Knock knock, HH readers! We have a special guest entry with Mrs Judith Chinyere Chukwu who takes us all the way to 28 years ago when she was just a green-eyed graduate sitting for her first interview with our Chairman, TOE, who back then was a dexterous and ambitious Bank Manager. Read these fragments of her account below. –Editor
The First Time I met TOE was in 1991 for a job interview as a young graduate from the University. At that time he was the Manager of All-States Trust Bank, Trans-Amadi, Port-Harcourt. I still remember the day like it was yesterday. Imagine a new graduate getting news that the Branch Manager would interview her. This was the evening before the scheduled interview.
I was so disorganized and restless all night before my chat. So, as I got to the bank, I was asked by his secretary Mr Jamabo to wait for some time to see him. While waiting for TOE, I silently prayed for him to be nice because I did not feel ready for the interview.
Imagine my surprise when I walked into his office and found a very young man. He was by far the youngest managers compared to the older men we were accustomed to back then. I remember vividly how he calmly asked what I studied in the University and the area I would like him to ask me questions on.
After my interview chat, I was employed to work in All States Trust Bank as Teller. Sincerely, I was overwhelmed with Joy. The Banking Hall then was so small, and we had to work smart to prevent over-crowding. As a Teller, I looked forward to the yearly training of one week. Today my life is a positive reflection of where my journey started as Teller. It helped me developed a good relationship with people.
As the Branch Manager, TOE’s office door was always opened. It was his way to interact with us and also keep us motivated. However, I remember fondly that it also meant people could not close earlier than office closing time. Since it was impossible to ovoid him seeing us, sometimes, if we had to leave early, we would send our bags out through drivers, security men.
However, it was not always about work. We had fun too as a team. Those days, we looked forward to TGIF, it was an opportunity to relax, gist, share jokes, eat and drink. Another event full of excitement were staff birthday celebrations. It was usually a big feast. For example, all September Staff would come together and Host big Chop-Chop party in the office after close of Business.
One of the things that inspired me most in my time at All States was TOE’s leadership style. TOE was not only our Manager; He was a friend to all as well. He also demonstrated passion, perseverance and resilience, and consequently, he modelled it to us too.
I never had any doubt that TOE brand would evolve into what it is now. The wonderful brand he has today is a result of his long-time dream. Many of us that worked with him right from of All States Trust Bank knew it. His leadership style is an inspiration to someone like me and many others.
Still today, I remain inspired by TOE’s vision and Humility. Those who have the opportunity to work with him today have a lot to gain from the experience. My advice is that they stay focused and learn as much as they can.
