Encomium
Making It Big,’ the humongously successful business memoir of billionaire mogul Femi Otedola—which perched atop bestseller lists—has again clinched a much-coveted gold medal at the Axiom Business Book Awards for 2026.
Rewarded with a gold medal in the Memoir/Biography category, ‘Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business’ was serenaded for its unputdownable content and inspirational impact, among many attributes.
The organisers said:
“We are proud to present the Axiom Business Book Awards, the largest and most respected critical guidepost for business books in today’s evolving publishing landscape. Each year, we celebrate outstanding authors, editors, publishers, and illustrators who contribute to the genre with inspiring and innovative works. Previous medalists include renowned figures such as Nobel laureate Robert Shiller, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Pulitzer Prize winner Doris Kearns Goodwin, and philanthropist and investor Ray Dalio, among many other influential business and thought leaders. Join us in honoring these remarkable achievements and exploring the exceptional contributions of our award-winning creators, who continue to shape the future of business literature!”
Here are the three medalists in the Memoir/Biography category:
GOLD: Making It Big: Lessons from A Life In Business by Femi Otedola (FO Books)
SILVER: Gimme a Crisis: In the Room with Global Banker Rick Waugh by Howard Green (Penguin Random House Canada)
BRONZE: The Many Names of Robert Cree by Robert Cree with Therese Greenwood (ECW Press)
The organisers maintained: “Founded in 2007, the Axiom Business Book Awards recognize outstanding new titles that drive professional growth and inspire positive change. In a landscape where leadership and innovation are crucial, these awards highlight books that serve as valuable resources for enhancing business acumen, fostering collaboration, and inspiring transformation. Whether through promoting effective strategies, encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, or advancing ethical practices, the Axiom Business Book Awards celebrate the creativity and ingenuity behind influential works in the business sector.”
The 2026 Axiom Awards paraded winners in 29 categories, including: Business Theory, Business Commentary, Economics, Leadership, Leadership Culture, Business Ethics and Business Technology…
Femi Otedola’s ‘Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business’ debuted online and in bookstores on Monday, August 18, 2025, across the world to rave reviews. And in one week of release, it settled comfortably on the bestseller list.
Applauded by moguls, economists and technocrats, the 286-page business memoir of the Chairman of First HoldCo PLC topped charts and discourses for months.
It appeared and stayed glued on Amazon UK best seller list in business biographies and memoirs.
Part-autobiographical and self-help, ‘Making It Big’ is laced with lessons for budding entrepreneurs and aspiring business leaders. It tells Otedola’s story vividly and refreshingly—from birth, family, schools, businesses and more—as well as lists pieces of tips and advice to show us how to advance in life and in business.
Otedola narrated the story of his life and business with honesty and candour—no-holds-barred, with details many will refuse to share in order to save face, or to portray a no blemish persona.
Inspirational and riveting, ‘Making It Big’ has been described as ‘one of the most important books you will ever read’…
