Name: Blessing Omolu

Title: General Manager

Organisation: E.U. OTON & CO LIMITED

Blessing Omolu, a General Manager at E. U. Oton & Co Limited, is a seasoned professional passionate about ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in the food and water industries. With over six years of experience in the field, Blessing is a dedicated food scientist and operations leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Driven by a mission to elevate industry standards and drive positive change, Blessing holds an ISO 9001 certification in quality management systems and has completed numerous courses in food allergy, intolerance, and business best practices.

Their core competencies include strategic leadership, quality assurance, talent development, business development, product development, production facilities development, operational excellence, and regulatory adherence.

Throughout their career, Blessing has spearheaded and contributed to several successful initiatives that have resulted in increased market presence, revenue streams, capacity, and efficiency. They have also played a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with key industry standards such as NAFDAC, HACCP, GMP, and MOE, and have organized employee workshops to enhance training in quality management and safety.

Passionate about making a meaningful impact on the food and water industries, Blessing is constantly driven by excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. They are always eager to explore new opportunities, collaborate on ventures, and embark on a journey towards quality and success. With a proven track record of success and a genuine desire to drive positive change, Blessing Omolu is a leader to watch in the field of food and water industries.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Blessing's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader, one of the most challenging aspects I have encountered is navigating through complex situations. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and as a leader, it is crucial to adapt and make informed decisions amidst uncertainty. Balancing multiple priorities, managing diverse teams, and fostering collaboration can also present challenges. However, I believe that these challenges provide valuable opportunities for growth and learning, pushing me to constantly improve my leadership skills and develop innovative strategies to overcome obstacles.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey toward becoming a leader began with a deep passion for excellence and a drive to make a meaningful impact in the food and water industries. After acquiring my degree in Food Science and Technology, I had the privilege to serve my country through the National Youth Service Corps, where I was posted to serve with NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control ).

During my time with NAFDAC, I learned so much from Industry experts and Professionals, this made me realize the importance of mentorship. Thereafter, I started my career as a food scientist and operations professional, focusing on quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Through my dedication and hard work, I quickly gained expertise in various areas, including strategic leadership, talent development, and business development.

As I progressed in my career, I seized every opportunity for growth and development. I pursued continuous education, obtaining certifications in quality management systems and completing courses in food allergy, intolerance, and business best practices. I also actively sought out challenges and leadership roles, taking on additional responsibilities and spearheading initiatives to drive positive change within my organization.

Over time, I honed my leadership skills by embracing new challenges, learning from mistakes, and seeking guidance from mentors and industry experts. I also recognized the importance of cultivating strong relationships with my team members and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Through perseverance and a commitment to excellence, I earned the role of General Manager at E. U. Oton & Co Limited. This position has allowed me to further develop my leadership skills, drive growth and success for the organization, and make a meaningful impact in the food and water industries.

Becoming a leader is not a destination but a continuous journey of learning, growth, and adaptation. It requires a combination of passion, dedication, and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. By embracing challenges and staying true to my mission of delivering exceptional quality and customer satisfaction, I have been able to lead with confidence and drive positive change in the industry.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My work day is structured to balance my personal and professional life, it typically goes like this:

5:30 AM - Wake Up: I start my day early to have some quiet time for morning prayer, preparation for the day ahead and planning my schedule.

6:30 AM - I make and pack my child's lunch bag and get him ready for school.

7:30 AM - Getting My Son Ready: With my husband off to work, I help my son get ready for school, ensuring he has everything he needs for the day. I drop him off at school on my way to work, cherishing the bonding time during our commute.

9:00 AM - Work Begins: I arrive at the office and dive into my work responsibilities. This includes overseeing operations, leading my team, and addressing any urgent matters that require my attention. I prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines, ensuring productivity and efficiency.

12:00 PM - Lunch Break: I take a break to have a healthy lunch and recharge. This time also allows me to connect with colleagues, fostering relationships and collaboration.

1:00 PM - Afternoon Work Tasks: I tackle important meetings, projects, and other work-related commitments. I strive to maintain focus and stay productive throughout the afternoon.

3:30 PM - Pick Up My Son: It's time to pick up my son from school. I cherish this moment as it allows me to connect with him, listen to his day, and assist him with any homework or school projects.

4:30 PM - Family Time and Household Chores: Once we're home, I prioritize spending quality time with my family. This includes helping my son with his homework, engaging in activities, and preparing a nutritious dinner for us all. I involve my son in age-appropriate household chores, teaching him responsibility and teamwork.

7:30 PM - Wind Down: After dinner, we enjoy some downtime together, embracing activities that help us relax and unwind. This could be reading, watching a movie, or engaging in creative pursuits.

9:00 PM - Bedtime Routine: I assist my son with getting ready for bed, ensuring he has a good night's sleep. This includes bedtime stories, soothing rituals, and quality bonding time.

9:30 PM - Personal Time: Once my son is settled, I set aside time for myself and connect with my husband. This could involve discussions about our day and plans, pursuing personal interests, and planning for the next day.

10:30 PM - Sleep: I prioritize getting enough rest, so I can wake up rejuvenated and ready to tackle the day ahead.

While balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities can be demanding, I believe in the power of effective time management, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life integration. By prioritizing tasks, embracing support from my family, and being present in every moment, I strive to create a fulfilling and well-structured day that allows me to thrive both personally and professionally.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson that I have been reminded of is the importance of effective communication. While it may seem like a basic principle, I have learned that clear and concise communication is critical in ensuring alignment, productivity, and success. I strive to regularly communicate with my team, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and aware of their roles and responsibilities.

I also make sure to listen actively and encourage open dialogue, creating a culture of transparency, trust, and accountability. This lesson has reinforced for me that effective communication is a cornerstone of successful leadership and something that I must continually prioritize and improve upon.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has had a profound impact on my leadership is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. This book explores the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment for our teams, where leaders prioritize the well-being and growth of their employees.

Reading this book reinforced my belief in the power of servant leadership and the importance of putting the needs of my team members first. It reminded me that as a leader, it is not only my responsibility to drive results and achieve goals but also to cultivate a culture of trust, collaboration, and support.

The book emphasized the concept of "creating a circle of safety," where team members feel valued, respected, and supported. It taught me the significance of building strong relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating an environment where individuals are encouraged to take risks, be innovative, and reach their full potential.

Implementing the principles from "Leaders Eat Last" has allowed me to cultivate a more positive and empowering work environment, where team members feel motivated, engaged, and connected. It has helped me foster a culture of collaboration, where everyone's contributions are valued, and individuals feel safe to challenge the status quo and share their ideas.

Overall, this book has been instrumental in shaping my leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of empathy, trust, and selflessness. It has inspired me to be a leader who not only focuses on achieving results but also prioritizes the well-being and growth of my team members.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Seek Mentorship. The one piece of advice that I would give to a young leader is to never stop learning. The world is constantly changing, and it's essential to stay informed, curious, and adaptable. Always be open to new ideas, challenges, and perspectives. Seek out mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders and industry experts, and actively pursue opportunities for growth and development.

Remember that leadership is a journey, and it requires continuous learning, growth, and adaptation. With a commitment to lifelong learning, you can become a more effective and impactful leader, driving positive change and making a meaningful impact.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One of the most impactful moments in my leadership journey was when I had to navigate a significant organizational change that required restructuring and layoffs. It was a challenging and emotionally difficult time for everyone involved, as people's livelihoods were at stake, and the fear of uncertainty was palpable.

As a leader, it was crucial for me to approach this situation with empathy, transparency, and genuine care for my team members. I organized town hall meetings and individual conversations to communicate the rationale behind the changes and provide support during the transition. I made it a priority to listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and alleviate their anxieties to the best of my abilities.

Despite the difficult circumstances, the way my team members handled themselves during this challenging period was incredibly inspiring. While the experience was undoubtedly difficult, it taught me the importance of leading with empathy, maintaining transparency, and supporting one another during times of uncertainty. It reinforced the notion that leaders have a responsibility not only to drive results but also to prioritize the well-being and success of their team members.

This experience solidified my commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive work environment, where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered. It made me realize the immense strength and resilience that can arise from a united team, rallying together in the face of adversity.

Overall, this story served as a humbling reminder of the power of compassionate leadership and the incredible impact it can have on individuals and the organization as a whole. It reinforced my belief that true leadership lies in caring for and uplifting your team members, even in the most challenging of times.