Success is Not a Degree: How I Built My Empire Against All Odds | Cosmas Maduka | TEDxPAU

Video Description

What defines success? Is it the number of degrees on a wall or the grit and vision to turn dreams into reality? In this inspiring talk, the speaker, Cosmas Maduka shares a raw and authentic journey of building a thriving empire despite the absence of formal accolades. Through stories of resilience, unconventional thinking, and relentless determination, the talk challenges traditional notions of success and celebrates the power of self-belief, creativity, and hard work. The speaker offers practical insights on overcoming societal pressures, leveraging unique strengths, and turning setbacks into stepping stones. This session is a bold reminder that the path to greatness isn’t limited to the classroom—it’s forged by courage, perseverance, and a refusal to give up. Dr. Cosmas Maduka is the founder, President/CEO of Coscharis Group. He started Coscharis Motors as a one-man business and over the years has transformed the organization into an indigenous conglomerate with diverse interest in Manufacturing, ICT, Petrochemical, Auto care and Auto Components, Automobile Sales and Services, Agric and Agro Allied business sectors of the Nigerian economy. Through his visionary leadership Coscharis Motors has secured sole franchise of BMW, MINI, Rolls Royce and Jaguar Land Rover premium brands and Abro USA Auto care and Consumer products amongst others. Coscharis is also a very strong partner for distribution of Ford brand of automobiles in Nigeria. He is currently serving on Board of many companies notable among them are CG-EKO LLP, First System Refinishes Ltd., CG Biostadt Limited, Sixt Rentals, Nigeria. He served as a Director in Access Bank Plc., one of the leading banks in Nigeria for 12 years from 2000-2012. He also served as the President/Chairman of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation for 16 years during which Nigeria led Africa in all the events. He led the Nigerian Team to the Olympic Games; Atlanta '96, Athens 2000, Sidney 2004 and Beijing 2008. Dr. Cosmas Maduka is an Entrepreneur per Excellence. He is a motivational speaker and plays mentoring role to upcoming entrepreneurs. Dr. Maduka is a holder of Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (PhD) of University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2003. He is an Alumnus of Harvard Business School (Executive Education Program). In September 2012, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria conferred him with the National Honours of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx