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6 Lessons on Work, Life and More From Inspiring Women
-International Women’s Day is a day when the world celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
At Nestoil, we believe in the capacity of a diverse and inclusive environment to empower people and communities forward. Our women and men are at the heart of our success and have been for over 30 years.
In honour of International Women’s Day 2022, two inspiring women share insights into their careers, life experience and more.
Nwamaka Onyemelukwe
Director, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, The Coca Cola Company
Nwamaka Onyemelukwe is a public policy expert with proven expertise in growing company profitability, overseeing strategic communication & leading high impact sustainable programmes.Hard Work Is Very Important
One of the biggest challenges I had to overcome when I started growing up in my career was the fear of failure. I had to quickly learn that I needed to develop myself and get equipped with the knowledge needed to take on the world. This is something we all have to figure out for ourselves. And then, figure out what to do about it. I got my first offer letter 9 months into my National Youth Service. This promotion wasn’t just luck; the company found I was diligent and hardworking enough to give me that higher role with a greater level of responsibility. It became very clear to me early on how rewarding hard work could be.
Be Brave Enough To Try New Adventures
After spending 9 years in pharmaceuticals, it became very clear that I needed to do something new. I wanted to try something new. The roles and experiences I had during these 9 years prepared me incredibly well to go out and explore a whole new world. As a young mother, this change was quite challenging, but I didn’t let that stop me. I never stopped dreaming and aspiring. My confidence opened doors for me and allowed me the opportunity to meet the right people who would help me succeed. It has been a two-way street as I have met other women that I have helped along the way. When you enable women, they become multipliers of economic resources.
Leverage Your Support System
Caring for your family and balancing your career means you need to have a support system. You need to find out what kind of system works for you and provide the resources to ensure it functions the way you need it to. It is okay if you are not able to attend all of your child’s school events. Don’t feel guilty; get your partner, family, friends and others involved. You need to make your child understand and make it up in those times when you are truly present.
Engr. Chichi Emenike
Head Gas and Gas Ventures, Neconde Energy
Engr. Chichi Emenike is the head of Gas & Gas Ventures at Neconde Energy, where she specialises in engineering, business development, project coordination and more.‘Focus on Your Focus’
Be more deliberate. Who are you? Where are you today? What are you doing to develop? For me, I laugh and play a lot, but when I am in certain settings, I get intentional about the conversations I have. At the end of the day, you have to learn what to do and at what time, whether you are in a professional or personal environment. How do you want to be understood? What kind of message do you want to be sending? While we all try to play and have fun with work, you also need to be sure that you have reasonable and respectful conversations. As women, we juggle a lot, but ultimately we must win.
Be an Inspiration to Others
Who are those you have around you? Who are you helping grow? Who is looking up to you? Who are you mentoring? How are you mentoring them? How are you making a difference in your own little spaces, in your churches, mosques and other social and professional groups? I have found that when you have accountability partners, you become a lot more conscious of how you behave and what you focus on. You won’t always be the smartest person in the room; even when you are, there is a lot you can learn when you sit back and take in what others have to say.
Regularly Appraise Yourself
Set out goals – think about everything from short-term to ideas that span your projected career path. And take out time regularly to appraise yourself. Are you doing as well as planned? If yes, amazing, keep going. If not, what can you do differently? What can you change? Ultimately, you are responsible for you: your skills, development, and other things will help you grow in your career and personal life. So, look inward, learn new things and see what you can do better. Getting this right will inspire more women and men and make them want to be in your space.
Nestoil is incredibly proud of women everywhere who are breaking the bias and inspiring the next generation. We celebrate them today and all year.
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