Section 1.1: Learning from Experiences

Can you share the funniest or most intriguing incident from your career, along with the lesson you learned?

While this story wasn't particularly funny at the time, it turned out to be a valuable lesson. It was my first experience leading a team across different countries. I had an account manager in Ghana while I was overseeing the West African team from Nigeria. After sending a proposal to a client and receiving positive feedback, I felt confident about the deal. However, as time went on, the deal kept getting postponed, which raised my suspicions.

Determined to find out what was happening, I flew to Ghana for a face-to-face meeting with the client. Although the meeting went well, I still sensed something was amiss. A chat with a local contact revealed that our competitor had already secured the deal and was well into implementation. Notably, this information was not publicly available.

The next morning, I sat down with the account manager for an honest discussion, providing essential feedback. Together, we devised a new value proposition for the client. After several tough conversations with my manager, we eventually closed the deal six months later.

While it may not be a humorous story, it taught me invaluable lessons about leadership. I learned the significance of digging into the details, addressing difficult discussions, and leading proactively.

Subsection 1.1.1: Personal Insights

Section 1.2: Life Lessons

What is your favorite life lesson quote, and how has it been relevant in your life?

My favorite quote is: "Build the life you want from what you already have." This quote resonates deeply with me, and I’d like to share a personal story illustrating its significance.

In November 2022, I found myself utterly exhausted. I was constantly striving for more—more money, more projects, more promotions—and it took a toll on me. That’s when I realized I needed to reassess my priorities.

For the following three months, I engaged in self-reflection, focusing on what truly mattered: my wonderful family and friends, my faith, and the opportunities already at my fingertips.

During this period, I adopted the mantra "build the life I want from what I already have." This mindset transformed my perspective. Instead of perpetually chasing more, I began to appreciate the present and the resources I had.

This shift allowed me to become happier, calmer, and more fulfilled. I learned to truly value the blessings I already possessed, enabling me to build upon my existing foundation and enrich both my life and the lives of others.

This quote serves as a constant reminder for me to cherish the present and leverage the opportunities before me, paving the way for a life of impact.

Section 2.1: Current Projects

Are you working on any exciting projects currently?

Yes! We are gearing up to launch an innovative platform called Contestify in just a few weeks. This platform aims to transform how competitions are hosted and managed. Users will no longer need to navigate multiple sites to find the right competition; Contestify offers a streamlined experience for searching, registering, and submitting entries—all in one place.

Moreover, Contestify is not only for participants. If you are interested in hosting competitions, our platform provides the tools to simplify the process, allowing you to create engaging and inclusive experiences without the tedious manual work.

We believe Contestify will empower creators, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and connect with others who share similar interests. It’s all about cultivating a supportive community and elevating passions.

We eagerly anticipate the remarkable talent and creativity that will emerge from this platform.

Section 2.2: Giving Back to the Community

How have you utilized your success to contribute positively to society?

As the founder and executive director of The Jeremiah Foundation, I find immense fulfillment in our work with at-risk youth. We provide scholarships for secondary education, having awarded 450 scholarships to date. Witnessing these young individuals seize opportunities and build brighter futures fills me with joy.

Beyond scholarships, we offer no-interest business loans to the mothers of our recipients, many of whom face tough circumstances. Empowering these women to create better futures for themselves and their families is a cause I hold dear.

One heartwarming story exemplifies our impact. A child we supported once shared her embarrassment about reading in class without textbooks. Our foundation provided her with the necessary materials, transforming her academic experience. She became an active participant and eventually graduated at the top of her class. Now, she is thriving in her first year at university, and we take immense pride in her achievements.

Additionally, I run a quarterly virtual coaching program called Built for Balance (B4B), aimed at equipping individuals with effective strategies for productivity and personal growth. We cover various topics, including career advancement and business sales, while also offering a 'Growth Lab' for one-on-one mentoring. Another initiative, 'Cafe Napa,' provides free coaching sessions to help individuals address personal or business challenges.

Creating opportunities for others to thrive is at the heart of my mission, and I am honored to make a positive impact in people's lives.

Section 2.3: The Business Case for Diversity

Can you outline five ways increased diversity can positively affect a company's bottom line?

Certainly! Diversity significantly influences a company's financial performance in several ways:

1. Innovation and Problem-Solving: Diverse teams foster creativity and lead to better problem-solving. A study by the Boston Consulting Group found that companies with diverse management teams generated 19% higher revenue through innovation.
2. Expanded Market Reach: A diverse workforce mirrors a company’s customer base, enhancing connection and understanding. For instance, Starbucks' "Race Together" campaign aimed to address racial inequality and, despite some controversy, highlighted their commitment to diversity.
3. Employee Engagement and Retention: An inclusive environment where employees feel valued boosts engagement and reduces turnover. According to Glassdoor, 67% of job seekers consider diversity essential when choosing an employer. Salesforce exemplifies this with its successful diversity and inclusion initiatives.
4. Better Decision-Making: Diverse teams lead to more informed decisions. Cloverpop’s research indicates that gender-diverse teams are 73% more financially successful. P&G’s diversity-focused decision-making showcases this principle in action.
5. Enhanced Reputation and Brand Image: A company known for its commitment to diversity attracts top talent and garners respect from customers. Amazon has made strides in this area, setting goals for improved diversity across all levels.

What advice would you offer to business leaders to help their employees thrive?

To foster employee success, I recommend creating an inclusive culture where all individuals feel valued. Offer growth opportunities through training and mentorship, promote work-life balance, and cultivate a feedback-rich environment. Recognize employee contributions regularly to boost morale.

Leading by example—demonstrating integrity, empathy, and a strong work ethic—is paramount. By adhering to these principles, leaders can create an environment where employees are motivated and empowered to excel.

Section 2.4: Managing Large Teams

What strategies do you employ to manage large teams effectively?

Here are four key strategies I focus on when managing large teams across different geographical locations and time zones:

1. Strategic Perspective: Maintain a strategic viewpoint rather than getting lost in tactical details. Prioritize essential business metrics while understanding the necessary details for deeper insight.
2. Data-Driven Decisions: Avoid biases by relying on data to assess performance. It’s crucial to be aware of each team member's goals and progress.
3. Inclusive Communication: Implement communication channels that ensure everyone is heard, regardless of cultural differences and time zones. Schedule meetings at convenient times for all participants.
4. Effective Delegation: Understand each team member’s strengths and align tasks accordingly. Set clear expectations, encourage autonomy, and provide ongoing support to foster a positive delegation process.