Who was the first to speak to the other?
Esther: Jade was. It was my first day at work. I remember being so excited to be joining the company and by the prospect of all that I would learn and how that would advance my career. Another colleague, Bobby and I were trying to take a “First Day at Work” photo. Jade walked past at that moment and asked if she could take the photos for us.
Jade: Really! I cannot believe I did that.
What did you think of each other when you two first met?
Esther: Often, it is impossible to determine an individual’s true character after meeting them for the first time but with Jade, I was fairly certain of who she was. She has this aura that will make people calm and comfortable around her.
Jade: When I first met Esther, I found her very hilarious. It was an instant connection, which was owed largely to her great sense of humour. I later discovered that she also had a great work ethic as well.
And is that impression a true reflection of your bestie?
Both: Yes, it is.
Do you work in the same department?
Both: Yes, we do, and it has been so much fun. We get to spend even more time together, growing our personal and work relationships.
How has she influenced you?
On personal life:
Esther: Jade helped me to improve my saving and decision-making skills, which I believe has made me a more functional adult. For example, I am an impulse buyer, but when I share my penchants with Jade, she offers solid counsel and even shows me better alternatives.
Jade: Esther is full of life. It is one of the things you get to know about her after a while. Her optimism and confidence is also a constant source of inspiration. She joined as an intern; however, she relates so well with people as though she had joined the team way longer. Where you would expect her to shy away from challenges, she would rather pause, re-strategise and when necessary, ask for assistance. It is admirable.
On career journey at Africa Prudential:
Esther: I am just starting my professional career and Jade has been my go-to person. Round the clock, she is there, especially when work is overwhelming, and I need any kind of support. When I started in the company, I lacked confidence – especially on how to use Excel Spreadsheet. Jade trusted me, encouraged me, and helped me to overcome my inner demons and I am now an advanced Excel user.
Jade: Esther’s background is in HR; however, she was absorbed into the E-commerce team to source for vendors. Today, Esther wears many hats as the HR personnel at the Ilupeju branch, E-commerce category manager and also an associate in the Corporate Resources team. Her Can-do spirit inspires me to do more and think outside the box.
Tell us some activities that you both do together.
Esther: We go out to eat together, we exchange novels and exchange comments on them.
Jade: We go for Karaoke, we ride home together, we have lunch together, we keep fit together, we bully Laurence together – inside joke.
Three personality traits you admire in her.
Esther: Optimism, Honesty, Compassion
Jade: Sense of humor, Innovation, Optimism
If you were to give each other a nickname, what will it be?
Esther: Love-pie
Jade: Estee-Skoda!
