Businessman and philanthropist Dr. Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan, has challenged the popular belief that individuals can achieve success entirely on their own. In a reflective post shared on his social media page, he argued that no man or woman can genuinely claim to be “self-made.”
“I don’t believe there’s any man or woman who is ‘self-made’. I know that’s a controversial thing to admit, but that’s just the plain truth,” he wrote on Facebook sighted by MyNewsGh.
According to him, anyone who insists they achieved success without assistance is leaving out crucial parts of their journey. He noted that conversations with accomplished people often reveal a network of support behind their rise.
“Anyone who claims they are ‘self-made’ is not telling the full story. Speak with any successful person and you’d quickly come to realise that there is a community of support around them,” McDan stated.
He emphasised that regardless of background or social standing, no one advances in life without help.
“I’ll put my credibility on the line: no matter where you are, no matter who you are, no matter what you do, no matter how much you earn, nobody can say that their success and progress was ‘self-made.’ Take it or leave it, but you’re going nowhere without the help of others.”
McDan explained that success is often built on guidance, encouragement and sacrifices made by others, whether directly or indirectly. He added that people who feel unmotivated or stuck may simply be lacking community.
“To succeed and do well in life, you must be guided, supported, challenged or helped by someone, directly or indirectly.
“There is absolutely no way you’re getting to the top without the benevolence of others. If going after what you want is difficult and you don’t feel motivated, it’s probably because you’re isolated. Community is important.”
He urged people who eventually rise to success to honour those who contributed to their journey.
“And when you get that support and make it, remember the people that helped you get to the top.
“Those who submitted your CV, who pushed for you to get employed, who helped your business, who accommodated you in the early days, who gave you rides to the office, who took a chance on you!”
