What’s the best part of your workday?
Not having meetings and clearing my to-do list for the day.
Did you experience any culture shocks when you became an HH Person?
No, I did not experience culture shock. I have always been an ambassador of exceptional corporate culture. Probably because of my profession. Therefore, aligning with the HH culture was smooth sailing for me.
I like how we seamlessly integrate a high level of professionalism and social activities (especially the raves). I have often had friends and former colleagues say “You guys groove a lot in your organisation, are you sure you are working?… It does not appear that you guys are under any form of pressure…” I laugh in ‘Spanish’ when I hear such comments. Additionally, I get a lot of feedback on our dress sense. I was at a social gathering and someone got to know I work with Heirs and she started the conversation about our (HH staff) look and asked “How come you all are always looking stunning?… We are trying to emulate you guys but it appears we cannot keep up…Do you all get special wardrobe allowance?”
I also like the storytelling approach of accomplishment. HH just has a way of bringing out the star in you.
HH Then vs Now: What’s Different?
I have only been around for about three (3) years, but it feels like I have been here for ages. I have grown (LOL)…I can say I am still exploring. Nonetheless, the following changes are obvious to the blind;
• A more robust HR community
• Increased workforce
• More lives have been improved.
• More opportunities are created for career growth.
Where do you see HH 5, 10 to 20 years from now?
• I see HH gradually becoming one of the highest employers of labour in Africa.
• Birthing new leaders across the continent.
• Continuously taking the lead in every sector it plays in.
How are you building a legacy?
By making people better than I met them.
The Philosophy of Africapitalism
I grew up with the mindset that the best things (system, people, process, products, etc) emanate from the Western world and the growth of Africa depended on it through multi-lateral partnership. Unfortunately, our political leaders over time somewhat ‘validated’ that thought. However, the mantra of the HH – ‘Improving lives…transforming Africa’ has changed that mindset and keeps making me believe more in the capacity that we Africans have. This is more evident in the magnificent achievements of Africans, especially Nigerians across the globe.
We all have the capacity to make Africa what we want it to be.
How do you thrive in HH?
HH is a ‘home of talent’ that gives everyone an equal chance to thrive, regardless of the investee Company you might be working with; you will only struggle to do so if you lack substance (i.e., potential) or not collaborative. Joining HH in December 2020 and undergoing the Group Induction, I said to myself ‘This is another platform to make a mark and I will’. From then on, I embraced every opportunity that came my way to showcase my potential, intellectually and socially.
In addition, I always keep my eyes on the goal and do not give room for distractions emanating from people’s perception of who I am; their perception does not define me. I take a cue from the experience of my colleagues that have been in the Group longer than I have been, especially my CEO @ Niyi Onifade, he knows how to reprimand me when I drop the ball and ‘my brain will reset’ and do the right thing (just on a lighter note).
I enjoy providing business solutions; I love it when I must wear my entrepreneurial hat and think like the business owner most of the time.
Do you have anyone you look up to in HH? A mentor?
Quite a number of leaders (both male & female) have inspired me in HH through my interactions with them and what I have seen them accomplish. However, I would like to focus on the women (no gender prejudice) I look up to within the Group in no particular order;
• Modupe Akindele for her doggedness and compassion.
• Simbo Ukiri for her valour and keenness.
• Owen Omogiafo for her bluntness and intentionality.
