Heirs Holdings Group HR director, Modupe Adesunloye has a big story to tell, but let’s not kill it. We caught up with her to share her inspiring career story with us.
We hope you learn something from this.
Creativity is made of – fearlessness
Tell us a bit about your career journey? Where did it all begin?
I started my career straight out of school with a company called Heritage House. We had brought Montessori education to Nigeria, teaching the child to learn by doing. I was the Project Manager then before I moved to Optima Sports, where they had an affiliation to FIFA. I was the HR manager managing the workforce during the Nigeria 99’ and the Nations Cup. The focus then was to ensure we had the right talents who were engaged to deliver a wonderful experience to delegates that came into Nigeria under our preview.
In late 2001 I joined Econet wireless starting from the executive office and gradually move to HR. I worked in all aspects of HR and lead some of the departments in my nine-plus years (9+) I was in the company. The highlight of my career was when I was expatriated to Amsterdam the head office to manage 24 Operating companies ensuring that the process for Performance and Talent Management was the same across all and adhered to.
Coca-cola came knocking when they were looking for a Head of HR Operations, I was made the offer and I excitedly accepted as this seemed interesting. Needless did I know what awaited me. It was a company that stretched my intellect and drive for results (that I pride myself with) beyond my imagination. It took everything out of me, things I did not imagine I possessed – driving top strategy to the rudiments. You sure better be on the same page to be a performer be in that environment!
All in all, I will not change a thing. It brings a smile to my face when I remember the journey. It was a training ground.
Here I am in Heirs Holdings; another journey has started. I am calm and watching my environment as I steadily think of my quick wins in my first 90 days.
I am excited to be here – five industries in one. I sure am going to make the best of it as I intend to be a strong entrepreneur in my retirement days.
For you to have worked at the top greatest brands in Nigeria, you must be doing something right. What is it about you that unlocks these opportunities?
I have always wondered why the top brands sought me out. In my 360-degree feedback from my team, I was described as an open leader, driven by excellence and very customer-focused, not losing sight of the business achievement and success.
I have also been called a change leader that does not shy away from letting them know how I feel. I guess the companies that came looking for me wanted that profile in their employees. They believe that is the driving force to business success.
What do you look out for when you receive a brief to hire and a CV? How do you connect the dots between the two?
In hiring talents, I would be looking for passion, entrepreneurial spirit, someone who is not afraid to fail, because that is what creativity is made of – fearlessness. We can only find that out through competency-based interviews and assessment centres.
In your thoughts and with your experience, how do you think prospective employees rate an organisation before they make the decision to join?
What is interesting to know is that talents also rate organisations, they want to know the growth stories of the employees in the organisation. Is it an environment that respects openness is in their values? Do they have a work-life balance mentality? Would I grow? What is my next career path in 2 to 3 years? Do I get rewarded for initiative I bring on board outside my core? Hence, an organisation should position themselves as such to attract top talent into their organisations.
How can an organisation ‘care’ for its staff?
They should have initiatives that are focused on creating an amicable environment that is focused on the welfare, developing and engagement of their talents. In other not to lose talent in the workplace to companies outside competition, companies need to focus on the needs of the millennials who are restless and carefree.
What do you think is the future of the workplace in Nigeria and in Africa?
How do we tap into the minds for this generation of people? how do we engage them and make them stable for our workplace? It is time we think of creative ways which I tag as ‘my time’ they want their time their space, you name it. What better than to give them flexi hours, a fun environment, room for creativity and leaders that are role models, who do not shout down, lord opinions or ideas down their throats?
What are your thoughts on mentorship?
We need leaders that will be in that space to mentor and help them find their way; leaders that position themselves as a role model to emulate and follow. That is when millennials would submit themselves to leadership.
How do you unwind or relax after a hectic week?
I like to snuggle in from of the TV or have a relaxed moment on my balcony. I will rather write than read. I am pictorial and would rather have an audiobook. I need to sleep more, I am too restless for the opera. I will take my chance with Burgee jumping. I am a stickler for deadline than perfection. But I look out for both except in rare cases.
In all life is short and should be lived the best way we can, I try to live life and be happy in any situation I find myself!
HH has got a big fish in Modupe, she an HR expat to the core…
Have you all noticed Modupe is attracted to the “Red Brands? Airtel, Coca-Cola and now HH! *Lol!
Great write-up!