Deciding to take on a professional career is no mean feat anywhere in the world, and when you decide to climb up a ladder that is as thorny as what obtains in corporate Nigeria, be rest assured that you are in for a ride. There’s a whole lot to consider, and even at that, circumstances beyond your control can blow you away with the wind.
This is why it’s important to be very deliberate when choosing what career line to delve into, where to work, and what kind of professional journey you want for yourself. In more ways than one, the difference between a fulfilling career and a frustrating one is determined by where you choose to pitch your tent early on. Working with the right purpose will amplify your sense of purpose and provide a fertile ground for your professional and personal development.
My journey at Heirs Holdings has been inspiring, challenging and fulfilling all at once. I have enjoyed relevance, and I have learned a lot in my journey so far…and this is putting it mildly.
I joined the Heirs Holdings group in 2013, when United Capital Trustees limited was still referred to as UBA Trustees. For me, work started on the go, as I was drafted into the committee that planned an elaborate EGM (Extra ordinary General Meeting), which culminated in the expansion of the operations of United Capital’s Trustees business. It was not difficult for me to blend into the team, as I was understudying a senior colleague who was amiable and eager to teach.
From the early days, I always saw myself as part of something great. The process was sometimes grueling, but I always had the end product in sight.
For a young professional, few things are more inspiring than seeing yourself make direct impact in your immediate environment. Among other things, my time here has made me see how capacity building is integral to continual relevance; therefore, I always strive to improve my skill set at every given opportunity.
I had a brief stint with UBA GIS Custodian and the brewing Securities lending business where I was privileged to be part of the team that kicked this off in the Nigerian Capital Market. We built the product framework, the process flow as well the business development side of the business before I was then drafted to core custody, where I did a lot of trade settlement, before being transferred to Fund Compliance. It was an immersive experience, and I found myself learning quickly on the job. Being recommended by my superiors was a morale booster for me, and I was armed with all the motivation I needed.
Away from my daily operations at United Capital Trustees Limited, I always made the most of any opportunity to network with other professionals across the HH Group. In previous years, I used to frequently show up for events that had members of Avon HMO, Heirs Insurance and the Tony Elumelu Foundation in attendance. Thanks to the pandemic these events were stepped down, I miss them.
Working at HH Group has helped me to appreciate the concept of work-life balance; I got married in 2016, three years after receiving my offer letter. I also got to pick my MBA form while working here at HH. When you see all the things that go on around you, and watch how people set themselves apart, you would need to reminders to push yourself and carve out a fruitful life for yourself.
One of my most memorable moments at HH so far was being selected to participate in the Father’s Day photo shoot with my children. I wasn’t paid, but the feeling of joy and satisfaction I received far outweighs any financial renumeration.
Nine years have passed since I first joined, and who knows, there may be nine more. I have no regrets joining the Heirs Holdings Group, and I am confident that the future, individually and as a collective, will be even brighter.
