One Monday morning, my supervisor, the Head of Internal Audit, walked into my office, handed me a set of keys, and said, “You’re in charge while I’m away on annual leave.”
Just like that, I went from being an IT Assistant Audit Manager to acting as Head of Internal Audit. There was no handover session, no detailed briefing, and certainly no opportunity to ease into the role. One conversation changed everything.
For a moment, I wondered if he was joking. I half expected someone to laugh and say, “Don’t worry, we’re just pulling your leg.” But it quickly became obvious that he meant every word. I was now responsible for leading the internal audit function of an electricity distribution company in South-East Nigeria.
On my first day in the role, I did my best to look confident. Inside, however, I was trying to stay one step ahead of questions I wasn’t sure I could answer. It didn’t take long before management began asking for updates and decisions that would normally go straight to my supervisor.
One of the first requests was an update on the Collection and Billing Inefficiency Audit. It sounded straightforward until I opened the working papers. The files were extensive, the data was complex, and I knew I had to present the information clearly and confidently. I kept my composure, organised the facts, and focused on answering the questions that mattered.
As the week went on, I realised that leadership is not about having every answer. It is about remaining calm under pressure, making informed decisions with the information available, and knowing when to seek advice. I learned to trust my team, ask better questions, and avoid pretending to know what I didn’t.
There were also moments that still make me smile. On one occasion, I arranged a virtual meeting with the Managing Director’s office, only to realise he was already in the building. It was a simple oversight, but it reminded me that even under pressure, small mistakes can happen.
Despite the challenges, the experience taught me some valuable lessons. I discovered that resilience is developed when circumstances push you beyond what feels comfortable. Every new responsibility forced me to think differently, adapt more quickly, and become more confident in my abilities.
I also came to appreciate the importance of continuous learning. The knowledge and skills that had served me well in my previous role were no longer enough. To meet the demands of a leadership position, I had to learn quickly, communicate effectively, and balance management’s expectations with the realities facing the business.
Looking back, that unexpected opportunity became one of the most important experiences of my career. It challenged me in ways I hadn’t anticipated and gave me confidence I might never have developed otherwise. More importantly, it showed me that growth often begins when we are trusted with responsibilities that seem bigger than we believe we can handle.
If you ever find yourself unexpectedly placed in charge, don’t be intimidated by responsibility. Accept the challenge, stay willing to learn, and keep your sense of humour. You may discover that the opportunity you never asked for is exactly what prepares you for the next stage of your career.
