Tell us a little bit about yourself – growing up, childhood, and why you chose your career path.
I was born and raised in Benin City, Edo State. I grew up amongst boys and was every bit a tomboy – I still am! I grew up climbing trees, riding bicycles, getting into fights with my brothers (especially the one right before me), playing board games and having a very strong sense of hard work, diligence and integrity instilled in me. Telling lies was an absolute taboo in my house. I am a nurturer and organiser by nature and that led me into a career in Human Resource Management and Operations management. I would say that my career path is one that has been defined by the belief that ‘impossible is nothing’ and that strong desire to see that things are properly done. Hence, when there is a gap or something needs to be done, I volunteer for it.
You’ve recently relocated for work. What influenced your decision to move? How is the transition so far (in your lifestyle and work)?
I have relocated twice in the past 2 years for work. The first was from Lagos to Abuja to take up the role of MD/CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc, then back to Lagos to take up my current role as President/Group CEO of Transcorp. The decision to move was influenced by my desire to succeed and to grow. Despite it not being the most “convenient” of times to relocate – my husband had taken time off work to go for his Masters Degree at the New York University, and I had a 9-month old baby and two older kids who were in Senior Secondary School – I knew it was something I had to do. The question then became “HOW do I make this work” rather than “CAN I make this work?”
Once I set my brain to the positive track of how to make it work, as the saying goes, the universe conspired to make it happen. My dear Mother-in-Law of blessed memory (love you mum) stepped in as the parent of the Lagos home, looking after the older kids as we decided not to relocate them for education reasons and I set up the home in Abuja. We thank God for modern-day technology, video calling was very helpful in bridging the gap. The kids flew to Abuja quite often and I also went to Lagos well. We made it work.
What’s one experience that stands out when you think about your recent move?
Now moving back to Lagos in 2020, right on the brink of the Covid pandemic, I had a small insight into what it means to be displaced from your home. I had planned to move to Lagos on the 31st of March 2020, after the Group AGMs, which were to hold in Abuja. However, with the fast spread of the pandemic, things sped up. I recall trying to get an earlier ticket out of Abuja and being told “no seats ma”. It was like cold water had been poured down my back! People were fleeing Abuja to their homes. What other reason could there be for there to be no seats at a weekend in Abuja? Usually, the flights are less than half-full! Fortunately, I found seats for Monday, March 23rd and I took as much as I could in 2 suitcases for my baby, the nanny and me; the rest of our stuff was sent down by road, arriving weeks later.
What are three career lessons you can share with us?
- Develop skills that you may not need now – it will surprise you how they can become your Unique Selling Point and create opportunities for you
- Always be prepared – Be ready to move, be ready to go. Put your hand up when opportunities are thrown up.
- Tough times never last – This is so true. There are days when it would be hard, you may have the worst boss/supervisor, or things are not just working out. Hang in there, remember always the vision, the goals for your job and yourself, get motivation from those goals and keep it moving.
What is your work philosophy?
This is a tough one as I have different ones for different situations. If I have to choose one I would go with “whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well.” I have chosen this as it encapsulates the excellence, determination and comprehensiveness I bring to what I do.
Tell us three random facts about yourself that no one would ever have guessed?
LOL! I already mentioned one earlier – being a tomboy!
I am very domesticated, as in I love cooking and taking care of my home/family and following on that people are shocked to find that I am quite introverted. I used to be painfully shy (developed that during the awkward teenage years), but I worked on it and today, I am happy to say that I am an extroverted introvert.
Last but certainly not least, no one would guess that I find it difficult to say NO. I recall some years back, being awarded the “First Responder” (or was it best responder?) award at HH, for always being willing to lend a helping hand. That trait actually stems from not wanting to say no. In my first appraisal at Accenture, I was given feedback on learning to say no, to avoid burnout and had to undergo computer-based training on Learning to Say No! This must be a shocker. LOL
What is one thing you miss about your former city and one thing you love about your current city?
Comparing Abuja to Lagos… Ahn, Ahn, that’s not fair ooo! I miss the sanity that is in Abuja, I miss that I can actually say I am dashing to xyz place and will be back in 30 minutes! What do I love about Lagos? I am still thinking about that!
How do you relax?
I watch cooking shows, play with my family, cook and engage in private charity.
What advice do you have for anyone who is considering relocating for work?
Have a positive mindset of “I can do it”, then just do it! Everything else falls into place.
