10 MEA MARKETS / Q3 2021 MEAMARKETS / Q3 2021 11 , , Jun21207 May21621 A filmfixing and facilitation company operating out of Zambia, A to Z Solutions has truly earned its place as a leading facilitatory in wildlife and reality filmmaking for international and national film crews in Zamiba. Allowing access to some of Zambia’s most unique wildlife estates, ecosystems and its colourful people, whilst always ensuring the safety of its staff and clients with rigorous and diligent Covid-19 measures and testing in place, it has ensured that the filming industry could continue to thrive throughout a time of tumult. Flo Akinbiyi is a Communication Expert and Coach whose infectious energy and positivity has been instrumental in establishing him as a leader of his field. Following his success at the UAE Business Awards 2021, we find out more about Flo as he tells us about the trials and tribulations he has overcome in an immensely challenging year, both professionally and personally. Best Film Fixing Provider - Zambia Best Public Speaking Coach (UAE): Flo Akinbiyi A to Z Solutions is the first company in Zambia to offer a dedicated exemplary film fixing, service and from its start in 2013, has grown significantly as a result. Working hard to deliver first-class film fixing and facilitation solutions to a wide variety of clientele from wildlife documentaries to reality shows, and from feature movie film makers to meet – and far exceed their production needs and requirements. Additionally, over the past year or so, it has been using its penchant for adaptability and flexibility to adapt to the new norms of a post pandemic paradigm, assuring its clients that they will be stepping into a safe environment in which to film, including the use of private bush strips on the outskirts of Lusaka for charter flights. A Virtual Presenter, Event Moderator, Speaker and Communication Coach; Flo Akinbiyi is a Communication Expert with many feathers in his cap. Originally from Germany and Nigeria and based in Dubai for the past decade, Flo is a joyful and inspiring individual who truly comes to life in front of an audience. Whether he is fulfilling the role of Public Speaker, MC or Trainer, Flo is unmatched in his ability to capture the attention of a crowd and drive the momentum of any event. Verified as a Results Certified Coach by the NeuroLeadership Institute, Flo seeks to support individuals that have big goals in life, that want to go to places, and how they can get there, often by maximising their own existing potential. This support manifests in a range of delivery methods and covers a range of topics. Whether it be on stage, in webinars, at conferences, hosting events, panel discussions, fireside chats, interviewing industry experts, giving keynotes or working behind the scenes, Flo goes above and beyond to help leaders and teams take their communication skills to the next level. After all, Flo’s whole world centres around communication, whether that be oral, visual or experiential. Since launching the Flo Akinbiyi brand, he has worked more than 1,500 professionals and lead countless coaching This avoids the additional exposure of the International airports when not necessary for those needing internal flights to reach their often remote locations. Furthermore, it has teamed up with registered private Covid testing facilities, where technicians go to the hotels to do the PRC tests for clients before they depart from Zambia. All of A to Z Solutions staff are fully vaccinated, and tested on a regular basis, where all Covid -19 protocols and precautions are followed at all times. Its clients have appreciated this dedication to safety in a time of tumult, allowing business to go on relatively as usual and its services to be offered with the recognisable level of quality that its clients are used to; thus, whilst traditional tourism and safari trips may have been sessions on communication, public speaking and presentation skills. As an Event Moderator and Virtual Presenter he has delivered hundreds of events and over the years worked with more than150 successful international brands from luxury brands like Ferrari and Bloomingdales to digital brands like TikTok and Huawei, to a whole host of other major brands besides, Flo’s expertise and energy has been relied on to make significant impacts in the communication capabilities of an impressive portfolio of global platforms. And the positive reception of Flo’s impact is clear to see, thanks to the satisfied testimonials that his many clients are keen to feedback. Aaron Logan, CCO at Excir Corp, tells us, “Flo took ideas that make a big impact, and truly rationalised them – allowing a simple tool kit to work from and grow into. His mentorship will help me grow as a leader and communicator.” Pulkit Goyal CFO, Member of the Executive Board | thyssenkrupp Industries corroborates Aaron’s sentiments, stating that, “He’s among the most planned, well organised, honest (and also stylish) professionals I ever encountered - most importantly he spends enough time in understanding you first.” Yet the greatest testament to Flo’s positivity and resilience is his response to what has been a challenging year for all, including himself. The pandemic severely impacted, the filming industry has seen no such pauses. Essentially, once companies and filming crews have undergone the hassle and minutia of being able to make it from their home country, they find that the journey was totally worth it for the location. Zambia is stunning, and filming and staying in the midst of the Zambian bush gives crews the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in that environment, coming out with incredible, representative, and top-quality work, all made possible by A to Z Solutions. What’s more is that until international tourism numbers recover, the crew is likely to have an area almost to themselves, with plenty of fresh air, outdoor space, and all at the added advantage of massively cost-effective rates. Due to all of these factors, recent projects have included David Attenborough’s BBC series Life in Colour, as well as BBC America’s Luangwa Valley show as part of the Eden Untamed Planet series narrated by Helena Bonham Carter. Additionally, A to Z Solutions has hosted the multi award winning Leopard Legacy, Dogs with Extraordinary Jobs, BBC Earth, and A Perfect Planet. 2020, for A to Z Solutions, was also a time of reflection as well as adaptation – it followed a new motto of ‘out with the old, in with the new’, and underwent not only saw professional repercussions for Flo, who lost all of his business owing to the former mostly face-to-face nature of his operations and him speaking to large audiences, but several personal blows as well. Flo and his wife were dealt a second tragedy when his father contracted and passed away from Covid-19 in March. “That was a moment in my life where I could have given up, feeling sorry for myself, dwelling in misery,” says Flo. “But I refused! My dad was someone that even at the age of 80 was looking for the big deal he wanted to make, and he never gave up. And neither did I. Our name Akinbiyi means son of a hero, and I wanted to become the hero for my son.” So Flo took matters into his own hands, deciding that quitting was not an option. He sought out new clients, new ways of generating income and new collaborative opportunities, working hard to challenge himself and to reach out to connect with as many people as he could. A year later, “after a of hard work, long nights and very early mornings” transformation is still underway but the business is already seeing an influx in its work with individuals and companies. Flo has focused on his two primary service areas: Communication and Presentation Coaching, and Event Moderation and Virtual Presenter. an exciting rebrand in order to instate a brand new logo and new website that it is very excited to unveil! In addition, it was appointed to the Zambia Tourism Agency Marketing Committee, has hosted a number of Blue Chip Productions, and has been aiding with Zambia’s first Netflix feature film, Black Dollar – written and produced by Kazadi Films. All of this has been made possible through a time of the World has had to adapt to a new norm due to the Pandemic, due to the Zambian government’s quick and effective crackdowns and enforcement of social distancing, testing, and screening, especially at airports; the result of which has seen Zambia become one of the safest places in the world to visit right now regarding the virus. A to Z Solutions is also aware that despite this positivity, the tourism industry was hit hard, meaning that much of 2021 and even into 2022 will be spent rebuilding this sector. For A to Z Solutions, there is no better time to be operating as a business, and with Zambia slowly opening itself up to the world again and sporting some of the world’s best wildlife estates, there is no better time for a prospective client to get in touch. Company: A to Z Solutions Ltd. Contact: Anita Balletto Website: https://www. atozsolutions.net/ “We all have our stories, our challenges, and our struggles, but it doesn’t matter how big the challenge is; what matters is how we deal with it,” states Flo. “The words of Winston Churchill may be cliché and overused, but they are true: ‘Never waste a good crisis’.” Flo certainly isn’t wasting any opportunities. About to launch his online course – Speak, Engage, Present – as well as several online coaching formats, and currently in the process of redesigning his brand and website, Flo has big plans for the future. We look forward to seeing them come to fruition. Contact: Flo Akinbiyi Company: Flo Akinbiyi (Official Company Name: Akinbiyi Group FZE) Web Address: flo-akinbiyi.com Email: [email protected]
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