Every November, International Men’s Day gives us a rare moment to pause and reflect. Today, we are taking sometime to discuss with real men, living real lives, doing their best in a world that moves quickly.
At Rova, we spend every day building products that help people make better money decisions. But this year, we chose to look inward. We asked 4 men on our team simple, honest questions about life, money, purpose, and the lessons that shaped them. Their responses were thoughtful, surprising and deeply human.
Here’s what they had to say:
What’s one money lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life and why?
Daniel
Delayed gratification; understanding why you should hold an asset and waiting till it germinates and turns to a tree.
Why? I was quite early to cryptocurrency, bought tangible bitcoin at $900 – $1000 , doge at $ 0.002 – $ 0.006, bnb $3 – $6 and many more. Squandered all before they went 100x.
Samuel
The power of compound interest and the importance of starting to invest early, turning earned income into passive income.
Why? Because money grows exponentially through compound interest, the earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to multiply. By turning earned income into investments, you create streams of passive income that can eventually work for you—freeing you from relying solely on active work and building long-term financial independence.
Vincent
The power of investing and the benefits of compounding interests.
Adeolu
You do not spend what you have not earned/seen.
Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self about becoming a man?
Daniel
Keep doubling down on your conviction. As long as it’s legal, keep doubling down. The risk to reward is always worth it.
Samuel
Courage is the difference between living and existing, and life is like riding a bicycle; to keep balance, you must keep moving.
Vincent
Take more risks and try things that seem out of the norm.
Adeolu
Everything that happens in our lives provide lessons that we can learn from, keep pushing, trying and believing.
Who is a man or boy you’re celebrating today, and how has he inspired your journey?
Daniel
My dad, for always insisting we had a computer while growing up. Wouldn’t be where I am today without the addiction to computers.
Samuel
I would celebrate the “everyday mentor”- a man in a position of quiet leadership who inspires by demonstrating that consistency and integrity are the highest forms of charisma.
Adeolu
My late father, he taught me the value of responsibility and showing up.
What do you believe today’s boys need to understand about money and responsibility?
Daniel
Today’s boys should understand that money is volatile, they should decenter it from their lives, never chase it but rather chase value and the money will always follow. They should also understand that they are responsible to themselves first and their family next.
Samuel
Money is a means to an end, not the end itself. True wealth is found through contentment coupled with godliness, which is a great gain. To manage your financial means effectively, it is important to understand the difference between assets (things that put money in your pocket, like income-generating investments or property) and liabilities (things that take money out of your pocket, like consumer debt or depreciating possessions). A sound financial foundation requires you to always strive to have more assets than liabilities, ensuring your resources serve your higher purpose rather than becoming a distraction from it.
Responsibility is the price of greatness, forging both character and capability. To achieve success, you must fully own the outcomes of your choices—both the good results and the bad consequences. While you may acknowledge how others have influenced your current circumstances, understand that where you find yourself tomorrow is totally up to you. Winning does not rely on external factors; it requires only your unwavering commitment and consistency in making the daily choice to invest in yourself and your goals.
Vincent
The benefits of delayed gratuity. Because you can afford it now, doesn’t mean you should incur that cost now.
What’s one habit that has changed the way you manage money or make decisions?
Daniel
Whenever I realise no one is coming to save me, I go harder on money management and decision making
Samuel
I pay myself first. This habit involves keeping a financial journal where I commit to fixed percentages for savings and investments from every income. These vital deductions are made first, before any money is allocated for daily spending. By prioritising the future and treating these allocations as non-negotiable, I ensure that I spend only what is left for allowances and expenses, securing long-term wealth before addressing short-term wants.
Vincent
Being rigid about my goals and about how the efficiency with which I manage money contributes to that.
Adeolu
Transparency with my spouse.
As we celebrate International Men’s Day, these reflections from the men of Rova remind us that growth, whether financial or personal, isn’t a straight line. It’s in the lessons we carry, the habits we build, and the courage to keep improving.
Here’s to men everywhere choosing vulnerability, balance, responsibility, and purpose in a world that doesn’t always slow down for them.
Happy International Men’s Day!
