This morning, I had a conversation with a colleague at work. He shared 3 things his former boss told him. He said they have been the foundation of his career. First: People might not like you but never give them the opportunity to say you don’t know your job. Second: You are too young for […]
We had a deadline. An impossible one. Turn around the branch in 30 days or get fired. The countdown had started. I was a Team Lead and I saw the pains in the eyes of my Branch Manager. We had to do all we could to meet the deadline. We ran all over town, trying
#21Lessonsin21years: Find A Way To Connect To A Source Greater Than You (1) Read More »
Exactly 21 years ago, I started my career in banking. That’s was May 30, 2000. I was 25 years and a graduate of mechanical engineering. I was scared because I didn’t know what the future held. I have worked for 7 financial institutions and across various units and locations. I have been a teller (cashier),
21 Years of Fulfilment Read More »
As I stepped into the building, I took note of every single detail. How did the lady at the reception receive me? How did the staff relate? I looked out for those I assumed to be senior; how did they relate to their subordinates? What’s the culture like? When it was my turn to be
Interview: A Two-Way Street Read More »
The telephone rang. It was a most unusual caller with a more unusual plea. The President of his nation was on the line. ‘Please come out of retirement and join the national team again’, Paul Biya, the President of Cameroun said. It was 1990 and the man was Roger Milla. Roger made his first appearance
The Player Who Beat His Own Record Read More »
Who do you allow to lead a country- a man who is an economic wizard and has been trained at the most prestigious universities but with very insignificant interpersonal skills and other soft skills or a man who is average in intellect but has outstanding interpersonal skills and is recognized as a bridge builder? I
Leadership: When Brilliance Is Not Enough Read More »
The best time to start thinking about your retirement is before the boss does”- Anonymous Your career will end one day, regardless of how lucrative it is. You can quit, you can retire, or you can be fired. I’ve seen exceptional talents being asked to leave and I’ve had very difficult career conversations with staff
Have a Plan B; Career Lessons Read More »
On Thursday, I tried to reach one of my colleagues at work. I had an urgent message to pass across to him. His line was switched off. I was upset because it was 8.30am and considering his role, I just couldn’t fathom that his line would be switched off at that time. I sent him
Mourning With Those Who Mourn Read More »
France has built a 1,000km solar road where cars drive on solar panels but we can’t even finish reconstructing Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The Minister of Youths and Sports is just a reflection of the average Nigerian youth.
Angry Letter To The Nigerian Youth (5): Our National Destiny Lies In Your Hands Read More »
Dear Nigerian Youth, Twice this week, God spoke to you but you were deaf. You missed the message totally. Not only did you miss the message, you put up the twin messengers on the cross and you are dealing them the worst kind of blows. In your follow-the-herd mentality that has afflicted your generation, you
Angry Letter To The Nigerian Youth (4): Please Marry A Lazy Woman Read More »