Dupe Akinsiun is the Head, Leadership & Capabilities Centre of Expertise, Coca Cola. Modupe is a versatile Human Resources professional with over eleven years of continuous progressive practice. She is the Lead Consultant with Passionate Pursuit Company, a Professional Training & Coaching Company. Prior to her current position, she had served as a strategic HR Business Partner across multiple African countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Madagascar and Namibia). Modupe has worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers as an HR Consultant in the Advisory practice where she delivered HR & Corporate Governance solutions to clients across multiple sectors.

She also had a stint working for some indigenous companies in the Investment Banking and Consulting space Modupe is a certified member of the John Maxwell Team of Coaches, Speakers and Trainers around the world. She is also a certified Human Resources Management Professional (HRMP) and a Senior Certified Professional by the Human Resources Certification Institute and the Society of Human Resources respectively in the USA. She is an accredited Personality Profile Analyst with Thomas International and a recently certified member of the HRMA, Canada with the CPHR (Chartered Professional of Human Resources).  

We had a chat with Dupe who shared amongst other things the upcoming Accelerate conference strictly for the upward mobile driven career professional. Scroll down to read

In your own words, who is Dupe Akinsuin, and what does she do?

Dupe Akinsiun is a passionate and dynamic Leadership Development professional equipped to help people acquire the information, insights and inspiration required to help them maximize their potentials. I achieve this through my capacity-building initiatives like coaching, mentoring, training, speaking etc.

Excellent! As a coach and career mentor, what do you think are 3 of the major challenges entry to mid level professionals face?
Young professionals face a lot of challenges as they advance in their career, some of the include:

1. Learning how to build a notable and admirable career
2. How to harmonize work and life demands
3. How to become a person of influence within their field

Let’s talk about the Accelerate 2020 conference — what’s it about and how did the idea come about?

Accelerate Conference is a platform designed to help engage professionals in conversations that will help provide insights and the right mindset to tackle workplace challenges in a way that enables them discover and provide solutions needed to win in the workplace thereby leading to personal fulfillment, organizational productivity and
ultimately economic growth. We believe that when professionals are empowered, nations get enriched

The conference has speakers from all over the world — U.S, Canada, Uk, Nigeria, UAE, etc — what value do you think that would bring to the attendees?

The faculty we have from multiple sectors across different continents bring about diverse, rich perspectives into conversations that will be taking place. These days, challenges we face are not just local. Having a global perspective to situations we encounter helps drive innovation and cross-border relevance and synergies

What would be your recommendation for career professionals who want to stay relevant and embrace the growth mindset?

Be ready to stretch but be careful not to go alone. Find a tribe that shares the same values as you do, lean-in and make the most of the time and space you occupy

About The Accelerate Conference: There has never been a time to be an agile professional as it is now. With the disruption the workplace has experienced since the advent of covid-19, organizational changes have been the order of the day. With these changes, there has been more demand on professionals to give more for organizational stability. There has been an increased pressure on professionals to become and remain relevant in their organizations or at the minimum, within the industry they play. To solve this, Dupe Akinsiun hosts the Accelerate conference, so if at this time, you seek to:

• Change jobs within or outside your organization so you can earn more or achieve the growth you desire
• Attract strategic career opportunities from far and wide leveraging social media
• Manage the dilemma of work-life balance better
• Become a person of influence within your organization and industry
• Understand what your organization expects of you at this time to be recognized as a high-performing employee

The Accelerate Conference is your big bet! With an amazing line-up of transformational speakers, you will get practical insights on how to get the best out of your career.

Hurry up and sign-up here

The Leading Ladies Africa weekly Career Conversation series focuses on women of African descent, showcases their experiences across all socio-economic sectors, highlights their personal and professional achievements and offers useful advice on how to make life more satisfying for women.

Do you know any woman of African descent doing phenomenal things? Send an email to lead@leadingladiesafrica.org and we just might feature her.

Image credit: Oluwabunmi Adeniba

Oluwabunmi Adeniba is the Marketing Director of Unilever Homecare division across Ghana and Nigeria with responsibility for the overall performance of the multiple brands in the division. She also sits on the Unilever HomeCare Leadership Team for Africa. A key part of her role involves engineering the purposeful expression of the brands through its marketing activities, one of which is taking a stance on women empowerment.

Her work experience spans across brand building, innovation design and quality management system. She started off in the supply chain and quality management system before making a career change after several years of being a mid-level Quality Control Manager to begin afresh in marketing as an Assistant Brand Manager. In this interview with Leading Ladies Africa, Oluwabunmi explains why it is never too late to do anything, how to deal with difficult colleagues or bosses and how to identify the phase one’s life is currently in and the type of mentorship to seek for. Lean in!

Can you briefly describe yourself and what you do?

I currently manage the Unilever Homecare division across Ghana and Nigeria with responsibility for the overall performance of the multiple brands in the division. I also sit on the Unilever HomeCare Leadership Team for Africa. A key part of my role is driving the purposeful expression of the brands through its marketing activities, one of which is taking a stance on women empowerment.

My work experience spans across brand building, innovation design and quality management system. I pride my career journey on stating that it’s never too late to start anything. I started off in the supply chain and quality management system before making a career change after several years of being a mid-level Quality Control Manager to begin afresh in marketing as an Assistant Brand Manager. I went on to build a career in marketing with the requisite qualifications and work experience across a few multinational companies.

I am deliberate about seeing the marketplace as an expression of our God-given purposes and consider every role a platform to do something that improves the odds for the people we serve and make life easier for those who come after us. I am passionate about women empowerment and raising phenomenal leaders in the marketplace.

Outside Unilever, I hold the position of the 1st Vice President of the Advertising Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) and hold a membership with the Institute of Directors (IOD), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), American Society of Quality (ASQ) and a 2018 CSC Leader, which is a global programme for exceptional senior leaders selected from government, businesses and NGOs across the 53 countries of the commonwealth. 

 How did you start out in your career, and how long have you been in the ‘corporate world?

I started out as a young manager in a privately-owned hospitality outfit leading a team with its youngest member almost double my age at the time and went from there to join the management trainee program of Cadbury. I have been in the corporate world for almost 2 decades now.

What is your number one hack for dealing with difficult colleagues/bosses?

Once we have established it is “difficult” and not demanding, do not project that person to yourself or your competence. He or she is that way probably not because of who you are or what you do but because of who they are and what they are dealing with. Externalize the behaviour, don’t project that to yourself and do not allow yourself to shrink.

As a matter of fact, that is when you shoot higher in the quality of your work, your competence and comportment on the role. Think of the word stakeholder literarily, “Stake…holder”. Find their stake (what matters to them) and ensure you are delivering to this within the context of the business/organization’s requirements. I must add never at the expense of your mental health.

2 things you do when you are having a bad day?

First- I refrain from speaking. I carry a huge responsibility for the power of words when the emotions are frayed, I am extra mindful of what I say. So, muting serves me well in those times.

Second- I take “reflection walks”.

When you are creatively stuck, you…?

Nothing like what you will expect ? As soon as I can, I get into a theatre to see a movie, preferably animated movies, not necessarily for the story, but the ambience, lighting and sounds work for me. Well, if I could explain the science behind it, I will probably patent it and be selling it as a side hustle, but it just works for me. Someone recently attempted to analyze it saying it must be the thrill of the make-believe.  Maybe, Maybe not.

Image credit: Oluwabunmi Adeniba

What’s your take on cliques or “you can’t sit with us groups” at work? How does one navigate such?

Find your own seat and make “you” that person or part of the group people want to sit with. Most people gravitate towards value.

Of course, we’re going to talk about mentorship – what’s your view on it? Important or Nah?

Very important, but needs to be clearly defined for expectation by both the mentor and the mentee. I find some people who need a coach ask for a mentor and some people who simply need a peer buddy ask for a mentor. Be clear on what phase you are in and what area you want the mentoring on – career, personal, business, spiritual, family or total.

Two things – what have been your best and worst career decision – and what did you learn from each respectively?

My best decision will be the career change to marketing. I changed course and started a new career journey in my early 30s. Today, I am glad I took that risk at the time. Navigating the learning curve remains till today, an invaluable experience that propels me into daring other non-career related things. I have little to no fear of doing the different and unexpected. For a worse career decision, I cannot think of one yet. Every phase came with its own peculiarity, the only certainty is uncertainty, so, I ride the waves.

 How do you advise ladies facing harassment in any form, from their superiors at work to handle it?

Never the easiest to do, but please speak up and that goes for anyone at all, either gender, whether from superior or subordinate because it could swing either way.

Find someone you trust and speak up. Find help in whatever system the organization has in place (either a person to talk to or an anonymous call line). The shame and guilt should be on the perpetrator and silence just gives power to the oppressor.

3 greatest career lessons you have learnt on your journey?

i. Guard your inner compass. Be what you stand for regardless of the industry or prevailing business environment.

ii. Manage your career/professional personality as you would a brand. Never stop learning, have your unique selling point, brand promise, growth strategy, expansion plans – the entire gamut as we would apply to any world-class brand – and drive this personally, not HR, not your mentor. You.

iii. Do not underestimate self-care– physical and especially mental. A productive person is a whole person.

Image credit: Lucy Nkosi

Lucy Nkosi, 29, is an Art Director and Layout Artist from Johannesburg. She has a growing passion for the publishing industry and aspires to cultivate a distinctive career in the field. Her career began five years ago when she joined Essentials Magazine as a graphic design intern almost immediately after graduating from the University of Johannesburg with a BA (Communication Design) degree.  This marked her introduction into the ever-changing world of print.

Seven months later, she received an offer from Ballyhoo Media and took employment as a Junior Graphic Designer for the publications; Nubian Bride, Joburg Style, Progressive Leader, and Business Update. Over the course of two years at Ballyhoo Media, she gained widespread knowledge on print production, industry trends, photography, fashion and the rise of digital media. It was during this tenure that she enrolled at Vega and completed a diploma in Digital Marketing. She believes that the publishing industry cannot fully thrive without taking into consideration the developments that have been brought on by the digital age.

In 2017, Lucy took a leap of faith and resigned from Ballyhoo Media and soon after, joined Forbes Africa where she currently works as an Art Director and Layout Artist. With her knowledge of the industry and international trends, she was able to redirect the design of the publication by augmenting a more relatable and modern layout.

Working at Forbes Africa has presented her with countless career-shaping opportunities. It has encouraged her to think of her work as not only having significance in African media but on a larger global community as well. Her career has seen rapid progression over the years and she owes that to her persistence, passion and undeniable dedication to solving visual communication problems.

Ultimately, Lucy’s goal is to become a key player in the industry and use her expertise to enlighten and reshape the publishing world. In this interview with Leading Ladies Africa, Lucy takes us through her journey of trusting her instincts to getting the job of her dreams, as well as shares tips on how to navigate office politics and ensure diversity and inclusion in the workplace for women. This is an interesting read we are sure you’ll love. Lean in!

Can you briefly describe yourself and what you do?

I’d like to think of myself as a creative visionary. I truly enjoy being a creative and exploring how far I can communicate my ideas. I take pride in uncovering innovative ways of thinking within the work I do – I also try to have a bit of fun with it. Everything I do is driven by my passion and the need to create, tell stories and create an impact in some way.

As an Art Director, I’m responsible for the visual style of Forbes Africa magazine. I ensure that the stories in the magazine are communicated effectively and in line with the brand. I’m also responsible for conceptualizing the covers and ensuring that the vision the team and I have comes to life.

I work closely with the editor and our photographer to ensure that I create and deliver a message that speaks directly to the reader. I also ensure that the end product is relatable to Africa, but is also in line with international trends. Part of my job is to do research and be informed about what the rest of the world is doing in the design space.

I’ve learnt that it is important to have a good relationship with people, especially with your team members, to ensure that everyone thrives and gives their best work. My leadership skills are always tested and have improved as I take on more projects.  I have also learnt that work as an art director isn’t only about showing off my creativity; it’s also about shaping the direction of the narrative I want to share with our audience. It is bigger than me.

Image credit: Lucy Nkosi

Tips for diversity and inclusion in the workplace (esp. for women)?

We need to understand that times have changed and gender roles have evolved significantly with those times. As a society, we need to neglect the ideas around gender stereotypes and social beliefs for each individual to aspire to hold any position within the workplace. It may be a while before equal work environment systems are implemented but I do, however, believe that there are ways to navigate around it. For instance:

i. Women need to confidently take the initiative and volunteer themselves for opportunities that would naturally be “given to” their male counterparts.

ii. Do not fear to speak up for what is fair. Never compromise yourself for the sake of a job or opportunity – there’s always going to be another opportunity. Always vocalize your concerns.

iii. Women should always support and encourage each other in the workplace -we are stronger and more powerful as a unit not when we are against each other. Look out for each other.

iv. Seek roles that show your leadership skills and do them to the best of your ability.

v. Remember that nobody can do your job the way you do it; you are skilled and deserving of your place in the workplace.

If you could have a lunch date with one woman you admire – who would that be and what would you ask her?

Oh my…There are so many women I admire and aspire to emulate. Women as a whole are just so amazing! However, without a doubt, I’d absolutely take an opportunity to have a lunch date with Oprah Winfrey any day! I listen to her podcasts and watch her videos to encourage myself from time to time.

The question I’d ask: “Did you ever imagine that you would be one of the top leading women of colour in media and what has this taught you about being a career-driven woman?”

What’s your take on cliques or you can’t sit with us groups at work? How does one navigate such?

We spend the majority of our time at our jobs. Hence, it may be difficult to not seek friendship within the workplace. Some people may find it hard, to be honest and authentic in the work environment; so, they seek out that one person they feel comfortable with – which is okay, we are emotional humans after all and need to have mutually supportive relationships.

However, it is important to remember that, it is still a place of employment, so we should not allow these friendships to become toxic for our co-workers. Cliques, if toxic, have the ability to cloud our judgment and ruin our work experience, so, I think it’s best to avoid them. I’d recommend that you maintain healthy and friendly relationships with your colleagues and set boundaries. Try to avoid anything that will distract you from your career goals.

Image credit: Lucy Nkosi

Three tips for navigating office politics?

i. If it doesn’t concern you or your work, then, it is best to stay out of it. Remember that you’re there to work. Therefore, it is best to remove yourself from situations that affect your task.

ii. Practice self-control: Try not to start any politics. We are emotional beings and our words carry a lot of weight. Be careful to not criticize, condemn or complain.

iii. Everyone has a desire to feel important or be heard. So, if ever you get pulled into office politics, listen, but have a neutral stance and try to be practical.

When you’re creatively stuck, you…?

My job requires me to be creative (literally all the time), which is sometimes tough. When I get stuck, I do one of the following, if not all (depending on where I am and the amount of time I have):

i. I take a walk. Nature and fresh air help a lot.

ii. Look for inspiration on the internet or other publications

iii. Meditate for about 20 minutes for clarity.

iv. Change the music I’m listening to.

v. Take a break and sleep. Sometimes, you just need to recharge your body.

What’s your take on mentorship? Important or nah?

Mentorship is a significant part of your career and personal progression. It’s beneficial to interact with people who understand your industry and can advise you on which steps to take towards building your career. We all need mentors -there’s so much we can learn from each other (professionally or personally). I have so many mentors that aren’t even aware that they play that role in my life – literally, anyone can play that part. For example, Forbes Africa’s Editor Renuka Methil has taught me a lot and helped shaped my career in the over three years I’ve spent with the publication.

Young women should not be afraid to seek mentorship. And when mentored, do not be afraid to fully utilize the resources that have been invested towards your career growth. You should develop strong professional relationships with your mentors and always be open to hearing their feedback and using it wisely.

Image credit: Lucy Nkosi

What are your worst and best career decisions? What have you learned from them? How have they shaped you to become the woman you are today?

From the beginning – The choices that have shaped my career so far began with the decision I made in 2010 to drop out from Witwatersrand and start my studies at UJ for a qualification in Communication Design. At the time, it did not seem like a wise decision to most; but I believed in myself, and knew that that was the journey I needed to take. Resigning from my job without plan B, in 2017, was another career-shaping move. Fortunately for me, it worked to my advantage because I got employed at Forbes Africa just before my notice period ended.

These two major decisions I had made serve as a reminder for me to always go for what I want and not allow any situation to deter my future. Through this, I’ve learnt to trust my instincts and trust the plans I have for my life. I’ve become a woman who is ambitious and determined to succeed and be one of the best in my industry. I believe that I am not in this industry by mistake, -it’s part of my purpose and I hope my work has an impact on a more global scale someday.

Three strategies you have used that other women should implement?

It’s important to have a good strategy for your personal and career growth.  This will urge you towards achieving your overall life vision/goal. These are the three strategies I use:

i. Put all your plans on paper. Write everything down and go back to your list if you feel you are off track. Do your research so you know what it is you should be aiming for and how to go about getting it. Know your industry well.

ii. Work smart. Use your time wisely. Do not forget to allocate time towards things that bring you joy. Socialize and take mental health days. Your career suffers if you’re not at your best.

iii. Upgrade your skills. There are always new developments and advancements in the world. It’s important that you keep up.

Image credit: Ruweida Salifu

Ruweida Salifu is currently the Marketing and PR manager for Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra. She earned a B.Sc in Business Administration from Ashesi University College; and right after graduation, started a career as an account executive with Mindfull Agency. For three years, she drove business development initiatives forMindfull, after which she moved to the UK to earn an MSc in Marketing. Outside of work, she enjoys binging on a good Netflix series or watching documentaries and also occasionally spend time at the beach to reconnect with nature.

Recently, she has embarked on a promising entrepreneurship venture with GlitzBagsGH and she’s really excited to watch the brand grow. In this interview with Leading Ladies Africa, Ruweida talks about her journey into the hospitality industry, as well as share tips on how to incorporate diversity and inclusion in the workplace for women. Lean in!

1. Can you briefly describe yourself and what you do?

As a strong power-of-the-mind idealist, I believe success starts from a thought process before it can be translated into something real through hard work and resilience. In my current role, I am committed to ensuring all of Kempinski Accra’s brand touchpoints are constantly communicating our essence of “delivering beautiful performances to enchant our guests and positively contributing to Ghana’s tourism narrative.”

I also provide marketing consultancy for brands looking to make a firm statement in the local market about who they are and what they have to offer. Seeking new challenges, I recently decided to start my own luxury accessories business. Not only do I find this exciting, but believe it provides me with an opportunity grown and learn more about business management.

Image credit: Ruweida Salifu

2. How did you start out your career and how long have you been in the corporate world?

I started out in 2014 as an account executive at Mindfull Agency (A creative agency and marketing services firm) and within a year, I advanced to Snr. Account Executive & Business Development Lead.

After completing my Master’s degree, I came back to Ghana and began working with Kempinski Accra in October 2018. Interestingly, this is my first job in the hospitality industry, and I must say, these 17 months of marketing the only 5-star luxury hotel in Ghana have been nothing short of exciting.

3. Your go-to hack when you are creatively stuck?

When I get stuck creatively, I take some time off to listen to music( Afrobeats being a particular favourite). This helps me to take my mind off everything so I can come back to whatever I am working on with a clear head. I also read of magazines like Conde Nast Traveller and Vogue as sources of inspiration for the work I do.

4. Tips for diversity and inclusion in the workplace (esp. for women)?

It goes beyond HR and top management – It needs to be owned by everyone on every level. Everyone needs to buy into the idea of creating a sense of belonging and taking ownership in empowering others to tap into their potential and become who they were meant to be.

Image credit: Ruweida Salifu

5. Top 3 tips for the career women in our community.

i. Be unapologetically ambitious

ii. Surround yourself with a positive support system and engage in conversations that bring value.

iii. Reward yourself, you deserve it.

The Career Quick Five Series is a weekly interview series that highlights the achievements and entrepreneurial journeys of African female entrepreneurs. The idea is to showcase the Leading Ladies who are transforming Africa and the African narrative through enterprise and business.

It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women of African descent.

If you know any kick-ass women of African Descent doing phenomenal things in enterprise, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she could possibly be featured.

Image credit: Toyin Arowolo

Toyin Arowolo has worked as a software developer and has over 16 years of work experience in software development, systems analysis, database design, application testing, conversion, installation and support.

She is an expert within the reinsurance domain of the financial sector and has spearheaded the development and delivery of various complex systems and applications.

She aims to understand the customer experience and enhance customer adoption of the various solutions provided. A bibliophile, she graduated from the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife with a Second Class Upper degree studying Computer Science with Mathematics.

She went on to obtain a Post Graduate Diploma in Operational Research from the University of Strathclyde. She also has an MBA from the prestigious African Leadership University in Kigali, Rwanda. She is currently employed at the African Reinsurance Corporation, Lagos as an ICT Manager.

In this interview with Leading Ladies Africa, Toyin talks about her sojourn into the ICT world, as well as share tips on how to incorporate diversity and inclusion in the workplace for women. Lean in!

1. Can you briefly describe yourself and what you do?

I am one of a set of twins and grew up in Lagos except for my secondary school years as a boarder in Oyo town. I am a wife and mother of two young girls, aged 12 and 4. I work as an ICT Manager at the African Reinsurance Corporation, Lagos in the applications division of the ICT department.

I am also an entrepreneur. I founded TYworkspace, as an entrepreneurial project during my MBA to provide excellent office space for businesses, freelancers and other entrepreneurs.

I love reading, public speaking (after the fluttering of the butterflies subsides), and gardening. I am passionate about my country and continent.

Image credit: Toyin Arowolo

2. How did you start your career and how long have you been in the corporate world?

My work experience started during my SIWES training as a Computer Science & Math student at OAU, Ile-Ife. Working with a software development firm got me interested in programming. I loved it so much that I decided I was going to earn a living from it.

After NYSC, teaching Mathematics in Sokoto state, I started out working at Sidmach Technologies. I built my skills working with applications such as the WAEC E-registration forms and was a member of the team that developed the JAMB online registration platform.

In 2005, I moved to work with Africa’s Reinsurance Corporation, a firm set up by the member countries of the then, Organisation of African Unity (OAU now AU) in 1976. Contributing my quota to ensuring that capital does not leave the shores of the continent, I have been responsible for the development and delivery of various systems and applications.

My current role has seen me overseeing the rollout of an Enterprise Resource Planning application for the Finance, HR and Supply chain modules for our 6 regional offices.

3. Your go-to hack when you are creatively stuck

I take a walk if I am in the office or take a nap at home. Never fails. Ideas flow especially when I am out walking.

Image credit: Toyin Arowolo

4. Tips for diversity and inclusion in the workplace (esp. for women)?

i. Be intentional about hiring. It is important to constantly review staff demographics across departments and locations and hierarchy. And keep asking the questions that need to be asked. And listen to the answers that you receive.

ii. Be intentional about career progression. Simply employing a certain percentage of females is not sufficient. How well are they doing? Are they moving up, why are they not moving up? What are the reasons why they are not doing as well as projected?

How many transitions to middle management from the entry-level positions? How many move into senior management? How many board appointments are female? Of course, some of these initiatives will take a while to achieve; but, constantly asking the necessary questions and being receptive of the answers will help bridge the gap.

iii. Be intentional about supporting women. Does your workplace support women enough? Women have cultural barriers set up that impede progress irrespective of how hard they work. Apart from the mandatory maternity leave, do you have breastfeeding stations or do female staff have to hide in toilet stalls to work their pumps?

Are your managers (male and female) trained to support their female staff? Are they empathic to staff who experience monthly menstrual cramps, for instance? Does the office have a culture of clean jokes or is it filled with demeaning rhetoric aimed at womenfolk? A supportive culture does not just happen, it has to be built with intention.

These tips appear to be directed to HR personnel but are not only for them. Everyone has to be supportive of progress for there to be a diverse and inclusive workspace.

5. Top 3 tips for the career women in our community.

– Find yourself a mentor.

– Find yourself a sponsor.

– Find or build yourself a community of like and unlike-minded women who are either on this path with you (senior) or who are looking up to you (junior) and do life together with them.

The Career Quick Five Series is a weekly interview series that highlights the achievements and entrepreneurial journeys of African female entrepreneurs. The idea is to showcase the Leading Ladies who are transforming Africa and the African narrative through enterprise and business.

It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women of African descent.

If you know any kick-ass women of African Descent doing phenomenal things in enterprise, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she could possibly be featured.

MD/CEO of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers, Abiola Adekoya sits with Leading Ladies Africa to discuss among other things lessons she has gleaned from the corporate world in two decades, office politics, sponsorship in the corporate space and the importance of having other interests outside of work. Abiola’s perspective on career is a game changer. Lean In!

Can you briefly describe yourself and what you do?

I would describe myself as passionate, resilient and impact driven. I currently work as the MD/CEO of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstRand Group which is a leading financial services group in Africa. In RMB, I crafted the vision of the business and also implemented the strategy which was underpinned by a strong focus on people, processes and differentiation in a highly competitive market.

How did you start out in your career, and how long have you been in the ‘corporate world?’

Thinking of the start of my career brings a smile to my face. In 1999, I walked into a branch of Chartered Bank in Lagos Island filled with traders arranging their stacks of money waiting for it to be counted. This was not the glamourous banking job I hoped for ?. I was immediately thrown into the deep end as a bulk cashier in that branch. While it was a good starting point for me, I evolved to other roles within the banking sector across various banks.

I’ve spent over 20 years in the corporate world, the first 7 years were in banking, working in retail, commercial and corporate banking before vying into securities trading where I’ve worked for the past 14 years in domestic and global leading firms.

What is your number one hack for dealing with difficult colleagues/bosses?

The first thing I do is to separate the person from the behaviour. I try to unpack who they are and why they are like that. I realise that behaviour is often rooted in experiences and upbringing, so I engage further and ask questions (directly and indirectly) to get more insight. Based on that, I then learn how to approach/engage that person.

For colleagues, depending on how critical they are to my deliverables, I focus on getting along with them to ensure that the work gets done by leveraging my interpersonal skills and also highlighting the importance of their deliverables to achieving the business goals. Also I tend to praise a lot even for small things, I say things like ”rock star” and ”you are the best.” It’s hard to be difficult when someone calls you a rock star! ?

Within my first month at the start of my career, my aunt and mentor gave me this advice “learn to manage your boss” and it’s a mantra I have always adopted. Though I’ve had a decent set of bosses, not without their own challenges, managing them has helped in shaping my own skills. I do a SWOT analysis on my boss and engage with them to understand their work pressure and deliverables. Once I’ve done this, I focus on ensuring that I deliver on my deliverables as it impacts them and also work on exceeding their expectations. I realise that if my boss looks good, I will also look good.

I also note how they treat others (peers, managers and other direct reports) as it reveals different sides of their character and leadership style, which helps me keep things in professional perspective. While their (in)actions can affect my emotions, I try to keep things professional and not allow my emotions dictate my behaviour. It’s hard enough being a woman in the corporate world so I keep things professional despite how I feel!

2 things you do when you are having a bad day?

Take a walk out of my office to avoid talking to anyone or making a rash decision.

Talk to a friend, usually someone that will allow me to vent and get things in perspective.

When you are creatively stuck, you…?

Take a walk and bounce ideas with my team! Usually I have the solution but I sometimes struggle with articulating it simply!

2 tips for navigating office politics?

Office politics is not carrying your manager’s bag or gossiping about other co-workers to your manager or spreading falsehoods or even passing off someone’s work as you own. It refers to how an organisation is structured, the ease of decision making and execution. For example, is your organisation focused on innovation or are they more relational or perhaps process driven?

Understanding these nuances will help you in engaging better to active results. So my two tips are:
Learn it.

Play it. You ned to know the rules and then learn to play the game.

What’s your take on cliques or “you can’t sit with us groups” at work? How does one navigate such?

Sadly, I don’t do cliques, I really loathe it. It creates an air of I’m better than you or you are not as good as me. I believe everyone has value to add so I make sure I click with everyone. ? One minute I am eating boli and epa or puff puff from Ghana High ? and next minute it could be coffee and muffins…I will sit with anyone who adds value or who I can imapct. Especially because I realise that there is so much to gain and learn if you just foster relationships with different people.

Of course, we’re going to talk about mentorship – what’s your view on it? Important or nah?

I absolutely love mentorship. I have benefitted from so many mentors in my life and I work hard to pay it forward to others. While mentors are important, I’ve realised that in an organisation what you need even more than mentors is a sponsor.

You need someone who has your back in an organisation, who will stick their neck out for you to see you grow and advance in your career, that is what a sponsor can do. So while you engage your mentors you must ensure you leverage your sponsors!

Two things – what have been your best and worst career decision – and what did you learn from each respectively?

My best career decision was switching from banking to securities and investment. So glad I made the move!

My worst career decision was not getting a firm commitment that the company will deliver one of the resources required for the business to be successful. I accepted to manage a sub optimal approach instead of insisting on the best approach. This decision impacted the growth trajectory of the business.

Do you have a “side-hustle” and what’s your view on having other interests outside of work?

While I have dabbled into many side hustles, I haven’t had an active side hustle in years because I have spent the last few years focusing on building my career as a business strategist and management expert.

However, I have been deliberate about focusing on other interests outside of work and I think its important to do that. We are not only our jobs. In fact, our jobs are made better because of our interests. When engaging with new clients, especially offshore, I tend to break the ice using my knowledge of fine dining and also my travel experience. It usually makes for memorable conversations and endears them to me.

How do you advise girls facing harassment in any form, from their superiors at work to handle it?

While different situations will call for different lines of action, the most important point to note is “If it felt inappropriate or made you uncomfortable, then it was inappropriate and no you didn’t imagine it”.
Discuss it with someone immediately preferably outside of work and someone that you trust, maybe your mentor.

Also, engage with your HR in writing, not verbally so you can have documentary evidence. Just detail the experience and express how it made you feel.

Change the way you engage with the superior and keep things professional while HR investigates.

Hopefully, HR is sensitive and proactive but if not it may require a change of department or a move out of the organisation.

3 greatest career lessons you have learnt on your journey?

I am not my circumstance.

The beginning does not determine the end.

I am more resilient and knowledgeable than I realise.

About Abiola Adekoya

Abiola Adekoya is a financial expert with about two decades of experience working in leading financial services firms across the globe. She is currently the MD/CEO of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers, a subsidiary of the FirstRand Group, a leading financial services group in Africa with global footprints.

In her present role, she managed the establishment of RMBNS in Nigeria ensuring regulatory and global best practices were adopted. She is on track to position the business as a leading equities brokerage house in Nigeria.

Prior to this role, she was MD of FBNQuest Securities, a subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc, successfully repositioning the business as a top five stockbroking firm. Within 2006 to 2013, she worked at CSL Stockbrokers and Renaissance Capital – (both top 5 stockbroking firms) and leveraged her knowledge and insight of the capital market and managerial skills to drive product innovation and build a high performing team to position the businesses favourably.

She started out her early years in the banking sector, 1999 – 2006, working in leading banks and serving in various capacities in retail, commercial and corporate banking.

A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers of Nigeria, she graduated with a B.Sc Economics from University of Lagos (1998) and has an MBA from Lagos Business School.

She has several passions and top on her list is mentoring young professionals and providing finance and investment advice via Instagram
where she provides information on key themes that impact finance and investment underpinned by valuable insight on the Nigerian and global economy.

She engages actively via her page and blog providing in depth analysis on thematic events with #Themarket, wealth creation and preservation information via #Rightvest while chronicling knowledge from life with Wednesday nuggets.

Thursday is dedicated to #AskAbiola which provides relevant information on being an intrapreneur and handling challenging work- related situations.

Abiola is also passionate about her family and food with an online profile on instagram chronicling her cooking adventures and global food experiences.

Adesola Ade-Unuigbe is the Head of Content at BellaNaija. She started off as an Editorial Assistant at BellaNaija and in less than five years became the Head of Content at 28. Through strategic leadership and innovation, she grew its social media presence with 1.5 million followers on Twitter and over one million on Instagram. On the LLA career series, she tells us about the importance of taking risks, personal branding and more. Be inspired!

Can you briefly describe yourself and what you do?

I am Adesola Ade-Unuigbe. I am currently the Head of Content and Digital Ventures for leading online media platform, BellaNaija.com. I have over 7 years of experience creating content for digital media channels. I have experience managing and growing internal teams and increasing online followership across channels, as well as developing and implementing content strategies to meet business goals. An example of me increasing online followership is with BellaNaija’s flagship Instagram page.  In less than two years, I grew the page organically from 250k to over 1 million followers.

More than anything, I’ll describe myself as a multi-talented content creator. I’m versed in several things from creating graphics to video editing and more.

How did you start out in your career, and how long have you been in the ‘corporate world?’

I graduated from Covenant University in 2012 with a degree in Mass Communication. Since then, I’ve worked with some amazing platforms including OnoBello.com in 2012 and 2013, FABMagazine in 2014 and BellaNaija since 2014. Effectively, I’ve been in the corporate world for 7 years and it has been an exciting journey so far.  It’s especially cool for me because I basically had to uproot my life in a rural city and move to Lagos for work in 2012. I haven’t regretted it.

What is your number one hack for dealing with difficult colleagues/bosses?

My number one hack for a difficult boss would be to stand your ground with confidence and calm. Don’t shrink who you are. You should own your part in any clash and do what you can to make the situation better, but don’t let them shrink you or your value to the company. And always ask yourself, is it just a demanding boss or a bully?

For dealing with colleagues, it’s a bit easier. I will say, number one is to set boundaries and also, kill them with kindness.

2 things you do when you are having a bad day?

I listen to music and podcasts

I look at photos and videos of my nieces and nephews

When you are creatively stuck, you…?

I give myself time for a break to recharge. I’m very big on taking care of my digital health and so all the things that I need to push myself creatively, are the things that I expose myself to.

2 tips for navigating office politics?

I would say – Develop your “people skills” and Be brave, but not naive”. You can’t escape office politics so it’s important to always look for how best to manage situations. You can help to make a workplace become more positive by not “fueling the fire” and joining in negative politics.

What’s your take on cliques or “you can’t sit with us groups” at work? How does one navigate such?

I think it is important to be confident and comfortable in your skin. Is it even a clique that you will benefit from? Is it a good clique or a bad clique? Ultimately, it’s better to just focus on your work. It is a little tricky because you may need to work closely with members of the office clique. If this is the case, it’s important that you fully participate in the assignment and maintain the highest level of professionalism possible. Do your best not to be intimidated by a clique.

Of course, we’re going to talk about mentorship – what’s your view on it? Important or nah?

Mentorship is super important. It’s not only because of what you can learn from seasoned professionals who have more experience, but also because of the network opportunities. You can’t know everybody, and so it’s important for you to surround yourself with the people that can help push you up. People that are actively invested in your growth. And as you grow in your career, it’s important to pay that mentorship forward too by mentoring others.

Two things – what have been your best and worst career decision – and what did you learn from each respectively?

My best career decision was definitely moving to Lagos to start my career. I was just a young 20-year-old young woman with no one in Lagos, and I decided to just go for it. For me, I learned that it’s important to just put yourself out there and take risks for yourself.

My worst career decision has not happened yet. One of the ways I’ve been able to do this is by surrounding myself with an amazing support system of people that are always available to guide me through.

Do you have a “side-hustle” and what’s your view on having other interests outside of work?

I think side-hustles are very very important. Everyone needs that extra income. I think it’s important not to confuse your loyalties though and to get your priorities straight. What you don’t want, is to do things in a sub par way. Whether it’s a 9-to-5 or your side hustle, you’ve got to be excellent and diligent. Give it your 100%.

How do you advise girls facing harassment in any form, from their superiors at work to handle it?

It’s sad that so many people face harassment in one form or the other from superiors at work. It’s important to report it. It’s important to speak up about it and document it. It’s important for organisations to also create a safe space and avenue for their workers to be able to speak out about harassment and assaults.

3 greatest career lessons you have learnt on your journey?

Keep learning. You should constantly stretch yourself to learn new skills and information. Don’t get left behind.

Collaborate. You may think you can go faster if you move on your own, but the truth is we all need assistance and help from other people. Learn to share and multiply success.

Worry Less. You cannot worry your way to success. If you’re anxious, the antidote is simple: action. Hustle your way out of the stress spiral. Push through the fear to find the proactive things that you can do to make a difference in the state of your career (or the world).

Donna Obaseki-Ogunnaike is an Energy Law expert, poet, writer and a Partner of ACAS-Law (1^st tier Nigerian law firm) possessing over 17 years of experience in Energy and Corporate Commercial Law practices. She consults extensively on a wide range of investment issues for international exploration, oil service and multinational trading companies. She advises on strategy, planning and development solutions to project specific ventures within the oil and gas industry.

She was nominated as a “Seasoned Professional” for the “W” Awards of Access Bank Plc in 2015, was awarded as an “Outstanding Professional of the Year” of the “40 Leading Lawyers Under 40” Awards from ESQ Legal Awards, 2016, and has been consistently ranked as one of the leading lawyers by the IFLR, 1000 for the years 2015, 2016 and 2017 in various categories.

She has been described as the “go to” lawyer for leading and effective legal advisory services and has also been ranked highly by Legal 500 and Chambers Global. Donna was also awarded “Next Generation Lawyer” within the “Legal 500 Hall of Fame”, 2018 among many other awards.

Her contributions to the youth and society has earned her the honour of the Children’s Playground at the Yitzhak Rabin International School, Port Harcourt Rivers State being named the “DONNA OBASEKI-OGUNNAIKE CHILDREN PLAYGROUND”. She is also currently the youngest recipient of the Yitzhak Rabin International Award for Excellence in Leadership (2014).

Read her answers to our Career Questionnaire.

What is your number one hack for dealing with difficult colleagues/bosses?

I take out time to study the person and determine exactly what it is that offends him/her. Having done that, if it is something I can fix by approaching him/her differently, then I make the requisite adjustments without compromising my personal integrity or doing anything that would offend my person. For example: it could be something as simple as giving feedback on a project I am handling – if I keep him/her updated without being constantly asked; would it make them feel less anxious about the progress of the work?

I think as a team member, one must always consider their role as crucial to the success of the deal – no matter how mundane the task is – so it is best to think that the difficult colleague or boss may not be taking things personally but may actually be passionate about getting the work done. I also endeavor to make their work easier by being the consummate professional. If the person is just nasty, you cannot do anything about it, but the work must be done, so be professional and polite. Focusing on getting the work done in an efficient manner has always been my goal.

2 things you do when you are having a bad day?

I take a break.

Many years before I became a partner, one of the habits I cultivated was being honest with my bosses. If I could not continue with the task because my head was saturated, or I was having a really bad day, I would go and ask my boss for the rest of the day off. I think because I had proven myself as committed, responsible and very hardworking, my boss would know that for me to ask, it must be serious. Till date, I have never been denied such a request, but I also never took it for granted and always made up for the time.

Short breaks are very useful to help rejuvenate the mind and re-focus.

If the deadline is tight, I take a power nap and come back to it. It helps that I am nocturnal, so I often stay up working till 3 or 4 am. I would then go to bed and return to the work later in the morning. I try to make sure I have at least 5 or 6 reviews of the initial draft and ask my team members to also give it a critical overview with fresh eyes. As I am not above mistakes and do not possess all the knowledge, I find that it helps to seek the input of another pair of eyes.

The other thing I do is listen to music – loud. Music is my food and has the power to lift my spirits.

When you are creatively stuck, you…?

Ask for help.

We don’t have all the answers and getting stuck is part of growing. I reach out to those who have gone ahead of me; especially if they have done the same task I have in hand – and I seek their guidance. It always helps.

2 tips for navigating office politics?

Firstly, I would say it is important to understand the politics in your own immediate work environment (team, department or group) as well as in the entire company (at the different levels). This is important if you are intent on having a long spanning career within that company.

Secondly, once you understand the politics, refuse to play any part of it that offends your personal philosophies, is unethical or that displays any kind of unkindness. At the end of the day, we are all human and where we work or what we achieve in life is not the sum of who we are.

I strongly recommend that  office politics and system be navigated by

(i) Strategically planning and cultivating specific relationships within the office environment (carefully selected)

(ii) Seeking out and building relationships with mentors and, more importantly, sponsors in your industry who would open doors for your career regardless of office politics. These mentors and sponsors do not have to be within your office, but should either be in your industry or have deep relations with key stakeholders in your industry.

So, understand the game – very well, then choose how to deploy your strategies in navigating your way up in a manner that is not wicked, reckless or intentionally harmful to another human being. Life is too short.

If you could have a lunch date with one woman you admire – who would that be and what would you ask her?

It would be Oprah Winfrey and I would ask her how she was able to convert the ABC Morning Show (which belonged to the station), to become named after her and eventually own the show. That level of strategy and negotiation is something I would like to understand.

If you could wear the same hairstyle to work everyday, it would be?

Kinky Braids or a Mohawk (preferably red).

Your all time favorite book is..?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo.

Stella Ibienne-Fubara is the Director of International operations with the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; she is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s tourism sector within Africa.

With over two decades of impressive executive management, she is responsible for the operations of Dubai Tourism in Africa in line with the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism tdestination and commercial hub.

To enable success of the vision, Stella has facilitated new destination awareness platforms and relationships with the media, consumers, and travel trade industry in Africa.  She has enhanced a platform to enable all travel agencies improve their performance of travel to Dubai, and empowered the African Travel Industry employers to grow their businesses.

Stella Ibienne-Fubara takes our Career Questionnaire.

What is your number one hack for dealing with difficult colleagues/bosses?

Difficult bosses – You do things their way unless it will compromise the delivery of your KPI. And even if a KPI is in jeopardy, you state your position calmly and respectfully….IN WRITING, and still execute their way if they insist.  Hopefully, if you have an experienced (but difficult) boss, your main task would be to manage ego but not the success of your work.  Study your bosses nuances and peeves, and deliver on them before it becomes an issue. Be submissive. Focus on making your boss look good.

Difficult Colleagues – I avoid them at all costs.  When work circumstances force interaction, I engage only to the content of the project, and assume my distance thereafter.  This skill takes time to develop, and in my early career years it was difficult not to be friends with co-workers.  I’m now much wiser, and it is easy to entertain a strict working relationship that does not jeopardize KPI’s or success. Difficult colleagues are worse than difficult bosses, they can stab you in the back and ruin your success without harming their own.

Two things you do when you are having a bad day? 

I rarely have bad days. Maybe, one or two things might go wrong, but that doesn’t mean the day has gone bad.  When I’m sad, I like to be alone. I Listen to music, do jigsaw puzzles, and daydream. I’m an eternal optimist. I hate to dwell on the negatives or dramatize everything.  If something is going wrong, fix it or move on.  Life is not perfect or fair, and everyone has challenges. When you start thinking that your situation is worse than others, or special and requires drama, then you become irritatingly negative. 

When you are creatively stuck, you…?

When I’m creatively stuck, I brainstorm with my staff or colleagues. Talking about challenges with others always produces new insights.  This is why I always try to have people on my team that are hardworking and smart.  Choose people for their passion and honesty.  This is true in relationships too.  But choose your listeners carefully, not everyone has your best interest at heart.

Two tips for navigating office politics?

a. Mind your own business.

b. Do not get involved in gossip.

c. Do not take side, always stay with the truth.

d. Always send emails to confirm every work conversation or decision.

If you could have a lunch date with one woman you admire – who would that be and what would you ask her?

I would like to have lunch with Angela Basset.  This would be a 4hr lunch, and I want a casual conversation to understand the challenges she faced as a wife and a mother juggling success and the ability to discern true friendship. I want her to speak to me like a younger sister, punch me in my gut if necessary.

If you could wear the same hairstyle to work everyday, it would be?

The dreadlocks I have now.  Dreadlocks are inexpensive and give you versatility with natural hair.  I started my dreads in 2013, and it’s the best hair decision I’ve ever made.  I am also quite lazy when it comes to personal appearance, so I always choose the path of least resistance for hair and makeup.  I’ve never worn a wig in my life. Maybe, when I’m older and if I start balding. Wigs are just too much maintenance headache and they itch the wearer!!!

Your all time favorite book is..?

I do not have an all-time favorite book, just like I do not have an all-time favorite movie or song.  I love reading historical fiction or crime novels, addicted to James Bond movies, and I love reggae and Old School music.  I can listen to music for hours.  It’s my balm.  Reading is for the work-related plane rides I take every 2 weeks.

Raliat Abe is the 2019 winner of the TAMS  Nigeria’s Employee of the Year Award. Having worked her way up in the same organization in 9 years, she is a solid muse for women looking to make a lateral transition in their current organization.

What is your number one hack for dealing with difficult colleagues/bosses?

My number one hack will be to understand their point of view, what makes the issue/situation difficult and meet them at that point. In other words, using emotional intelligence to navigate the situation.

2 things you do when you are having a bad day?

Touch up my make up  and take pictures.

Spray a sweet fragrance.

When you are creatively stuck, you…?

Find someone to inspire with something I read or listened to.

2 tips for navigating office politics?

Have a good heart towards everyone at work.

Never act immediately on what you hear. Give every information time to dilute.

If you could have a lunch date with one woman you admire – who would that be and what would you ask her?

Ali Brown. I would ask her for a business strategy that can shift my business significantly.

If you could wear the same hairstyle to work everyday, it would be?

Ponytail.

Your all time favorite book is..?

My Vision by Muhammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Miracles Happen by Mary Kay Ash.

3 greatest lessons you have learned on your career journey?

Ensure the organization values aligns with yours or align yours with theirs.

Always be opened to new learnings.

Don’t quantify promotion by the number of years or hours at work but by the value you add.

About Raliat Abe

Raliat Abe is the 2019 winner of the TAMS  Nigeria’s Employee of the Year Award.

She is the Retail Operations Manager of House of Tara International responsible for overseeing the revenue,people and operational activities in twenty two branches within the country, and ensuring the achievement of sales targets and customer service standards in the company’s retail outlets. She has spent nine years in the company, having started as an Intern and risen through the ranks in different roles including Retail Artist, Training School Instructor, Branch Coordinator, and Regional Retail Manager supervising Northern branches.

Raliat was responsible for initiating three branches in Abuja and fostering the growth of Retail outlets in the Northern Region while also leading the region’s staff to exceed the regional sales target and also improve customer experience index in the Retail outlets. She has over the years built competences in Retail Marketing, Customer Experience Management, Product and Business Development, and People Management.

She is a recipient of the company’s Exceptional Leadership Award in 2017. Raliat is a graduate of French from the University of Jos, and an alumnus of The Enterprise Development Centre of Pan African University with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Management. She has attended trainings and earned professional certifications in Make-up Artistry both nationally and internationally including Certificate in Advanced Make-up by BTP 2015 in Atlanta, USA; Bridal & Photography Makeup training, Certificate in HD Airbrushing Make-up, and Advanced Certificate in Make-up Artistry by House of Tara International.

She was recently nominated as the most valuable employee in her Organisation, House of Tara International, a nomination which qualified her as a candidate for the TAMS Nigeria’s Employee of the Year Award.