{"id":9743,"date":"2025-07-31T18:28:43","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T17:28:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/?p=9743"},"modified":"2025-08-01T11:34:56","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T10:34:56","slug":"9743","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/2025\/07\/9743","title":{"rendered":"Inside the Culture Code: A Chat with Olamide Malik"},"content":{"rendered":"

What do office gym sessions, \u201csacred chairs,\u201d and spontaneous Chairman drop-ins have in common? They\u2019re just another day in the life of HH Culture, as seen through the eyes of Olamide Malik, the dynamic Group Head of Human Resources at Transcorp Group.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From French classes with questionable accents to marathon moments (both literal and metaphorical), Olamide takes us on a ride through the evolution of culture across the Heirs Holdings ecosystem. In this engaging conversation with HH People editorial, she reflects on the shifting vibes, unshakable values, and the unsung rituals that shape how we show up at work, and why being a \u201cculture carrier\u201d is more than just corporate jargon.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Spoiler alert:<\/strong><\/em> if you\u2019ve ever sat on a certain white chair at Heirs Place, this one\u2019s for you.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

— <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

AA for HH People: You\u2019ve held quite a number of roles within the HH ecosystem, to now leading HR at Transcorp Group. If you were to reflect on that journey, what\u2019s one major shift you\u2019ve seen in our Group\u2019s culture over the years? Has the vibe or the way we work changed much?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

OM:<\/strong> Definitely! It\u2019s been quite a journey. From my early days in the Heirs Holdings ecosystem to now leading HR at Transcorp Group. One big shift I\u2019ve noticed over the years is how much more empowered and people-focused the culture has become.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the early days, we were very much in build mode, setting up structures, processes, and getting the foundation right. That was necessary. But over time, there\u2019s been a clear evolution toward agility, collaboration, and trust. People are encouraged to own their work, speak up, and lead regardless of title.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The vibe has become more open, more connected, and purpose-driven. There\u2019s more room for innovation, more cross-team engagement, and a real focus on growing talent from within. It feels like we\u2019ve moved from just \u201cgetting the job done\u201d to doing it in a way that carries people along, and that\u2019s powerful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

AA for HH People: If you had to sum up HH\u2019s culture, I mean groupwide, in three words back then and three words today, what would they be? I know we have the regular three words \u2013 Excellence, Execution and Enterprise \u2013 but is it something else for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

OM: <\/strong>Honestly, it would be the same three words: Execution, Excellence, and Enterprise. It’s part of our DNA. You can’t take that out completely. You know, they’re not just slogans.<\/p>\n

Those values have been the core of who we are from the very beginning. They\u2019re not just slogans; they\u2019ve guided how we show up, how we deliver, and how we grow. Whether it was five years ago or today, there\u2019s no substitute for that mindset.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That said, what\u2019s changed is how we express those values. Today, there\u2019s more collaboration, more inclusion, and more space for people to lead in their own way. So, while the foundation remains the same, the culture has become more dynamic, more human, and even more empowering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

AA for HH People: Some things change, some things don\u2019t. What are the core values or traits you think have remained constant across the years?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

OM:<\/strong> Some things change, but some things really don\u2019t and for us, it\u2019s the core values. Execution, Excellence, and Enterprise have always been at the heart of how we work, and honestly, they\u2019ve stood the test of time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No matter where you sit in the group or what sector you\u2019re in, those values are just part of the culture. You feel it in the way we take ownership, aim high, and move with urgency. It\u2019s what connects all of us across the HH ecosystem, and it still resonates just as strongly today as it did years ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

AA for HH People: You\u2019ve experienced culture at both Heirs Holdings and Transcorp. Are there differences you\u2019ve noticed in how both teams approach things like collaboration, communication, or even fun?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

OM:<\/strong> Sure. My early days at Heirs Holdings were genuinely exciting, and I still have some of the best memories from that time. Back then, work didn\u2019t just stop at our desks. We were gym buddies, language students, and everything in between! We\u2019d meet up for fitness challenges at the office gym at least three times a week. Our instructor, Jason, made sure it was fun and energising, even after a long workday.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then there were the voluntary French classes in the Suzanne room every Tuesday and\u00a0Thursday at 5 pm. It was equal parts learning and laughter. We made it a habit to tease a different colleague each week for their hilarious, and usually terrible, French pronunciations. It was that mix of ambition and camaraderie that made HH truly special.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And of course, there were the Chairman\u2019s surprise lunch visits. If you were lucky, or unlucky, depending on your perspective, he\u2019d pull up a chair and casually ask,\u00a0\u201cSo, what are you working on?\u201d<\/em> Let\u2019s just say you learned\u00a0very quickly<\/em> to always be prepared to speak to your impact.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now at Transcorp, the vibe is a bit different, but equally powerful. What we do really well here is celebrate as a team. Whether it\u2019s a birthday, a wedding, a promotion, or smashing a big milestone, we find time to eat together, dance, laugh, play games, and of course, brainstorm. We genuinely enjoy each other\u2019s company, and that spirit reflects in how we collaborate and show up for one another.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We operate as ONE Transcorp Group, and our mantra says it all:\u00a0One Team, One Goal<\/em>. The energy is warm, inclusive, and collective. We\u2019re all pulling in the same direction, and we make it a point to have fun while doing it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

AA for HH People: If you cast your mind back to when you first joined the Heirs Holdings Group, do you remember your biggest culture shock moment? Maybe a policy or ritual that surprised you? And on the flip side, what part of HH culture did you immediately click with, like, \u201cOkay, this feels like my kind of place\u201d?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

OM: <\/strong>Oh, I remember my biggest culture shock clearly. It was how accessible the Chairman was. I honestly wasn\u2019t expecting that level of openness from someone so successful and busy. One minute you\u2019d be going about your day, and the next, he\u2019d walk into a meeting or join you at lunch and strike up a conversation. And it wasn\u2019t just small talk, he\u2019d ask real questions about your work and expect thoughtful answers. That level of access and accountability was new for me, and it really shaped how I approached my role.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On the flip side, the part of HH culture that I immediately clicked with was how everyone had a voice. It didn\u2019t matter if you were an entry-level hire or a manager. If you had something valuable to contribute, you were heard. I loved that. You could be part of a strategic project, present in meetings, or lead initiatives if you were ready to step up. It created this culture of inclusion and confidence that I hadn\u2019t experienced before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It felt like a place where merit truly mattered, and that gave me the motivation to give my best, right from the start.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

AA for HH People: Okay, so now let’s take it away from work for a little while, away from HH. As someone who has travelled to different parts of the world and understands both corporate and global culture, are there any festivals or traditions from around the world that fascinate or inspire you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

OM: <\/strong>One tradition that truly fascinates and inspires me is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj). Having travelled and been exposed to different cultures, that particular gathering always stands out to me, not just for its spiritual depth, but for the sheer diversity of people it brings together.<\/p>\n

Millions of individuals from all over the world, speaking different languages, nationalities, and backgrounds, all united in one place, with one purpose. It\u2019s a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the beauty of unity, regardless of our differences. That kind of global connection, rooted in something so meaningful, really inspires how I think about inclusion, purpose, and community, even in the corporate space.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

AA for HH People: Have you ever borrowed anything from another culture, maybe something you picked up while travelling, and infused it into your leadership or how you engage your team?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

OM:<\/strong> One thing I picked up during my time at the University of Manchester and still use to this day is the power of a simple recap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of my professors would always end lectures by asking students to summarise the key points in a very intentional, clear way. It wasn\u2019t just about repetition; it was about making sure everyone was aligned and understood the message the same way. That stuck with me.<\/p>\n

Now, as a leader, I use that approach with my team. After meetings or when giving important directives, I ask for a recap of the key actions or expectations. It\u2019s such a simple habit, but it\u2019s made a huge difference in clarity, accountability, and execution. It also creates space for questions and makes sure no one\u2019s left guessing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

AA for HH People: We\u2019re in the summer season, and lots of our HH People will be taking their annual vacations. Do you have any go-to travel hacks or tips to keep things stress-free?<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

OM: <\/strong>Oh yes, vacation season is sacred, and I\u2019m all for making it as stress-free as possible. A few travel hacks I swear by are:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Plan early, but pack light. You really don\u2019t need as much as you think. Stick to versatile outfits and always check the weather before you go, It saves you from overpacking \u201cjust in case\u201d items.<\/li>\n
  2. Digital backups are a lifesaver. I always keep copies of my passport, travel insurance, and key documents in my email or cloud storage. Just in case.<\/li>\n
  3. Use your leave properly. This sounds simple, but it\u2019s so important. Try to actually unplug, set your out-of-office, delegate, and resist the urge to \u201cjust check in.\u201d The world won\u2019t fall apart while you rest.<\/li>\n
  4. Travel mid-week if you can. Flights and hotels are often cheaper, and airports are less crowded. Makes a big difference.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    AA for HH People: Interesting. That\u2019s something I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever thought of. I\u2019ll definitely be using this one.<\/strong><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    OM:<\/strong> Yesss! You shoult try it out. It helps.<\/p>\n

    And then finally\u2026<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Take the trip. Whether it\u2019s a full-blown vacation or a weekend escape, take time to recharge. You come back clearer, calmer, and even more creative.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      AA for HH People: You\u2019ve been part of HH\u2019s story over the years. Is there an unforgettable moment that always brings a smile when you think about it, the kind you still talk about? And has there been a moment, maybe a challenge or transition, that really stretched you and helped you grow in your career?<\/strong><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      OM: <\/strong>Okay. One moment that always brings a smile to my face was in 2021, when I was tasked with designing a Talent Acquisition Framework for the entire HH Group. It was a big challenge, but also a big opportunity. The goal was to create a more streamlined, efficient way of identifying and attracting top talent across our businesses.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      I remember spending days listening to different teams, aligning with leadership, and putting together something that truly worked for the group. Securing Executive Management buy-in was a milestone on its own, but even more fulfilling was rolling it out successfully and seeing it actually work in practice. Parts of that framework are still being used and referenced today, and that honestly makes me proud.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      That moment also opened the door to bigger opportunities. It led to my appointment as Group Head, Talent Acquisition, and got me involved in some exciting strategic projects across the ecosystem. It stretched me, sharpened me, and gave me the confidence to take on even more.<\/p>\n

      It\u2019s one of those moments I\u2019ll always look back on with gratitude because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I didn\u2019t even realise at the time.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      AA for HH People: Every workplace has its own lingo. What\u2019s that one HH phrase or buzzword you probably say way too much, or people use way too much? And are there any inside jokes or shared beliefs you think only HH folks will fully get?<\/strong><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      OM: <\/strong>Oh, this one\u2019s easy! Every HH person knows about \u201cThe Sacred White Chair\u201d in the foyer.\u00a0\ud83d\ude02 There was no formal memo, no sign, but somehow, we all\u00a0just knew\u00a0not to sit on it. It became this unspoken rule across the office. I\u2019m pretty sure if anyone ever did sit on it, we all gave them the\u00a0look\u00a0like,\u00a0\u201cAh, you\u2019re new here, o!\u201d<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Also, when you see a call from Harold\u2019s number, you certainly stand in anticipation, as 9 out of 10, there is a message from the Chairman.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      As for phrases, we probably say way too much is \u201cspeed to execution\u201d definitely tops the list. It\u2019s practically in our DNA. Whether it\u2019s a project update, a team huddle, or even a casual chat, someone is always referencing the need to move fast and deliver.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      But that\u2019s what makes HH special. We have our inside jokes, our shorthand, and our shared language, but underneath it all, it reflects a strong, driven, and connected culture that gets things done.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      AA for HH People: Let\u2019s say someone new joins your team today. What would you tell them to help them settle into the HH way of life, especially the unspoken stuff?<\/strong><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      OM: <\/strong>If someone new were joining my team today, I\u2019d tell them this: come in with a growth mindset and be ready to give your very best. Whether it\u2019s a small task or a big project, at HH, how you execute really matters. There\u2019s no better way to stand out early on than by exceeding expectations and showing that you\u2019re reliable, proactive, and hungry to learn.<\/p>\n

      I\u2019d also tell them to stay curious, ask questions, and soak up the culture. We value people who take ownership and show initiative. Those who don\u2019t just do what\u2019s asked but look for ways to add value. That\u2019s the unspoken HH way of life.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      AA for HH People: How would\u00a0you\u00a0define a true \u201cculture carrier\u201d? What do they look like in a team, and why are they so important?<\/strong><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      OM: <\/strong>For me, a true culture carrier is like an internal brand ambassador. Someone who doesn\u2019t just understand the company\u2019s values, but lives them out loud every day.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      They show up with integrity, consistency, and a positive attitude. You see it in the way they interact with colleagues, own their responsibilities, and influence others to do the same. Whether it\u2019s how they lead a meeting, support a teammate, or respond to a challenge. They set the tone without even trying too hard.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      I often call them Culture Champions because that\u2019s really what they are. They\u2019re the ones quietly, or sometimes loudly, helping to steer the team in the right direction. Their energy is contagious, and their presence creates alignment, accountability, and momentum. Every team needs a few of them, and when you have them, the workplace becomes productive and inspiring.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      AA for HH People:<\/strong> Yeah, absolutely, absolutely, absolutely. OK. I think I’m out of questions. And so, this is a bonus lightning round. I\u2019ll ask very, very quick questions, you know, the kind of questions you don’t need to think about much. I have maybe like four or five of them.<\/strong><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      OM:<\/strong> Sure, let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      AA for HH People:<\/strong> OK, so the first one is, are you a tea person or a coffee person?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      OM:<\/strong> Tea!<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      AA for HH People:<\/strong> Do you have a favourite type of tea?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      OM:<\/strong> I like green tea, pure green tea.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      AA for HH People:<\/strong> What is one book that every HH person should read?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      OM:<\/strong> Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      AA for HH People:<\/strong> What is one word you use to describe the HH leadership team?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      OM:<\/strong> Hmm, one word, one word, one word, one word. Let me see, I’m trying to use the right word. Let me do three phrases. I think the HH Leadership is bold. We go the extra mile. And of course, we know how to get things done!<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      AA for HH People: The final one! What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      OM:<\/strong> So, I did a marathon when I was 25. It was a run for cancer when I was in the UK. It was just about 5 kilometres. I didn’t think I could do it, but then I practised, and I actually did the 5K run for cancer.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      AA for HH People: Nice! We\u2019ll start looking for you anytime Avon does one of their runs. Thank you so much for sitting with us. This has been really fun.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

      OM:<\/strong> It\u2019s always my pleasure.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      What do office gym sessions, \u201csacred chairs,\u201d and spontaneous Chairman drop-ins have in common? They\u2019re just another day in the life of HH Culture, as seen through the eyes of Olamide Malik, the dynamic Group Head of Human Resources at Transcorp Group.   From French classes with questionable accents to marathon moments (both literal and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9759,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9743","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cover","category-features"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9743"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9743\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9745,"href":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9743\/revisions\/9745"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9759"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9743"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9743"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heirsholdings.com\/hhpeople\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}