My father's shop taught me a lesson no MBA in Italy could

I was 12 when I first saw my father lose money in his grain business. He had bought 200 bags of maize from farmers in Kano, and then the price fell. He did not shout or curse. He just sat in his shop, counted the loss quietly, and said to me: 'Amina, the market will always test your patience before it gives you profit.'

That day I learned that business is not about winning every time. It is about staying calm when the numbers go against you. My father could have panicked and sold everything at a loss. Instead, he waited. Two weeks later, the price rose again. He recovered his money and made a small profit. Wallahi, I have never forgotten that.

Now, when my company faces a bad month, I remember his words. The market will test your patience. So I ask you: what did your parents teach you about money that you still use today?