Oyindamola Ossi - My Biggest Challenge So Far Is Having So Many Great Ideas That Need Time to Be Executed (Founder - Career Ready Africa)

I would say I am a product of God's Grace. I have also had to work extra hard to attain every level of achievement I have attained. Nothing was handed to me, everything I am, I worked hard for it.

1. Tell us more about yourself and your journey.

My name is Oyindamola Ossi. I am a Global HR Professional with multicultural People Management experience across the Middle East and Africa. I studied Business Administration at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and had my MBA at Essex Business School, United Kingdom.

I started my career in HR over 10 years ago. I have developed and implemented innovative HR solutions to attract, develop and engage talents in a high-performing team to achieve business objectives.

I am the founder of "Career Ready Africa" and "Career Conversation Podcast". Through these various platforms, I am able to help young Talents see that they can build thriving global Careers regardless of their location, social status, or perceived dis-advantaged family background.

2. How did you rise up to your position and how can a student aspiring the same, approach it?

I would say I am a product of God's Grace. I have also had to work extra hard to attain every level of achievement I have attained. Nothing was handed to me, everything I am, I worked hard for it.

I would tell anyone aspiring to be a great achiever these words: sheer determination, hard/smart work, and belief. I will add, Identify what they want and work hard and smart to ensure their aspirations become their reality. I am a total optimist hence I believe everything is achievable, but one must be willing to put in the work required. 

3. How do you pursue yourself as a Career Development Strategist?

I want to live a life of impact. I did an audit of my strengths and I realize that at this season in my life, I can use my vase knowledge in career and people development to help others find themselves and step fully into their career purpose.

Being a Career Development Strategist gives me the opportunity to make an impact. I do this through my many initiatives. One of which is “Career Ready Africa”. At Career Ready Africa, we equip early and mid-level Talents with practical information that help them thrive in their career. Through the online platform, we share valuable career-related content that equips Talents with the tools needed to succeed, thrives in their career, and live wholesome lives.

This also keeps me on my toes, such that I'm always seeking ways to develop myself. I have come to realize that learning is a lifelong journey, and it's easier to impact others when you're also investing in yourself hence you will always find me learning something.

4. What have been some of your biggest challenges and learnings from what you do?

Challenges are what make life interesting. They give one an avenue to create solutions and pass the tests life brings our way. I would say my biggest challenge so far is having so many great ideas that need time to be executed. Because I always want to do my things excellently, I spend a good amount of time perfecting my ideas until I am confident it is time to share them with the world. 

5. Do you enjoy the kind of influence you hold at such a young age?

First, I love that I am able to influence myself to always be a better person. I also love that the influence I have is one that affects people positively. I have mentees who are doing beautifully well in their respective careers. I get messages from people I have never seen and might never meet who have benefited from the knowledge I share through my online platforms. I would boldly say I enjoy the kind of influence I hold.

6. What are the top skills that you have learned with what you do?

I have learned both soft skills and technical skills. In terms of soft skills, I have learned emotional Intelligence, critical thinking, communication, the art of effective negotiation, and teamwork. 

While the technical skills I have learned are: usage of diverse digital tools, (for example I record, edit and produce my podcast myself)  knowledge of e-commerce, data, and people analytics. 

7. How can we encourage more young students such as yourself to take up leadership roles?

I believe we can encourage young people by giving them a chance to lead and create an enabling environment where they can learn how to be better leaders. We should make them understand that leadership is about service. We should show them the importance of "Leaning in'' and going after opportunities. 

We should also let them know that self-development is key because it's better to lead when you're equipped for leadership. It's easier to pour from a cup that is full.

8. Do you have a message for parents to allow their kids to do things besides academics?

Yes, I do. There's more to life than academics. I will tell parents that it's important to expose their children to other aspects of life, especially in their formative years where it's much easier for them to grasp a lot of things. Let them learn how to express themselves. Let them learn how to speak other languages. Expose them to games and classes that can expand their minds. If you can, let them travel and know other places across the world. Basically, invest in knowledge that shapes your children in good ways that academics alone cannot. 

9. What did you do in your current role that makes you feel really proud of yourself?

In my current 9-5 role, my recent proud moment would be leading the talent acquisition of over 15 top talents in 12 countries worth over 500,000 USD.

While in my current role as the founder of Career Ready Africa, it would be connecting Talents to Career Opportunities and sharing information that helps them thrive and make better career decisions. 

Oyindamola Ossi - Global HR Professional | Founder, Career Ready Africa

Interviewed By: Nishad Kinhikar