Everybody needs a Hype-Man

Tell us about your first day at HH 

The first thing was that I actually did not get the job! But then, I was called back and made an offer, which is a story for another time and place. I accepted the offer (Hello! It’s HH!!), but my first day at work was one of the longest days of my life. I had no experience – plus, I was so green and nervous that I thought about picking my bags running out of the office. LOL.

One day I will unveil the story properly. But, as a teaser, I remember Onyinye, a HR executive at the time, taking me to the Chairman’s office on that first day for a welcome handshake. (Okay, which other boss gives a personal handshake to all new hires?) Then, I remember the Chairman saying to me: “Welcome Gloria! I believe in you and I know you will make me proud in carrying out tasks assigned to you.” Of course, I died a little at that point, because again, which boss of bosses makes such an inspiring speech to new hires on their first day?

In my mind I was like—how? How can this man believe in me when I do not even believe in myself? I felt like a scam because I was too sure there was no way I was competent enough. I had been hired as the Clients Relations Officer, aka. (front desk person) and I was hired as a contract staff for 3months as the lady that occupied the role was going on maternity leave.

During the handover process, I blurted out to the HR executive “Onyinye, I have no idea what I’m doing but I am willing to learn.” My inexperience was apparent it made sense to just admit it. It was so bad that I had trouble memorizing the intercom numbers.

I got home that day and told my mother that I just made a great mistake and that I could not cope with the work. In the typical African mother scenario, she said to me: “The people there, do they have two heads? I have spoilt you too much it’s time for you to experience the real world.”

So, riding on my mother’s words and the fact that Mr. Elumelu said he believed in me,  I showed up the next day and made up my mind that I would learn and put in my best in the job even if it meant dying on the line Lol.

You Said You Were Put on Contract, but It’s Been Over 5 Years!

I know, right! Three months went by fast and before I knew it, the lady I was relieving returned from her maternity leave and it was time for me to go! And then, something wow happened again. I was called to the HR Director’s office and told that I had been confirmed to a full staff. And a letter was given to me on the spot. Honestly, I was like –Wait!!! Whaaat!!! Who ma? How? Me? What of IJ? I could not believe it. I cried!!!

As much as I had started enjoying the job, I felt I really was not good enough, but I kept at it. There were trying times I would go to the bathroom and cry my eyes out and times I would say ‘nah, I am done’ So getting that offer letter was such a big deal to me. Incidentally the Chairman was away that period, but when he returned, I walked up to him with my offer letter to say ‘Sir, look I was given a permanent role.’

He smiled and said ‘Congratulations Gloria! Well done! I believe in you make sure you do not disappoint me.’ Then I went home that day and told my mum I had been confirmed. Again, as a proper African mother, she said “It’s long overdue!”  Can you imagine?! I told her “mum people get confirmed in 6 months and sometimes their confirmation is deferred but I got mine in 3 months.” And she replied: “Are you people?”. Lool

Five years in the group, what has that been like? 

At the risk of sounding cliché, it’s been nothing short of AMAZING!!! I would definitely do it again. Naturally, there’s been tough times. The bathroom walls that listened to my frequent tears will testify to this, Lool. I would cry my eyes out then look myself in the mirror and say “remember someone is counting on you to be the best version of yourself? Stay focused!”

What are two of your most memorable experiences in the group? 

I’d say there’s definitely been more than two great experiences. Where do I start from? My story is so unique and long. Do I mention the fact I won Heirs Person of the Year? TWICE?? In fact, the only two times the award has ever been given. Or the fact I was confirmed in the space of three months? Or the fact that I was moved from a front desk officer to Human Resources? Or the fact that I serve informally as the event planner extraordinaire in Heirs Place? My growth, both personally and professionally, have been unquantifiable.

What do you like most about the group?

I like the fact that we work hard but play even harder, Lol! I remember one Thursday night a group of staff in HH went clubbing with the Chairman and the next day I had to facilitate my induction session on the theme: Work hard, play hard. I was half asleep, but I had to come correct looking sharp and professional. Halfway through my session the Chairman walks in and says: “Madam Gloria I hope you told your inductees in you were in the club till early ours this morning.” Lool!!

What skills and lessons have you picked from your time here?

I have learnt a lot from my colleagues and professional mentors, but there are two women particularly dear to me –Owen and Patricia, I call them my HH mummies. Of course, I am still learning from my boss Modupe. Along the line I have picked a lot of skills like event planning, amazing customer service, managing stakeholders, and honestly, just being anything you want to be. It’s so funny how you think it’s hard work then you realise how much you have grown and empowered yourself. I was so green before HH and had never really done much for myself. It was so bad that I had never even booked a fight ticket. So, I have learnt to always be ready and open to learning and being humble while at it.

From the event planning skills I picked up in HH (In fact, this was so random because everyone just saw Gloria as the go to person for events). I latched on to it and it became a thing. Those skill made me plan my wedding excellently. Infact my planner said to me “I really do not know why you hired me; I feel like you even know more than I do.” Lol. I also remember Parminder the former CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation saying to me after my Wedding: “Gloria WHO ARE YOU? I really do not think I know you!!! You planned that type of wedding wow!” And I said Parminder, I learnt all here. Lol

What advice do you have for people who have clocked five years and those in their first year?  

Put God first, make sure you pray about everything!! Be very open to learning, put in the work, be passionate about whatever is assigned to you, have team spirit, remain focused, and be yourself.

If you were Chairperson of HH, what would you change?

I would give staff the option to work from home sometimes, Lool.