Name: Kehinde Olusegun Tijani

Title: Senior Business Analyst/Product Owner

Organisation: Citi Bank

Kehinde Olusegun Tijani is a seasoned senior Business Analyst and Product Owner at Citi Bank, leveraging expertise in Data Command Center operations, and Data analytics and visualization. He is a business leader, mentor and renowned Subject Matter Expert, specializing in precise data mapping and strategic budget planning.

He holds several professional certifications, including PMP certification, combining comprehensive project management skills with a deep understanding of financial intricacies. Dedicated to driving efficiency, innovation, and excellence in the dynamic landscape of wealth technology banking and data management.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

One of the toughest parts of leadership for me is juggling the need for innovation with the necessity of keeping things running smoothly. It is a constant challenge to encourage new ideas and changes while making sure we stay true to our goals and values. Another difficulty is getting a diverse team on the same page - it takes clear communication and flexibility to align everyone toward a shared objective.

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

My journey to leadership kicked off with my fascination for technology, starting as a business analyst. After grinding for over 8 years, I've evolved into a Senior Business Analyst/product owner at Citi Bank. Currently, I manage multiple teams and handle a hefty budget of $6.7 million, steering the ship in the dynamic world of technology, and providing mentorship for upcoming professionals.

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

Certainly! A typical workday for me begins at 6:30am with a focused 30-minutes session for personal development - reading industry updates, and perhaps a quick workout to kickstart the day. By 8am, I've mapped out my priorities and goals for the day.

From 8:30am to 6pm, I'm fully engaged in my role as a Senior Business Analyst and Product Owner at Citi Bank. This involves strategic planning, team collaboration, and overseeing the intricacies of the daily task.

Lunch is a brief break to recharge, often used for networking or catching up on industry podcasts to stay in the loop. The afternoon is dedicated to tackling high-priority tasks, working closely with my teams to drive projects forward. Post 6pm, I transition into a strategic mindset, reviewing the day's accomplishments and planning for the next.

To wind down, i dedicate the evening to personal time - long walks, dinner, watching soccer, and a bit of relaxation. However, I remain accessible for urgent matters that may arise. Lights out at 10:30 pm, ensuring a good night's rest for another day.

This structured routine allows me to blend dedication to my role with personal growth to ensure I have a balanced and productive work life.

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

A recent leadership lesson that resonated with me is the power of embracing vulnerability. While navigating complex projects, I discovered that being transparent about challenges, uncertainties, and even personal growth areas fosters stronger team connections. It creates an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their own struggles and insights, ultimately leading to more collaborative problem-solving and a resilient team culture.

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?

"Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek has profoundly impacted my leadership approach. The book emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and creating a workplace culture that prioritizes the well-being of the team. Sinek's insights prompted me to reevaluate my leadership style, focusing more on supporting and empowering my team rather than just directing.

The shift in perspective influenced how I approach decision-making and team dynamics. By putting the needs of my team first, I've witnessed increased trust, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. "Leaders Eat Last" reminded me that true leadership is about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and motivated to contribute their best.

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

Embrace continuous learning and adaptability. The business landscape evolves rapidly, and your ability to learn, adapt, and stay curious will be key to navigating challenges, fostering innovation, and sustaining effective leadership throughout your career.

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

One particularly meaningful momentas a leader was during a challenging project where the team faced unexpected setbacks. Instead of pointing fingers, we gathered as a team, openly discussed the issues, and brainstormed solutions collaboratively.

Witnessing the team rally together, overcome obstacles, and ultimately succeed reinforced the power of unity, transparency, and a shared accountability in achieving our goals. It was a defining moment that highlighted the strength of a cohesive team under effective leadership.