Tuesday, 11^th August, 2026

Bible Reading: Esther 4:13–16; Genesis 41:9–14

Memory Verse: Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29 (KJV)

It was Nosakhare Tunde-Oni who said: There are six categories of gatekeepers that protect every high net worth individual, and if you want to access their circle, you don’t want to overlook them.

Now here are the six: 1. Their Family (their spouse, their children, their close relatives) 2. Their Advisors (e.g., their stylists and consultants). 3. Their Close friends. 4. Their Executive Assistants. 5. Their bankers (they don’t play with people who manage their money). 6. Their domestic staff (e.g. drivers, housekeepers, etc.). You can’t just jump straight into the centre, but if you’re strategic, you don’t have to. You just need to identify the right gatekeeper.

Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, once heard Oprah Winfrey say on air that she disliked her shapewear because it was uncomfortable. Instead of trying to reach Oprah directly, she did her research. She found out who Oprah’s stylist was and sent a package of Spanx directly to the stylist with a personal note.

The stylist passed it on. Oprah tried it, loved it, and eventually named it one of her “favourite things” on her show. Overnight, Spanx moved from a small start-up to a global sensation. Sales exploded, and Sara became a billionaire. She didn’t pitch Oprah, she accessed the right gatekeeper. Today, Oprah is even an investor in Spanx.

According to PwC, over 70% of African high net worth individuals make decisions based on personal referrals, not cold pitches. That means if the gatekeeper doesn’t trust you, the person you’re trying to reach may never even hear your name.

Access is earned through the people around the target, not just the target themselves. So here’s the lesson: Before you try to reach any high-value person, ask yourself: Who books their calendar? Who styles them? Who advises them spiritually? Who manages their home? Who do they listen to at night?

Because sometimes, the most overlooked person is the most powerful. The PA who filters every email. The spouse who whispers wisdom. The childhood friend who still has their ear. If you skip them, you’ve already lost.

In Scripture, a man ignored Queen Esther and paid with his life, while Joseph was introduced to Pharaoh through his butler.

So stop cold pitching high-value individuals. Start studying their ecosystem. Find the right gatekeeper. Serve them with excellence and let them open the door for you.

Quote:  Destiny doors are often opened by unnoticed hands.

Prophetic Decree:  Receive divine wisdom to discern the right connections, in Jesus name.

Prayer Focus:

1. Say: I am positioned strategically, and doors open unto me through favour and relationships, in Jesus name. 

2. I will not miss my opportunities through ignorance, in Jesus’ name.

3. Lord, open my eyes to recognise the people You have positioned around my destiny for my lifting, in Jesus name.

4. Teach me to walk in wisdom, humility, and excellence in every relationship.

5. O Lord, please grant me favour with gatekeepers who will announce me in places I cannot reach on my own, in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Jeremiah 14-17