Tell us a little bit about yourself – growing up, childhood, and why you chose your career path.
I am the 4th child in a family of 5 children – I have 2 elder brothers, an elder sister & a “kid” brother. We are a fun-loving, close-knit family – journalist Dad, teacher Mum, married for 60 years. I am a bookworm and this has influenced my career.
You’ve recently relocated for work. What influenced your decision to move?
This followed promotional changes across various executive management levels in Transcorp Group – I transitioned from the hospitality sector where I had been ED – Customer Service to the power sector as ED & COO.
How is the transition so far (in your lifestyle and work)?
Moving from hospitality (leisure) to power (essential services)😊; from Abuja, the centre -literally & figuratively- of Nigeria to the countryside of Ughelli; in both cases, still on “call” 24/7 to address the issues in either sector and with a direct visible impact on our stakeholders and the bottom line of the Group’s revenues. Now in an industry, I am 100% new to though the operational principles are fundamentally the same.
What’s one experience that stands out when you think about your recent move?
It was right at the start of the advent of COVID-19 and what is now the reality of our “new normal” and activating the contingency Continuity of Business (COB) Plan. Sadly, the joy of successfully activating this was impacted shortly after with our family suffering a personal loss with the sudden passing of my elder brother Dudu but grateful for the virtual and tangible support of colleagues across the Group – we may all have been physically distant but the thoughtfulness knew no such boundaries.
What are three career lessons you can share with us?
Excel by doing common things uncommonly well; Stay true to your values & be a thermostat; Working as onto God and not any man.
What is one random fact about yourself that no one would ever have guessed?
My middle name is 18 letters long (8 vowels and 10 consonants).
What is one thing you miss about your former city and one thing you love about your current city?
The ability to go for long, rambling walks in Abuja; and the enforced solitude in Ughelli.
How do you relax?
Reading and listening to music and Spoken Word. Nowadays, occasionally re-watching Bones, Law & Order.
What advice about work do you have for anyone who is considering relocating for work?
Be open, stay curious, enjoy the lemonade on ice.
