ON WORK ETHIC, SERVANT LEADERSHIP, AND THE POWER OF COMMUNITY…

Project InspireMe; TBSS, with Gloria

This episode has been somewhat overdue (such goodness, taking up space in our archives, lol), yet a special one to us, featuring one of our very own. To be honest, it was all shades of inspiring and fun, putting the conversation together. We super loved how real our guest was with us. It’s rare for such to come by these days…

Anyways, it’s amazing how life provides a series of experiences that serve as growth, insight and wisdom. We do hope reading through leaves you inspired and spurred to keep those dreams of yours, alive. Let’s dig into the main course, even though the appetizer is… (never mind) *chuckles*

Gloria seems an interesting person, can we meet you?

Yeah, I’m interesting. Introverted but interesting. I love listening to music, singing (just when I’m alone or happy), going on YouTube to learn things, and just hanging out when I get the time to.

Let’s talk about the values and principles you won’t compromise for anything in the world… Also, a fun fact about you people hardly know of.

One thing I’ll never compromise is my work ethic. If I tell you this thing will be done by Monday, it will. I love people to trust me. If there’s going to be a reason I won’t deliver, I’ll say so. So I’m very particular about meeting deadlines and delivering quality work.

Fun fact most people don’t know, hmmm, I have a short attention span. Once anything gets too long, I start checking my watch (I’m almost always with one) or I check my phone if I’m not really at a serious place.

A Biochemistry graduate who (according to your profile) “…loves Blockchain and voraciously devouring it at the moment.” Well, that sounds really fascinating. A member of the Project InspireMe team joked about the only relationship between Biochemistry and Blockchain being the letter B, which was kind of funny. However, on a serious note, when and how did it happen? And, what brought Blockchain into the equation?

That’s hilarious, really. Lol!

Well, it was during the lockdown that I was stuck with my phone, I heard people talk about crypto and the nice returns it gives. I mean, I tried other things and I lost money but I said to myself, “this time Gloria, you’ll have to take your time to understand crypto and block chain first…” Today, I’m a mentor!

That’s really great to hear… You made a post about you thinking (while you were still young) that leadership was all fun, crossing of legs and telling people what to do, while living the life. You know, a couple of people would relate to that thought, but wouldn’t dare mention that in a public post. In between, love that you were open and vulnerable about it. So tell us, what Gloria currently thinks leadership is all about, having led a group or groups of people.

Okay, first, thanks for engaging the post. I really appreciate that. I’m not consistent with my LinkedIn yet, but I believe I should show different sides of my personality, not just about my wins or work. Well, leadership is service really. You are serving others even though it’s like you’re on top. You can’t just make brash decisions even when angry. You have to check up on your team members. You have to constantly think of ways to improve stuff, so yeah, leadership is service.

Some students believe that engaging in extracurricular activities and academics are mutually exclusive such that engaging in one affects their ability to deliver in the other, while on campus? What do you have to say about this? Also, at what point did the whole writing, online content creation, social media communication/management et al come into play? Was it while you were schooling, or after?

Well I, wish I had more extracurricular activities in school, but I was (still am) a reserved chill person. But there is always a balance, like you can’t just be book, book o. Find something you like on your campus and do. It could be a sport you’ve been admiring or creating content, or just taking nice pictures of your school. Anything!

Let’s talk about your new role at the Student Personal Development Hub (SPDH) and how the ride has been so far…

I joined the hub as a content associate in September 2020 and by March 2021, I was promoted to head of corporate communications. It was surreal. I felt so much joy because this was something I loved. It’s more responsibility, more work. It hasn’t been easy managing people but overall, we’re doing well as a team and, I have the best team because everyone is always eager to contribute and add that spark of creativity. What would I do without my team? I love them.

Pretty sure your teammates would feel so honoured reading through the last few lines… The feeling is so palpable… Onto the next question, but first let’s drop this. Gloria is a proud member of the SPDH closed community. How has the hub contributed to your personal development journey?

Joining the hub has been one of the best decisions I made. I read more now. Previously, I always made excuses for myself about why I don’t read but, the community reignited that fire. I also have the confidence to apply for internships and programs. I mean, I see members of the community celebrating internships they landed, and I’m like, “wait, I can do this too!” And of course, so many driven people are always ready to share tips every time, to help you be better.

That’s amazingly awesome! You juggle quite a lot of roles. With clients’ work + deadlines, volunteering and all, you should be a PRO at managing your time. Our bet is that you make use of a TO-DO list, right? Do you mind sharing any time management tip that works for you…

Lol, I won’t say I’m a pro at managing my time yet. There are times I just want to watch comedy skits and lazy around. But yes, I use a to-do list and focus mode on my phone. Sometimes when I have tight deadlines I don’t work with a list, I just do the most pressing things first. But normally, I have a to-do list every day, and I prepare it the day before so, when I sleep, I know what I have to do the next day. And so far, so good…

…it’s been working out, right?

Yeah

Any advice for undergraduate scholars in the varsity?

Good grades are important. Very important. This is the only chance you have to get a good CGPA. Ace it! And talk to a lot of people. If you’re introverted, just try. I don’t want to call it networking so it doesn’t sound inorganic. But try to build organic relationships with a lot of people, it would help later on.

There isn’t any need for dessert, is there? The main course (we dare say) left you quite full… Yes! Quite full of nuggets to meditate on. In The Tyranny of E-mail, John Freeman says, “Attention is one of the most valuable modern resources…” It’s of utmost importance that you focus your attention on shaping yourself to be better, while you’re young; building competence; sharpening those skills of yours; leveraging on networking et al. Ultimately, to be a person of immense value.

Thanks for sticking around. Till when next we come your way, stay glued to our social media platforms…