international market entry and financial growth structures in UK and Africa. Held business development responsibilities at the UK listed network Infrastructure Company and secured contracts across sectors.
Industry recognitions: Women In IT, UK nominated her for "Entrepreneur of the year" and "Tech for Good Award". PEA (People. Environment. Achievement) Sustainability Awards 2021 shortlisted in categories, Food and Drink and Energy.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
Clubhouse for the opportunity to immediately get into verbal discussions with people from different demographics, geographies and interests.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
My focus is leveraging technology and innovation to solve some of the world's pressing problems.
Sustainable development goals
Food security in food systems
Affordable and accessible energy
Innovation and infrastructure in the UK
Co-Founder and CEO of NatureWrap UK: Our food preservation process extends the shelf life of fresh-cut potatoes, pumpkins and carrots and reduces food waste. We are busy with project implementation in the potato processing sector. In addition, our research is expanding the range of products that can benefit from the shelf life extension.
Motivated by the use of waste in power generation and bioplastic. In Africa, the USA, the UK: Partner, Energy Wells LLC. We are developing an Offgrid Energy solution for Africa distributed on IoT – Blockchain. More than 600 million Africans have no access to stable power. We are exploring seed funding options.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
I like that I am able to be an active participant in providing critical solutions. "More than 20,000 trucks travel to the UK every year," importing 700,000 tonnes of processed potato products. Developing this local market will create direct and indirect jobs in farming, processing and distribution in the UK and increase sector productivity. It will also reduce CO2 emissions and road congestion.
For Africa to industrialise and innovate (SDG9) and lift itself out of Poverty (SDG1) as well as achieve the other UN Sustainable Development Goals, the community's ability to access clean, affordable energy is critical. . It also needs the financial/insurance facility to support the underlying infrastructure.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Being unconventional, ambitious, the ability to actively listen and love life would serve me well and never change that. I am glad I listened!
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Business is full of setbacks. But, as a student of life, I'm receptive to the lessons and springboard from them to elevated heights!
What are you proud of in your life so far?
That I've made my mum, grandparents and relatives proud, negative experiences haven't broken me or stripped me of focus. On the contrary, my visibility in these business sectors motivates and encourages others.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
In-person is a better way to get a sense of people and build rapport.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Problem-solving. Communication. Tenacity. Being solutions-oriented and having an ability to attract positive, high integrity people.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
If a business relationship/job is toxic, leave fast. There is no honour in trying to make it work.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
I am intrigued by Mohammed Ali's story. His confidence and business savvy in understanding the power of his brand outside boxing, thus securing lucrative speaking engagements at a time when that wasn't the norm. In general, I think there is a link between the self-belief and resilience of sportspeople to entrepreneurship. Collaborations between the two Worlds is interesting.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I enjoy the mental clarity, physical strength, and endorphins created by yoga and exercise. Cooking, music and art, as well as spending time with family and friends, brings me joy. I serve Christmas lunch at a Shelter. It brings me to a place of humility and gratitude.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
For the most part, positive. It has highlighted the need for/increased demand for post-harvest food preservation and energy. Foodtech: Market dynamics indicate that in the post-COVID19 world, households will be oriented to food waste minimisation, longer produce shelf-life. And for corporations, the empty shelves, port delays exposed that the Just-in-Time model isn't viable.
Energy: The energy deficit in Africa requires prompt solutions. E.g. the Pfizer vaccine and other medicines need cold storage, which presented dire consequences for rural areas/those without reliable energy. In addition, those without insurance coverage suffered huge losses. I'm hoping that the magnifying glass placed on these sectors will enable the appropriate levels of investment and support required.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have a few, but they have never called themselves mentors. Instead, they are esteemed people that have gravitated towards me, thought that I could achieve more and offered me structured guidance. I've also reverse "mentored".
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, but it's rewarding. Don't be afraid to try again when you face obstacles. It's a test to prepare you for your future position. Limit the access you give to unconstructive armchair entrepreneurs, and they are a distraction.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Not having peripheral vision and a slow response to red flags can lead to failure. Likewise, absorbing other people's doubt and losing confidence in themselves can lead to giving up.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
This is very powerful. "I pray that you will grow intellectually so that you can understand the problems of the world and where you fit into that world picture. And I pray that all the fear that has ever been in your heart will be taken out." - Malcolm X.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
There are a lot of institutional statements about support for "underrepresented founders" entrepreneurs with solutions for the SDGs etc. I await the outcome. So, I am impressed by the entrepreneurs that are persevering and finding success regardless.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Our business culture - a happy, dynamic environment where diversity of thought and respect is the DNA!
Our intergenerational, multi-ethnic team of scientists, engineers, technology and business experts demonstrate the innovation which springs from diverse minds; it is a competitive advantage.