Tell us a little bit about yourself – growing up, childhood, and why you chose your career path.
I am Niyi Aderibigbe. Growing up was fun. Being the last of five children, I had a lot of things a bit easier than my siblings. Dad’s pride, mum’s darling; I wasn’t going to be educated in a public school or wear rubber sandals to school. So, I went to the best schools around and the investment paid off. Dad’s first discussion with visiting friends during school holidays was always about me; “come and show daddy your report card,” he’d say. His friends’ kids hated me for it.
My father ensured I had a lot of books to read, while my mum focused on my appearance. I was like a major project they focused on. If my siblings were Joseph’s siblings, I’d probably be in Egypt now and who knows whether I’d have Joseph’s luck.
From The Basket of Flowers to Robinson Crusoe, my father made sure I had a lot of literary works to consume and that was how my interest in writing started. I remember writing stories in my head as a 7-year-old and telling them to my sister as if they were movies I saw. My interest in writing and reading kept growing and I was so keen to pick up the next available piece I could read. I’d say my childhood prepared me for what I currently do. If I had a different childhood, I wonder what I’d be doing now.
You’ve recently relocated for work. What influenced your decision to move? How is the transition so far (in your lifestyle and work)?
I had a job I was enjoying in Lagos and it was a difficult decision to leave. I was working in the Content & Creative Unit of UBA’s Marketing Department. There were so many big projects that I was involved in – the UBA Marketplace, NextGen, Kiddies & Teens Account, Bumper Account, the new UBA Mobile App, among others. I was also the man for the commemorative/celebratory ads.
When I was not doing copywriting or art direction, I was developing a process document or working on a strategy presentation. I loved every bit of it. But you know what they say about putting one’s family first; I have a wife and daughter that I used to see for just about 24 hours every fortnight for years. Luckily, I got an opportunity to continue doing what I love and moving to be with my family. For me, it wasn’t a relocation, it was a homecoming.
The transition is as smooth as I expected but having worked in business and innovation journalism, as well as Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communication for two banks, hospitality wasn’t just “plug and play” for me. I shuddered at the thought of hooking up with Kida Kudz, trailing Timaya to the Bukka or thinking of how to make Ladies’ Night at the renovated Capital Bar a success. I have done it all over the past two months and I’m loving it! Also, I realised that this aspect would only be a small part of my job. I oversee Digital Media, Media Relations, Stakeholder Management, Editorial, Events, etc. It’s like the fusion of every work I have done in different places over the past 8 years.
I am also thrilled to be working with the amazing Transcorp Hotel Plc team to build Aura by Transcorp Hotels, which so many people have agreed will be one of the biggest developments out of the African hospitality sector over the coming years. With so many projects in line and daily recommitment to execution, Transcorp Hotels Plc. has become an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment. It’s exciting but very demanding.
While I’ve been able to spend more time with family, I’ve had so much to do in so little time lately that I would need to pause for a little bit to answer the question “How do you relax?” But for me, the thrill of seeing my efforts bring results trumps everything.
What’s one experience that stands out when you think about your recent move?
There is so much about working in a new industry that stands out for me. But they don’t compare with watching my daughter grow, right before my eyes. Hearing her form two-word sentences, then, four and five. I won’t trade it for anything.
What are three career lessons you can share with us?
- Get a job you enjoy. This gives you extra motivation to meet your goals, and when you do, the sense of accomplishment is awesome. Getting a job you enjoy can also help keep your stress levels down and improve your quality of life.
- Bring value. You must be seen to be contributing to your organisation’s success. There is no fulfilment in being just another guy in the team. So, go the extra mile to add value.
- Don’t take anything personally. Everyone just wants to get the job done.
What is your work philosophy?
Strong work ethic. Employers value employees who work hard and smart. I try to do more than is expected on the job. It’s always a good way to show how much you value your job and how committed you are to the success of your company.
Tell us three random facts about yourself that no one would ever have guessed?
– I love wristwatches so much I’m starting a collection this year.
– I love my coffee black
– I love rap
What is one thing you miss about your former city and one thing you love about your current city?
I miss the chaos of Lagos and love the calm of Abuja.
How do you relax?
Catch a nice game of football over drinks with friends.
What advice about work do you have for anyone who is considering relocating for work?
Be certain that you love your new job/your new city; change is difficult. But also remember that change is sometimes all you need to grow.
