Office Champions of the Month – United Capital

Ada Ijara (United Capital Trustees)

Ada Ajara, Team Member, Private Trust (United Capital Trustees)

1. Where do you find your inspiration?

I find that a lot of things fascinate me.. I love learning new things and I think my constant curiosity charges me with a fun, childlike energy that motivates me to go out there and be the best that I can be, every day…

2.  Tell us your best tricks for managing everyday work and life?

Lists, lists and more lists.. My phone is filled with reminders to do loads of stuff from ranging from work to even reaching out to family and friends.

Another trick is having ‘me time’. I set aside time to do things that I enjoy. It doesn’t have to be anything serious like a holiday in the Bahamas, sometimes it could be simply catching up with all the episodes of the Wendy Williams show at the end of every week!

3. How do you approach your work day?

Oh that’s easy, with a positive attitude. It may sound like a cliché, but I truly believe that happiness is a choice so no matter how frantic it gets sometimes juggling work obligations, I make sure to remind myself of that often.

One of my favourite quotes especially as relates to work is one from Henry David Thoreau – “It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”

Moral of the story, I use my time for things that are worth it…believe me it helps!

4. Final word of advice to those striving to be champions?

Stay grateful, even for the little things and try as much as possible to leave the world (even if it’s just your corner of it) a better place for having been there…

Akinsoji Akintola (United Capital Plc)

Akinsoji Akintola, Team Lead, Trade and Investment (United Capital Plc)

1.  Where do you find your inspiration?

I find my inspiration in nature and possibilities.

2.  Tell us your best tricks for managing everyday work and life?

I make sure I do those things that make me happy irrespective of how hectic my daily schedule may be.

3.   How do you approach your work day?

I resume early one hour before official resumption time. This avails me the opportunity to settle down, outline my priorities and set my agenda for the day. Afterwards, I use the next 10 to 15 minutes to respond to emails that might have come after close of business the previous working day.

Afterwards, I take my breakfast and draw up my itinerary and Identify what costs time but doesn’t contribute much to my productivity and zero in on the 20% that can yield the best result.  This I achieve by writing down my tasks, meetings etc on my “TO-DO” list.

4.  Final word of advice to those striving to be ‘champions’?

The greatest match a man can win is won within. Believe in yourself and aspire to get better than your previous best.