Dan Okeke speaking on his love for nature, the huge HH ambition and his ability to assemble efficient teams.
HH People
Despite your 30-year career and track record at UBA, we think it’s safe to still consider you the ‘new kid on the block.’ Lol. Can you tell us a little bit about the events that led to your joining HH as GED?
Dan Okeke
Thanks for your kind question. I really feel like a new kid on the block. It is quite exhilarating! I had actually done 26 years of banking: 22 years in STB/ UBA, two years at Zenith Bank and two years at Diamond Bank. Upon my retirement after three terms as ED in UBA at the end of July 2020, I was invited by our visionary Chairman to support his growing investment quests. I am here to contribute my bit to the making of an African business success story.
HH People
It’s less than your 100-day mark but indulge us, please. What’s your favourite thing about the job so far?
Dan Okeke
I did not know what an intimidating giant that HH Group is! The size of the ambition is huge! The vision is audacious! The people are a dream; sharp and cerebral–A golden future beckons! I feel honoured to be part of HH family.
HH People
Per usual, our colleagues are itching to know a little more about the man behind the suit. Can you tell us a bit of your childhood background, growing up, fond blast-from-the-past memories?
Dan Okeke
The last time I checked my name was still Dan Okeke. Lol. I was actually born in the North- Maiduguri. I grew up between Enugu and Lagos. Growing up memories were quite fond. Things were not as tough as it is now. We made friends from everywhere, especially in the cosmopolitan cities where I grew up.
HH People
Let’s go a bit off-script. You seem like a man given to the outdoors. Would you rather hike with strangers in an uncharted terrain or go skydiving?
Dan Okeke
Skydiving! Lol. It will get your adrenaline pumping. I have never really done skydiving, but it is one of those tasks I intend to do before exiting Mother Earth.
HH People
What do you consider your corporate superpower?
Dan Okeke
Corporate superpower! That’s a heavy one. I guess you mean some of the leadership qualities I possess. I like to think some of my strengths entail assembling a good team and fostering efficient teamwork. The synergistic superiority of the whole over the individual parts is the soul of business success.
HH People
How does it feel transitioning during a pandemic?
Dan Okeke
It is scary! It is a new experience for everybody. Nobody in our lifetime has seen anything like this. It has been challenging but has also birthed its opportunities. It is not over yet. We are seeing a second wave in some parts of the world. We call on all staff to eternal vigilance and embrace of safety protocols.
HH People
Seeing we are all colleagues and share a somewhat similar work routine, we’d like to know what isn’t obvious. Like, what’s your typical weekend like? What do you do for fun?
Dan Okeke
On most Saturdays, if I have the time, I go on long treks and mountain climbing. There are lots of hills in Abuja for this. The fresh air in your lungs, the pristine greenery of the vegetation is reinvigorating and uplifting. I also cherish the bit of time with family. I particularly enjoy the blessing of time with our last child and 6-year-old daughter Ona. COVID-19 has its merits too!
HH People
Who is your biggest inspiration, and how have they shaped your life?
Dan Okeke
My parents really. They worked hard to give us good education for which we are eternally grateful. They drummed in the virtues of hard work, integrity, loyalty into our hers! These are still ringing in my ears! They also make us put GOD in the centre of our Universe. We are trying not to disappoint the people also looking up to us.
HH People
Are you a coffee or a tea person?
Dan Okeke
None! I am a water person!
HH People
Lol. We didn’t see that last response coming. Are you an email or real-time meeting person?
Dan Okeke
A mix really. Emailing has its merits and convenience, but a real-time meeting is huge on the personal touch, body language communication and clarity. Real-time meetings have the power to cut through doubts and confusion faster. The feedback is instantaneous.
HH People
What is the one thing you plan to bring to the HH Group?
Dan Okeke
Execution!
I sat in the last Blueprint strategy sessions and was excited by the huge ideas and new businesses on the table. I will work with the team to drive them to resounding fruition in the immediate. What really makes an organisation great is the ability to execute. This is also part of the group 3 Es! There is no use thinking up audacious ideas if you cannot make it happen. Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan in their seminal book on Execution said that Execution is after all “The discipline of getting things done.”
HH People
What was the last book you read?
Dan Okeke
Mind. Money. Matter, written by our late brother and colleague, Emeke Iweriebor. May his soul rest in peace
HH People
Nigeria turns 60 this year, that’s a milestone! what progress do you feel we have made as a country?
Dan Okeke
I am impressed that Nigeria is still together! Her immense opportunities may still be achieved.
Happy Independence anniversary to the HH family
