Careers

AI has changed how we work, think, and even hire. It’s brilliant at handling data, automating tasks, and saving time. But even at its best, AI can’t do what makes us human.

I've always been someone who sets big goals in my career - landing that promotion, switching to a dream role, or building a side hustle that takes off. But more often than not, those ambitious targets left me feeling stuck and doubting myself. It wasn't until I started focusing on tiny, everyday achievements that things shifted. Confidence didn't come from overnight success; it built up through these small daily wins, like stacking bricks to form a sturdy wall. In the high-stakes world of work, where rejections and deadlines can chip away at your self-assurance, embracing this approach has been a game-changer for me and many others I've mentored.

I've lost track of the number of times I've stared at a blank screen, deadline looming, knowing I need to update my resume or prepare for that promotion interview, but instead I scroll through endless feeds or reorganize my desk. Procrastination isn't just a bad habit - it's a universal hurdle that can stall careers before they even gain momentum. In the fast-paced world of work, where opportunities come and go quickly, understanding the psychology behind why we put things off can be the key to pushing forward.

I've spent a good chunk of my career bouncing between the familiar and the unknown. Early on, I stuck to one role in marketing for years, tweaking campaigns and perfecting reports that felt second nature. It was comfortable, almost cozy. But then came the nudge to pivot into content strategy, a field that demanded new skills and exposed me to uncertainties I hadn't anticipated. That shift wasn't easy, but it opened doors I didn't know existed. It's made me think a lot about the comfort zone - that psychological bubble where things feel predictable and safe. In our careers, it's both a steadfast ally and a subtle saboteur.

I've spent years climbing the career ladder in tech startups here in Lagos, and one of the hardest lessons I've learned is how to say no without that nagging guilt creeping in. Early on, I was the yes-man - taking on every project, every extra meeting, every last-minute favor from colleagues. It felt like the path to success, right? Show you're a team player, prove your dedication. But it left me burned out, resentful, and honestly, less effective at the work that mattered. Saying no isn't about being difficult; it's about protecting your time and energy in a world that demands too much.

I've spent years jumping between jobs that looked good on paper but left me feeling empty. In my early thirties, after another round of burnout at a tech startup, I realized I needed something to anchor my career choices. That's when I stumbled upon the idea of a personal mission statement. Not the fluffy corporate version, but something raw and personal that actually guided my decisions. It changed how I approached work, and I suspect it could do the same for you if done right.

I've always been fascinated by how people structure their days, especially in high-stakes careers where every hour counts. In my years as a career coach working with professionals in Lagos' bustling tech scene and beyond, I've seen ambitious folks pour endless energy into evening networking events, late-night planning sessions, or unwinding with Netflix marathons. They chase the perfect evening routine like it's the key to success. But here's the thing I've come to believe after countless conversations and my own trial-and-error: your morning routine sets the trajectory for your entire career far more than whatever you do after the sun goes down.

I've set a lot of goals in my career, from landing that first promotion to building a side hustle that actually pays off. Like most people, I started with the SMART framework - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. It's everywhere in career advice: books, workshops, even your boss's annual review template. And it makes sense on paper. Who wouldn't want goals that are crystal clear and trackable? But over time, I realized SMART isn't always the magic bullet it's cracked up to be, especially in the messy, unpredictable world of work.

I've spent over a decade navigating the ups and downs of corporate jobs in Lagos, and one thing stands out: boundaries aren't just nice-to-haves - they're survival tools. But here's the catch - most people I know set boundaries that crumble the first time their boss shoots a late-night email or a colleague dumps extra work on their desk. It's frustrating because we all want that balance, yet it slips away like sand through our fingers. What if the problem isn't the boundaries themselves, but how we build and maintain them? In my experience, effective boundaries come from understanding the subtle dynamics of workplace power and personal energy, not just declaring 'no more after 6 PM.'

I've spent years in various roles across tech and consulting, and one thing that's surprised me is how often the best ideas sink or swim based on how they're told, not just what they are. In meetings, pitches, or even casual chats with colleagues, the person who weaves a compelling narrative usually wins the day. It's not about being dramatic or fictional - it's about making complex information stick in someone's mind. Storytelling turns dry facts into something memorable, and in a career, that can make all the difference.