Seun Ajila is a corporate leader and she currently serves on the Executive Management of Linkage Assurance plc as the Chief Internal Auditor. She is also an author a book the Diary of a Corporate Survivor, which portrays many of the struggles faced by the working-class in navigating the complexities of career progressions, mental sanity, and self-actualization. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she opens up on her experience, motivation, lessons learnt and recovery journey.
Tell us about your experience in the corporate sector?
It has been a very exciting journey of learning, relearning, growing, impacting and much more collaborating.
What inspired your book, ‘The Diary of a Corporate Survivor’?
The passion to write this book originally stemmed from my previous personal experience of a toxic job, which I had underestimated in various capacities and I did not realize the impact it had on my health and relationship. In my recovery journey, I came across diverse other survivors’ stories which I believe are too impactful and must constitute a compilation of ‘lessons learnt’ carefully put in a piece for humanity to leverage on in overcoming their career challenges.
What are some of the memorable moments in your career?
My transition from an Audit and Risk expert to emerging as the Managing Director/CEO in 2015 was quite phenomenal for me. Considering that my specialization is often perceived as conservatives and deal breakers, but my special interest in strategy and business development strategically spotted me for that role.
What are some of the challenges?
I do not think the challenges are peculiar to me. They are like what other corporate executives pass through on daily basis; work-life integration, keeping heads up as a woman in the corporate room, managing diverse stakeholders’ interest, delivering outstanding values for shareholders in the face of difficult business terrain and host of others.
What was the experience at the beginning?
Two things were key for me at the inception of my career, survival, and focus. I graduated from the university as an Orphan so, I did not have a luxury of being a liability on anyone. In addition to my bachelor’s degree, I pursued a professional designation which placed me under personal pressure and quest for more knowledge, skills, and experience to emerge into a better version of myself. I believe I could achieve whatever target I set for myself and I put in extra efforts in every task that I was assigned. These were the attitudes that shaped me.
What are some of the other things that motivate you on the job?
I have other things that motivated me, but I will say having fantastic role models to emulate and shape my career and life after is a key factor. I matched their strategies, articles, attend their speaking engagements and read their books. I however, allowed a margin for my distinctiveness that defines the real essence of me as an individual.
What advice do you have for Nigerian workforce now, looking at the Post COVID-19 experience?
In the present time, diversification is key. Diversification of career, income, and risk. You cannot survive post covid era as a mono skill professional, for example you can be an Accountant, but you need skills like data analytics, forensic, digital marketing, information security and others to really stand-out and remain competitive. A reference to page 63, paragraph 2 of my book, “The Diary of a Corporate Survivor” clarify that it is too harmful to grow too comfortable depending on single income and to stop experimenting other income streams. Professionals should take advantage of diverse platforms that the covid era has opened for virtual skill acquisition, virtual and flexi working and investment opportunities.
Tell us about your role models, people you admire in your career or in life?
I have over the years been influenced by the teachings and ethos of Dr. Cindy Trim, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika and Mrs. Toyin Sanni.
What are some of the principles that guide what you do?
I am a great believer of handwork, positivity, Integrity, collaboration, and mutual respect.
What are some of the things that you would like to do in future?
I am looking forward to having an NGO that finances and partner with vulnerable individuals trying to establish a commercial venture.
If you had to advise Nigerian Corporate youths starting their career, what would you tell them?
I will say that they should have a clear goal for themselves and should always give an extra effort on whatever assignments is given to them. Do not think that a task is too small for their rank. He who is diligent in small assignment, will be recommended for greater ones. Be ready to stoop to conquer.
How do you relax?
Tough one though, I recently developed a lifestyle of wellbeing and exercise. Like I stated on page 85, Paragraph 2 of my book “The Diary of a Corporate Survivor”, it is a worthy way of destressing and constant renewal of strength.
What will you describe as the turning point in your career?
The turning point in my career was when I took a much-deserved career break, it was a tough decision but I am glad I did because it was a defining moment in my career till date. It assisted me to realign my life goals, clarify my career objectives and see life from a wider spectrum.
What lessons has life taught you?
Do not make benefits the reason for choosing a job over another. Some things are more valuable than money when it comes to employment. At different stages of life, your needs are different. At some stage of life, you might trade making more money for more family time and peace of mind generally.
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