By Brown Chimezie
Ziad Maalouf, Managing Director of Seven-Up Bottling Company and convener of SME Scaleup, took center stage at the prestigious TEDx PAU (Pan-Atlantic University) event, delivering an impactful talk that resonated deeply with Nigerian entrepreneurs striving to scale their businesses.
Drawing from over a decade of leading the growth of Seven-Up Bottling Company and his early entrepreneurial experiences in e-commerce, Maalouf shared personal lessons and strategies to help entrepreneurs avoid the pitfalls he encountered. His presentation focused on tackling what he called Scaleup Deficit Disorder (SDD)—a pervasive challenge among Nigeria’s small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
“I want to help other SMEs avoid the mistakes I made,” Maalouf said. He described SDD as a phenomenon where many entrepreneurs struggle to move from the “sphere of anxiety” to the “sphere of impact,” despite their extraordinary potential.
Using a powerful case study of a Nigerian SME, Maalouf showcased how a structured approach to cost optimization, strategic hiring, and operational efficiency transformed the business. Within four months, the company’s revenue skyrocketed to N310 million, and in just a year, it surpassed the N1 billion mark.
“The problem is YOU,” Maalouf asserted emphatically. “The cure for Scaleup Deficit Disorder begins with taking responsibility for your growth. Don’t wait for external conditions to change. Focus on building scalable systems and disciplined decision-making.”
As the visionary behind SME Scaleup—a platform designed to equip Nigerian SMEs with tools, mentorship, and guidance for sustainable growth—Maalouf’s talk provided actionable insights and sparked hope among aspiring business owners. The initiative aims to help entrepreneurs transition from survival mode to thriving enterprises with lasting economic impact.
The TEDx PAU event also featured a stellar lineup of thought leaders sharing perspectives on entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation.
Dr. Cosmas Maduka, President and Chairman of Coscharis Group, explored entrepreneurial success and the importance of mentoring the next generation.
Mr. Michael Olugbemi, Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), spoke about leveraging gas to power Nigeria’s future.
Mrs. Adesuwa Ifedi, Africa Senior Vice President at Heifer International, addressed scaling for development, leadership, and fostering strategic partnerships.
Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN and professor at Lagos Business School, emphasized the role of education in amplifying entrepreneurial skills.
Dr. Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in entrepreneurship.
Ms. Temitope Runsewe of Dutum Construction shared insights on navigating the complexities of running a family business.
Maalouf’s leadership at Seven-Up Bottling Company, combined with his inspiring work through SME Scaleup, has positioned him as a catalyst for empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs. His TEDx talk accentuates the importance of scalable systems, growth-oriented mindsets, and impactful leadership, offering a roadmap for entrepreneurs to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.