Tell us about what a typical day looks like for you at the office?
Everyday, I go to the office expecting a high influx of customers with everyone single one of them having different personalities. And so, I mentally prepare myself on how to deal with these unique set of people giving everyone the due attention that they deserve. Also, there are no early closing days for me. We work and keep pushing till the last satisfied customer goes out of the door. Every day, I expect to see and meet something different from the previous day.
How has Cars45 helped you in your career development?
Working with Cars45 has helped me learn how to better manage people giving that on a daily basis, I meet different people with different personalities and character. I have learnt that the way you manage client A would be different from Customer B. And this has extended beyond the workplace and so when I meet people outside, I am seeking to understand them. Being a sociologist by training, it’s actually good for me and Cars45 has better helped me understand human behaviour and society.
What are 3 words you’d use to describe life at Cars45?
Challenging – This the very first job where so much would be placed on my shoulders – target-driven environment, the need to be very professional with every customer. But thankfully, with the help of my colleagues and Territory manager, when I miss the mark, they provide support for me to push harder.
Eye-Opening – I like cars and I thought that I knew a lot about them, but joining Cars45, I have seen that there is much to learn and know. My knowledge of cars has become refined such that when I am trying to work a seller down, they are usually surprised about what I know.
Inspiring – For me, I have been inspired and intrigued by the Cars45 idea and business model. I am like what was Etop thinking when he started the business. And this has given me a push because I love to meet innovative and creative people and I see myself flourish in an environment that encourages innovation and creativity. I mean, our decision to list SNBs is another manifestation of the brilliance that surrounds us. I’ll definitely take these learnings away when I become an entrepreneur some day.
Pretend you’re our CEO. What one concern about our future would keep you up at night?
That would be the competition. Soon or later, they are going to come. As such, one of my major concerns would be how to ensure that the business keeps going and growing. Irrespective of the competition, they’ll be no shut-down and I’ll make sure that I constantly surround myself with people that would help the sustenance and survival of the business.
Favourite memory from work?
This has got to be when I went to work at the Anthony Centre after we had just opened. I had this female customer who had come in one day in August to sell one Hyundai Elentra and I noticed that she was acting in a very funny way. After, the transaction was over, I later found out that she had been duped and the car was supposed to be a form of restitution. Long story short, her life was on a downward spiral and a mess. Somehow, my colleague and I, summoned up some courage to cheer her up and try to make her realize that she had a lot to live for. Today, it is gratifying to see her that she has now gotten her groove back and she is making progress with her life. Today, she remains glad that she came to our centre that day.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What colour would you be and why?
Black. Black goes with any other colour without so much stress. Black works.
What’s a fun fact about you that many people may not know?
I am actually not proud. Don’t know why people think otherwise though.
What three traits define you?
I am extremely caring, a go-getter and a crazy God-lover.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I’d be a chef and running my restaurant. I love the kitchen.
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
Outside Cars45, that would be my pastor, Opeyemi Adeoti and in Cars45, that would be Susan Jekeli.
