Tell us a little bit about yourself – growing up, childhood, and why you chose your career path.
Growing up was fun. Being the 3rd of 4 kids meant I was neither here nor there, and it allowed me to be an introvert in peace.
I always like to think that my career path chose me. I studied Microbiology at the University of Ilorin, and as is the custom in Nigerian Universities, you must undergo a compulsory Industrial Training (IT) Program; let’s say I was in love with Microbiology until I commenced my IT program. I chose the lab life, but it did not choose me back because I wasn’t sure why standing for the better part of the day and other rigorous conditions were attached to it.
The IT program scarred me, and at that point, I knew I had to do something else after school. While I was still trying to figure out what that ‘something’ would be, I saw an advert for an intern at a lifestyle magazine, and I joined as the company’s content writer and social media manager. The rest, they say its history.
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 for work twice. First, I moved from Lagos to Abuja, and the second, from Abuja back to Lagos. I will say that the significant influence was opportunity, lol. I saw an opportunity that was good for my career, and I jumped at it.
I guess the transition is not always smooth; being in a new city has its highs and its lows, a low is knowing no one and starting to make friends from scratch. It can get lonely at times – with the intensity of our work at the Group and being somewhat of an introvert, making friends was not an easy feat. However, the highs outweigh the lows; there’s a beauty in starting over, discovering new places and being friends with yourself that relocating to a new city affords you.
On the work side of things, I wouldn’t say the transition has been drastic. We are interconnected within the HH group, so most times, you work with individuals from various companies; this has helped me settle in faster because there has been some working relationship with my new colleagues.
What’s one experience that stands out when you think about your recent move?
Getting my current house. Deciding on a place to live in feels like deciding who your life partner will be, get it wrong, and you are stuck, get it right, and you have peace.
I went through a drone of houses; I had to get it right, which also meant that I had to be unsettled for more than a month with only a box containing some of my things chosen at random while getting into work full time. Truthfully, it was a draining experience, but I am glad that I have settled on a place, I have my things (I felt like an orphan without them), and work is going fine.
What are three career lessons you can share with us?
- Be ready, opportunities always come knocking– Think ahead, look at trends in your industry, be curious about various aspects of the business. You never know when the knowledge will come in handy.
- Know how to manage the monkey: A concept taught us by Owen Omogiafo. Sometimes, you find out that you’ve spent the entire time fixing other people’s problems and your tasks are outstanding. Know how to lead people or direct reports on the path to solving their own ‘monkeys’ instead of taking it on to solve by yourself. This way, the person learns and grows, and you have time to focus on your tasks.
- No one is an island:As much as possible, when you can, reach out for help with tasks, you get it done faster, and you accomplish a lot more.
What is your work philosophy?
Always give it 100%! Whatever you do, just give your best at all times.
Tell us three random facts about yourself that no one would ever have guessed?
- I am socially awkward. I struggle in social settings most of the time. I would rather be home alone.
- Ice cream heals most of my illnesses. Lol
- I am a terrible dancer… I can’t dance to save my life
What is one thing you miss about your former city and one thing you love about your current city?
What I miss about Abuja is the absolute certainty you have when making plans. The roads are free with little or no traffic so you can plan appropriately and make good use of your time and life. Now, Lagos! There’s just something about the bustle of Lagos that quiet Abuja could never entirely give. People say it’s madness to love that bustle, but it gives life to everything.
How do you relax?
Ice cream relaxes me… instantly, lol. However, it doesn’t do much for the fit-fam life I have decided to adopt, so watching a movie on Netflix or laughing with a friend comes second.
What advice about work do you have for anyone who is considering relocating for work?
I would say if it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, take it! Everything will always work itself out.
