Leadership

7 Career Lessons Lagos Driving Will Teach You Faster Than Any MBA

Posted on by Lola Egboh

Key Takeaways

  • Stay focused, trust your judgment, and never let pressure push you into the wrong decisions.
  • The people you follow matter, so always choose guidance, leaders, and mentors with care.
  • Not every battle deserves your energy; wisdom is knowing when to push and when to let things go.

My daughter says I drive like a man. Like, what does that even mean? Do you have any idea what it takes to survive driving in Lagos? Madam, you may want to keep quiet there before I park this car and offload you to find your own way 😒.

Anyway.

As a military kid, I spent my growing-up years in different parts of Nigeria. Even though today my work takes me out of Nigeria frequently, Lagos has been home for most of the last 20 years or so. And if you’ve lived in Lagos, you know it’s not for the faint-hearted. In fact, Fisayo, my best friend from the University of Ibadan undergrad days, opted not to move to Lagos despite her husband working here.

Read More: Creativity Hack: Expose Yourself to More and Think Bigger

How To Navigate Your Career, Lagos-Driving Style

Lagos is better experienced than described. The melting pot of cultures, the hustle, the noise, the traffic… and the driving, which honestly deserves its own national award category. 

I know grown men and women who flat-out refuse to drive in Lagos; I mean, top executives who have conquered the business world. Because Lagos driving is not just driving. It is survival. Strategy. Psychology. Sometimes prayer. In between dodging potholes, calculating which danfo is about to cut in or where a keke might just appear from, and guessing whether that indicator actually means anything, you start to learn a few things from driving in Lagos.

Interestingly, many of those things translate neatly into career lessons. Here are 7 career lessons straight from navigating the streets of Lagos:

1. Never assume the other person has their act together

In Lagos, indicators lie. Drivers change lanes without warning. Someone can be cruising gently ahead of you and suddenly remember their grandmother lives on the next street.

Same thing at work: never assume everyone around you knows what they’re doing. Titles don’t equal competence. Seniority doesn’t always mean clarity. People are figuring things out on the go, just like you. Give yourself the freedom to ask questions, double-check, clarify, and build your own judgment.

2. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a wrong turn

There’s always that car behind you honking like your father owes them money. Ogbeni, ki lo de gangan? Mr, what exactly is the issue? But if you make a wrong turn just to “please” traffic, you will be the one looking for how to redirect yourself from some mysterious street. God help you if Google Maps chooses that day to have a tantrum and you are running behind schedule for a critical appointment.

Career-wise, pressure is also constant. Between deadlines, bosses, colleagues, and even your own expectations, there will always be things that keep breathing down your neck. However, decisions made in panic rarely end well. Pause. Breathe. Choose a direction you can live with, because you’re the one who will deal with the consequences, not the people shouting from the sidelines.

3. Follow who know road, but choose your “leaders” wisely

One of the greatest driving hacks in Lagos is to drive steadily behind someone who clearly knows the shortcuts. But follow the wrong person, and you may just find yourself in a one-way situation, praying for mercy and your vehicle papers from one traffic official or the other.

At work and in business, mentors matter. Role models matter. The people you pattern your career after can either accelerate your progress or derail you completely. Don’t follow popularity; rather, be intentional about following sense, integrity, and proven results.

4. There’s a time to be aggressive and a time to mellow.

Lagos driving can be a dance of controlled madness. If you’re too gentle, no one will let you into traffic. If you’re too aggressive, you’ll end up fighting someone in Ojota or getting your car damaged by some danfo driver who has nothing to offer you.

Same thing in your career.

Sometimes you need to speak up, push through, ask for that raise, or take that opportunity. And sometimes, the smart move is to relax, observe, and allow things to play out. Skill alone is never enough; you must also learn discretion, timing, and emotional intelligence.

5. Not every battle is worth fighting. Some battles cost too much

You can’t chase every car that annoyed you. You can’t argue with every danfo, keke or dispatch rider. You can’t descend to madness every time someone acts mad.

At work, not every disagreement deserves energy. Not every slight needs a reply. Not every challenge needs confrontation. Sometimes, peace is the real power, and you must learn to choose the battles that are truly worth fighting.

6. Know your route, but stay flexible

Even the most predictable Lagos roads can shock you with an unexpected roadblock, a broken-down trailer, or police checkpoint that appears from thin air. You must always plan for surprises that can spring up at any time.

Same for your career: have a plan, but hold it loosely. Opportunities shift. Industries change. Life happens. Adaptability is one of the most underrated professional skills.
 

7. Keep your eyes on the road, but also on your mirrors

In Lagos traffic, you must know what’s happening ahead, behind, and beside you, all at the same time. One careless second could land you at the panel beater’s workshop.

Work is like that too. Focus on your goals, yes. But also be aware of office dynamics, team changes, emerging risks, and new opportunities. This might feel like paranoia, but it actually isn’t. Awareness is an important survival skill.

Conclusion

Lagos driving may test your patience and your blood pressure, but it also teaches you a certain sharpness. If you pay attention, the same instincts that keep you alive on the road can help you thrive in your career. It’s about honing your ability to read people, adapt quickly, and move with intentional confidence.

My “More Value Marketing” Path: What, Why, and How

Posted on by Lola Egboh

Key Takeaways

  • Growth isn’t always about spending more, but optimizing what you already have for greater efficiency and return.
  • “More Value Marketing” is about doing smarter work and using the power of strategy, mentorship, and training to transform how teams think and perform.
  • Leveraging years of leading marketing and growth across industries, my results-driven consulting approach helps businesses scale sustainably.

I recently sent my professional profile to someone who had been referred to me by an acquaintance, and she apparently found it intriguing. She had some quite interesting questions about my “more value marketing” claim, and was curious to know how I arrived at that as my value proposition. 

Of course, I was flattered at the attention, given the calibre of person who was asking. But after we were done with the conversation and her questions were answered (for the moment, as she very cheekily put it😆), it occurred to me that this could actually be a fun topic to write about, sharing insights with my community about what “more value marketing” represents, and why I chose this as the cornerstone of my positioning.

Read More: Creativity Hack: Expose Yourself to More and Think Bigger

In the Beginning: How It Started

Before venturing into independent consulting after my time with Gibraltar-based Xapo Bank as global content manager, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what the next phase of my career should look like. I’d been privileged to work across multiple industries and continents, starting in the fast-paced boutique advertising agency Kore & Co, where I worked on some of Nigeria’s biggest FMCG, telco, and financial brands, including Airtel, Sparwasser, Nigerian-German Chemicals, Chapel Hill Denham etc. From there, I moved to trading firm Deriv, then on to pan-African oil and gas colossus Oando. It was then the turn of the banks, first global Standard Chartered Bank, then leading financial services group First City Monument Bank (FCMB), before eventually heading to Xapo Bank.

Growth Marketing and More: The Building Blocks To My Current Reality

Phewww!!! Even I know that was quite a bit of moving around there, but it was all worth it. Not only did I grow fast, but I also learnt a lot along the way. Each role taught me something new, not just about marketing or business strategy, but about people, systems, and how small decisions can make a really big impact. 

Interestingly, as the years went by and I took on more leadership responsibilities, it seemed like I had a knack for driving efficiency, not just in my own results, but even in budgets, teams, and partnerships as I took on managerial roles. 

So, when I reached a crossroad in my career and needed to decide on a path forward, this realization sparked a thought that wouldn’t go away: What if I could help more businesses get more value from their marketing? The more I thought about it, the more it just made the most sense. And just like that, More Value Marketing was born.

What “More Value Marketing” Really Means

To me, “more value” isn’t just a phrase that’s all fancy and catchy (even though I get feedback that it is just that 😁). It’s a mindset that never stops asking: How can we make every growth and marketing effort work harder, smarter, and longer?

Considering that today’s world is a budget-tight and noisy one for most brands, throwing more money at marketing problems isn’t always the answer. Getting more value from what you already have is. And that’s what I help businesses do.

I work with growth-focused organizations to improve efficiency and effectiveness across their growth and customer acquisition efforts. In many cases, this means stepping in as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) or Chief Growth Officer (CGO) to help teams find clarity, optimize processes, and scale impact without overspending.

Beyond Digital Marketing: How I Help Teams Win

Over the years, I’ve found that lasting growth is significantly influenced by three critical factors, and these have become the foundation of my consulting work:

  1. Strategy: Setting a clear, data-informed direction (offline or online) that aligns with both business goals and market realities.
  2. Mentorship: Coaching teams to think critically, make better decisions, and execute with confidence.
  3. Training: Equipping teams with practical, context-specific skills that drive real outcomes and not just theory.

I have consistently seen that when these three areas are combined correctly, teams can do more with the same or even less, cut waste, and drive measurable results.

Conclusion

When I take a look back through the years, it’s clear that every stop along my career path has led to this moment where I have the experience and expertise to help businesses unlock efficiency, scale sustainably, and build marketing systems that actually deliver.

If you’re looking to get more value from your marketing, whether through a sharper strategy, better execution, or stronger team capability, I would love to explore how we can work together to make that happen. Be sure to connect with me today.

The Power of Consistency: How Showing Up Can Be A Game-Changer

Posted on by Lola Egboh

The Power of Consistency: How Showing Up Can Be A Game-Changer

Key Takeaways

  • Reliability builds trust and opens doors to bigger opportunities.
  • Showing up regularly matters more than showing up perfectly.
  • A steady reputation beats occasional brilliance.

When people talk about consistency, it often sounds like a motivational poster. You know, those “aspire to perspire to inspire to perspire” type statements that pump you up to “Keep going!” or “Don’t quit!” What I have found over time, however, is that the magic of consistency isn’t about grinding harder, but building a reputation people can rely on.

Read More: What You Know Doesn’t Count, It’s What You Do With It

Think about it. Who do you trust more: the friend who always shows up when they say they will, or the one who’s always “five minutes away” but never arrives on time? Or is it the member of your team who always raises issues early enough to address them before they derail a project? Or the one who waits until the due date to start giving excuses? Reliability is rare, and that’s exactly why it’s so powerful.

Consistency = Reliability = Trust

Consistency creates trust, and trust is the currency that gets you opportunities. At work, in business, or even in relationships with family and friends, showing up consistently tells people they can count on you:

  • As an entrepreneur, it means your clients don’t wonder if you’ll deliver, because they know you will.
  • As a career professional, it means your boss or team can hand you bigger responsibilities without having to check, check, and check again.
  • As a person, it means your word actually means something.
     

Want to Grow? Show Up.  

I once consulted for an e-commerce startup where the seemingly most brilliant staff was also the least reliable. Let’s call her Mary. Mary’s ideas were really great and she always had something new to suggest, but she never followed through. Not even on her “business as usual” tasks. There was always an excuse, a reason why a task was not done. 

Meanwhile, there was another less vocal lady on the team, let’s call her Janet, who always went above and beyond to deliver on her tasks. I recall a particular instance where the company was dealing with severe service delays due to a logistics issue that affected hundreds of orders. Janet not only worked through her own work, she mobilized the rest of the team. Over time, slowly became the one everyone leaned on. Guess who ended up being a supervisor when a new role opened? Yep, Janet. Because reliability beats brilliance, any time, any day.

Conclusion

The world is full of people who start strong and fizzle out. If you want to stand out, be the person who follows through. Show up when you say you will. Deliver even on the things that seem small. 

Consistency doesn’t mean you’re perfect or that you never mess up. It means you keep showing up in your work, in your commitments, and in how you treat people. Over time, that’s what builds your reputation. And once people see you as reliable, more doors of opportunity open for you, bringing with it more trust, more responsibility, and more rewards. 

Keeping to Time Is Not a Superpower: Here’s How Anyone Can Do It

Posted on by Lola Egboh

Key Takeaways

  • Time management is a learnable skill, not a special talent.
  • Simple habits like adding buffers and prepping early make a real difference.
  • Being on time builds trust, reduces stress, and gives you breathing room.

Read More: Life as a Digital Marketing Consultant: The Good, The Great, and The Surprises

One thing people say a lot about me is: “You’re so good with time!” or “When I saw you’re the one leading the prayers, I knew we would finish on time”. I hear it so often, you’d think I have some hidden talent for bending the clock.  

Not to be falsely modest or anything, even I know that I’m a star when it comes to being punctual (if I dare say so myself 😎) – I start meetings on time (so long as it’s my meeting, I always say). I wrap things up ahead of schedule. And yes, I tend to deliver work faster than expected. People notice, and they often say it like I was born with this magic skill.  

The honest truth is that there’s no magic here. No hidden talent, no superpower, no secret formula that only a few of us know. Keeping to time is a skill, and like any other skill, it can be learnt by anyone. And once you do, it changes everything.  

Here’s how I see it.

Punctuality Is Not About Being Gifted  

I think there’s this idea that some people are just “naturally punctual.” Like they popped out of the womb already five minutes early for life.  Abegi! That’s not the case.  

I wasn’t always like this. Early on in my life, the “African time” bug bit me, too. Not just showing up late at meetings, but scrambling to finish tasks, and feeling like there just weren’t enough hours in the day. It was stressful and, honestly, I personally found it very embarrassing. Even though everyone around seemed to think it was normal (after all, surviving Lagos stress every day is worth an Olympic gold medal), I wasn’t comfortable with that type of lifestyle.

What turned things around for me was a simple realisation: managing time well is about choices, not talent. Choices like preparing ahead, being realistic about how long things take, and the big one — respecting not just my time, but everyone else’s too.

It Starts With Mindset

Time is a finite resource; no matter how much money you have, you can never get time back once you’ve lost it. It’s also never just about you, because time is a shared resource in many cases. 

When you’re late or miss deadlines, it doesn’t just impact you. It slows things down for your team, your clients, and anyone relying on you. But when you’re on time, things flow better. Everyone feels a bit less stressed.  

It’s not about being rigid or living by the stopwatch. It’s about being intentional.  

You plan a little better because you see time as something worth guarding. And once you start thinking like that, you naturally begin to manage it better.

Small Habits That Make A Big Difference

Now, you might be wondering — how exactly do you do this?  How do you master your time to the point that people think you have one secret sauce that you have refused to share with the rest of the world?

Here’s what’s worked for me (and no, it doesn’t require a productivity coach or fancy tools):

  1. Define a clear start and finish time: Every meeting I host has a clearly defined start and finish time. This might seem like a small thing until you consider how some meetings just seem to take on a life of their own and drag on endlessly. I find that setting an agenda in advance and sharing important pre-reads can make a big difference. This applies to work, as well, as I set precise time blocks for working on tasks to ensure I can use my time in the most efficient and productive manner.
  1. Add buffer time: I aim to be ready at least 20 minutes before anything starts. That way, even if there’s a hiccup, I’m still on track. I remember I was once the host at an awards event, and I had a wardrobe malfunction just as I was about to step out of home! I had to dash back and do some nicks and tucks on the outfit (thank God for Home Economics back in the day!), which was only possible because I had built in adequate buffer time 
  1. Break- and write things down: I don’t try to do everything at once. I work in small, focused time blocks. I also write things down as I move along my day, setting alarms, putting entries in my calendar, and making notes of things needing attention. All of these keep me moving steadily without feeling overwhelmed or losing track of what I need to get donw, when. 
  1. Prep the night before: Before I end my day, I glance at my calendar for the next day to know what’s coming. Sometimes, I see I would need to get up earlier than usual to close out on something before a meeting or schedule a quick meeting before another one holds. Prepping the night before gives me a head start, and I sleep better knowing I’m ready.
  1. Aim to finish early: This is still work in progress, even for me, but if a deadline is Friday, I work towards finishing it up by Thursday at most. It gives me breathing space, and I’m not panicking at the last minute. This also impacts the quality of your work, because you have time to look things over and make any edits that might be needed. 

Conclusion: The Payoff? It’s Worth It

Once you get into the habit of keeping to time, people start trusting you more. Deadlines stop feeling like panic moments, and meetings don’t drag on endlessly.  More than that, you feel more in control of your day. You’re not rushing or constantly apologising for running late. You actually have time to breathe, think, and even enjoy your work a bit more.  

It’s not about being perfect. It’s just about being intentional and respectful with your time, and you’ll be amazed at how far that gets you.

Executive Positioning 101: How to Align Personal and Company Branding for a Strong Debut

Posted on by Lola Egboh

Key Takeaways

  • Act quickly and ensure profiles are updated as soon as announcements are made.
  • Align messaging and balance personal voice with the company’s core values.
  • Post strategic content that engages the audience and reflects the leader’s priorities.

Read More: Are You Buying What You Are Selling?

A few days ago, an interesting pattern caught my attention, speaking volumes about executive transitions and the importance of positioning. Two major players in Nigeria’s microfinance space made big announcements: one welcomed a new CEO, the other a CFO. Both executives were from top tier players in the commercial banking space, who were not only celebrated for their accomplishments, but had LinkedIn buzzing with congratulatory messages. But there was one thing missing: in both cases, at the time of the public announcement, the LinkedIn profiles of these senior executives still reflected their old roles at their previous companies. It was a subtle oversight, but one that raised important lessons.

In today’s world of rapid leadership changes, this kind of delay might seem small, but it speaks volumes. Why? Because first impressions are everything. For new executives, aligning their personal brand with their company’s identity from day one can shape how they’re perceived, not only by stakeholders but by employees, competitors, and even potential partners.

Marketing Teams and Why Consistency is Crucial

Imagine being the new face of a company but still having your old title and affiliations on display. It’s like showing up to an event as the keynote speaker but wearing a name tag from a past job. The details matter. When executives don’t update their profiles quickly, it signals that either they or the company didn’t prioritise their digital debut. And in today’s digital age, people notice.

The gap between a company announcement and an executive’s updated profile highlights a core principle: consistency in branding isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Executives should take charge of their narratives by making sure their digital presence aligns with their new role immediately. This shows they’re engaged, committed, and ready to lead.

A Smooth Transition: How to Get It Right

So, what does it look like to get executive positioning right? It starts with a simple yet impactful step: update all professional platforms as soon as the announcement is public. This includes LinkedIn, personal websites, and professional bios. The new role should be front and centre, reinforced by posts that highlight excitement and forward-looking visions.

But it doesn’t stop there. A newly appointed leader should echo the company’s voice while still staying true to their own. If a company stands for reliability and stability, the leader’s initial posts should resonate with that message. Conversely, if the company prides itself on innovation, the executive should lean into their dynamic ideas.

Conclusion

A strong debut in a new senior role isn’t just an announcement; it’s an opportunity to align, connect, and lead with impact. So, next time you or your company celebrates a new chapter, remember that the digital story you tell is just as important as the role itself.

Conquering the fail of failure as a social media manager

If He Fails, The World Will End.

Posted on by Lola Egboh

A few days ago, I had a conversation with a member of my client’s team about a task he had been assigned. As a marketing consultant, I’d been working with the team for a few weeks already, with the goal to enhance the output and efficiency of their social media marketing.

Anyway, back to my conversation with this gentleman, who we will refer to as Edward. I found that in our brainstorming meetings and sessions, Edward had some of the most creative ideas. He also had a really engaging approach to community management. However, whenever he was directly assigned a task to execute, he seemed to default to the “tried and trusted” ways of doing things.

Now, this was a major issue. Because the usual ways of doing things were not delivering the desired results. Key performance metrics were low and falling; engagement was less than 0.35%, social traffic to the company’s site was non-existent, even content reach was nothing to write home about.

The question was: why was Edward’s brilliance in brainstorming sessions not translating into brilliance in reality? It turned out, Edward was afraid to fail. He had convinced himself that the consequences of trying and not succeeding were too dire. If he failed, the world would end.

Conquering the fail of failure as a social media manager

The Fear of Failure: How It Affects Social Media Marketing

Fear of failing is a common challenge in social media marketing, where the pressure to deliver impactful content and achieve measurable results can be intense. Here was Edward dealing with the day-to-day challenges of Lagos living, and suddenly finding these significant expectations of transforming social media performance placed on his shoulders. Where to start from? What if things didn’t go as planned? What if his ideas were just great in a room full of people but were actually crap when executed? How would he cope if he became a laughingstock? The fear of failure had become Edward’s BFF!

Conquering the Fear of Failure in Social Media Marketing

The fear of failure is natural and quite commonplace, especially in a country like Nigeria where a lot of companies do not understand the concept of psychological safety and how this is an important contributor to high-performing teams.

Here are some strategies to tackle this fear:

  • Identify the Source: Pinpoint specific fears, which could include negative feedback, wasting budget or causing harm to the brand reputation.
  • Adopt a Growth Mindset: Accept failure as part of the learning process, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Nobody became a master of anything from the first day. Rather than see failure as a death knell, view it as an opportunity to learn and improve.
  • Start Small and Define Clear Goals: Launch smaller campaigns to build confidence and learn. Ensure you define clear and realistic goals, and track performance as you execute.
  • Research, Analyze and Test: Understand your audience through thorough market research. Compare different content versions and conduct A/B tests to determine what works best for your audience.
  • Embrace Feedback and Collaboration: Feedback from the audience and even members of your team can be invaluable. Use feedback constructively to improve strategies. Seek advice and collaborate with experienced members of the team, a mentor or even other professionals around you.
  • Continuous Learning: Nothing helps you stay in the game stronger and more confidently than being up to date with industry knowledge. Keep up with trends and developments in the social media marketing space, read credible blogs, join communities and soak up the right information.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you work in one of the top social media marketing companies in Nigeria or elsewhere, or are an in-house social media manager. The reality is that there are so many challenges social media managers face on a day-to-day basis. The fear of failure is real and hits even the best social media managers. Implementing the strategies outlines above can help to mitigate the fear of failing and build a more confident approach to social media marketing. Never forget that, regardless of its outcome, each effort contributes to overall learning, growth and success.

Dear Nigerian Employer, Psychological Safety Is A Thing. And It Matters

Posted on by Lola Egboh

Ever wondered why some teams seem to effortlessly hit their targets, while others struggle? It’s not always just about talent or resources; there is a not so little thing called “psychological safety” that can impact team performance in a major way. From my interactions with clients in Nigeria, psychological safety is not a concept that seems to be commonly taken into account in aiming for better performing teams. That’s a pity, really, given how much of a difference it can make.

What is Psychological Safety?

Imagine a work environment where you can speak your mind without fear of judgement or retaliation. That’s psychological safety in a nutshell. It’s about feeling safe to take risks, ask questions, and share ideas. Of course, in many Nigerian workplaces, this still seems very alien. Hierarchical structures and cultural norms around age, authority and even influence can make it challenging for employees to be heard. 

Building Trust and Loyalty

Trust is the foundation of any high-performing team. Psychological safety fosters an environment of trust where employees feel respected and valued. This can be a great way to increase loyalty and retention, as team members are more likely to stay with a company where they feel secure and supported. 

Boosting Innovation and Creativity

In a workplace where employees feel psychologically safe, creativity flourishes. Team members aren’t afraid to propose bold ideas or challenge the status quo. This is particularly important in the fast-evolving business landscape in Nigeria today, where innovation can set a company apart. When everyone feels their voice matters, brilliant ideas emerge, and problem-solving becomes a collective effort.

Enhancing Team Collaboration

Have you ever been in a meeting where only a few people dominate the conversation? When I worked in Nigerian companies, that was usually the case more often than not. However, when a company deliberately builds psychological safety, it ensures everyone has a chance to contribute. This inclusiveness leads to better decision-making and a stronger sense of team cohesion. When team members know their input is valued, they are more engaged and motivated to work towards common goals.

Reducing Stress and Burnout

Living in Nigeria is no joke! Lagos stress alone is on another level, from traffic jams to fuel queues to bad roads. You now add workplace stress to it? Ahhh, It’s plenty! However, a psychologically safe environment can mitigate its impact. When employees are not worried about making mistakes or being unfairly criticised, their stress levels decrease. This not only improves individual well-being but also reduces burnout, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction.

How Can Companies Foster Psychological Safety?

“Omode gbon, agba gbon, lafi da ile ife” is one of my favourite Yoruba sayings. It translates to “the wisdom of the young ones and the wisdom of the elders led to the establishment of Ile Ife”. Basically, this saying encourages both the old and young to contribute their wisdom. The only way the wisdom of the young could have contributed to establishing the great Ile Ife, is if their voice was heard.

Psychological safety in any team starts with open communication. Encourage feedback, actively listen to concerns, and create a culture where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures. It’s also key for leaders to model vulnerability and show that it’s okay to be human. Prioritising psychological safety can help more companies in Nigeria unlock the full potential of their teams. 

Get your people out of the “us versus them” mode, and see innovation, collaboration and success grow. 

ACAMB: Lessons Learned From 6 Years of Service and Leadership

Posted on by Lola Egboh

This past Wednesday, the 24th of January, marked a significant transition for the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), the umbrella body for marketing and communications practitioners in Nigeria’s banking industry. The newly elected executive committee was sworn in, bringing an end to the tenure of the immediate past EXCO, where I served as the 2nd Vice President. This brings to a close six years of service and leadership, first as Financial Secretary for four years in the Charles Aigbe-led EXCO, and as 2nd Vice President in the Rasheed Bolarinwa-led EXCO.

As I reflect on this journey, I realize how much I have learned and grown being a member of the ACAMB EXCO. Here are some key takeaways from my time with ACAMB.

The Power of Leadership

Leadership matters. When Rasheed Bolarinwa took the helm as President, his passion and enthusiasm were contagious. He inspired both the EXCO and the members to be active and engaged. His leadership style was not just about giving directions but about motivating others. Indeed, a great leader doesn’t just manage but inspires and energizes the team.

The Importance of Community

Being part of ACAMB was more than just a professional obligation, it was about community. . We shared ideas, supported each other, and worked towards comman agendas that affect the reputation of banks in Nigeria. I also forged great personal relationships with other EXCO and Associatiion members in the process. It was a powerful reminder that we achieve more when we work together. 

Lessons in Service

My time at ACAMB further reiterated to me the value of service. Serving as the 2nd Vice President and, before that, as the financial secretary for four years (two terms of two years each) was fulfilling. It was about contributing to something bigger than myself. Was it tasking? Yes. Was it challenging to juggle this alongside all other work and personal commitments? Absolutely! But, it was all worth it. This experience taught me that service is not just about the work you do but the impact you make on others and the legacy you leave behind.

Moving Forward

Though I chose not to run for a second term as 2nd Vice President, as Nigeria’s banking industry is no longer my core professional area, I have been selected as an Ex-Officio of the Association. This means I will continue to serve ACAMB in some capacity for the years to come. Regardless, I carry with me the invaluable lessons and memories from my time with ACAMB and know that those lessons will always stay with me.  

To the new ACAMB EXCO, I wish you all the best. Lead with passion, nurture the community, and serve with dedication. The future is, indeed, very bright! Long live ACAMB!!