‘Taking reasonable risks is necessary for growth’

Dr. Abosede Yinka-Ogundimu is the General Manager and Divisional Head at Providus Bank. A highly accomplished banking and finance professional with 30 years of expertise in sales, credit management, and banking operations. She holds an MBA from Bangor University, United Kingdom, a doctorate degree in Business Administration with focus on marketing, and is an alumna of Wharton Business School, Pennsylvania, USA. In this interview, she speaks on her impact in the banking sector and charge for women’s growth.

What endeared you to the banking sector? Share with us your 30-year career journey?
As a seasoned banking professional with 30 years of expertise, I have had the privilege of navigating the thriving banking industry, contributing positively to its growth and economic influence. My fascination with the banking industry stems from its dynamic nature, continuous evolution, and potential for significant impact. I have always had a strong desire to learn, grow, and innovate in this field. I began my 30-year journey as a banking officer in back office roles, progressed to credit management and now sales. I further honed my skills in credit analysis, risk management, and client relationship building. I obtained an MBA from Bangor University UK, a doctorate degree in Business Administration with a focus on marketing, to stay current in the field.

Aside from being an alumni of Wharton Business School Pennsylvania, I am a Chartered Banker (MCIBS) of the Institute of Bankers of Scotland and an elected Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). My commitment to professional advancement led me to participate in specialised programmes focused on digital service innovation, leadership, and supervision. Throughout my journey, I led high-performing teams to achieve remarkable success, mentored talent, fostered teamwork, growth and development, and adopted innovative strategies to enhance customer experiences as well as organisational performance. I have remained adaptable, embracing innovation as the banking sector evolves. I firmly believe that my 30 years in banking has been a fulfilling experience, marked by growth, learning, and significant accomplishments. I am glad to have played a role in shaping the industry and inspiring the next generation of bankers.

Your experiences span across sales, credit management, and banking operations, holding key leadership positions, how would you say you have evolved over time?
My extensive background in sales, credit management, and banking operations has helped me develop into a multifaceted leader. Important leadership positions have helped me develop strategic planning and execution skills, business development and sustainability, emotional intelligence, team empowerment, collaborative leadership, cross-functional synergy, and innovation. In order to increase efficiency, I have proven my ability to adapt to changing industry trends and optimise procedures. Notably, I have expanded my team size by 100 per cent, increased sales revenue by 100 per cent, and implemented process improvements that boosted efficiency by 200 per cent. I am dedicated to making a significant and lasting impact in the banking and financial services sector, leveraging my expertise and passion to drive innovation, excellence, and sustainable growth.

In your almost three decades in the banking sector, what are some of the changes you are bringing to the forefront?
Throughout my 30-year banking career, I have witnessed significant evolution. As a seasoned professional, I am passionate about driving innovation and constructive change. My focus areas include: Digital transformation and process automation, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance productivity and simplify operations. Personalised customer care, tailoring banking experiences to meet individual needs and fostering loyalty through relationship-building.

Financial inclusion, expanding access to banking services for underprivileged groups and promoting financial literacy. Teamwork and collaboration, empowering team members to drive collective success. Goal-oriented leadership, setting clear objectives and inspiring exceptional results. Talent-nurturing mentorship, developing future leaders and supporting career growth. By prioritising these areas, I aim to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, boost operational efficiency and productivity, foster an innovative and collaborative culture, promote financial inclusion and social responsibility, and develop the next generation of banking leaders. With my expertise, passion, and commitment to constructive change, I am excited to shape the future of banking and financial services.

You are keen on fostering professional relationships, inspiring and leading teams, what activities are you involved in to drive this cause?
As a passionate advocate for professional relationships and high-performing teams, I actively participate in various initiatives to advance this cause. I firmly believe in the benefits of networking and collaborative leadership, which is why I engage in cross-functional team projects, industry events, and conferences. These platforms enable me to share expertise, learn from others, and expand my professional network. My leadership philosophy emphasises coaching and mentoring, supporting aspiring leaders through official mentorship programmes, direction, encouragement, and constructive feedback. To enhance skills and knowledge, I champion training and development initiatives, including workshops, training sessions, and online courses. I also maintain open communication and regular feedback solicitation, and action on constructive suggestions. Through these efforts, I have witnessed the transformative power of investing in people and relationships. Teams thrive, collaboration grows, and organisations achieve success. I am devoted to making a lasting impact in my organisation and the broader industry by prioritising professional relationships, inspiring leadership, and collaborative development.

Have you experienced challenges in your career, how are you able to pull through?
Throughout my career, I have surely faced various hurdles that have challenged my determination and resilience. These challenges have included everything from managing difficult tasks and projects to handling organisational change and uncertainty. However, I have learnt to tackle these problems with a growth attitude, seeing them as opportunities for advancement and progress.

To overcome these hurdles, I begin by committing my concerns to God Almighty in prayer, seeking divine guidance and wisdom. This spiritual foundation provides me with the strength and perspective needed to tackle challenges head-on. Next, I reflect on the lessons I have gained from previous experiences, finding major takeaways and opportunities for development. This reflection allows me to change my approach and plan, making me more prepared to face similar obstacles in the future. Also, I seek advice and support from mentors and peers, acknowledging the importance of collective wisdom and expertise. Their views and guidance provide useful background, allowing me to manage complex circumstances and make informed judgments. Instead of focusing on the problems, I concentrate on finding solutions and exploring new techniques.

This solution-oriented approach allows me to remain proactive and productive. Furthermore, prioritising self-care is also vital. I understand that my ability to overcome obstacles is inextricably linked to my physical, emotional, and mental well-being. I am better able to deal with stress and pressure when I maintain a healthy work-life balance and engage in activities that nourish my mind, body, and soul. Finally, I make it a point to recognise and appreciate tiny victories, no matter how gradual they are. This helps to sustain momentum and motivation, pulling me ahead even when faced with adversity. By adopting a comprehensive strategy, I have enhanced my coping mechanisms and resilience, enabling me to bounce back from setbacks with greater vigor and tenacity. My achievements and professional growth have been greatly aided by these.

What should women do differently to rise to the top and sit on the same table as you do?
To rise to the top and occupy leadership positions, women should adopt a multifaceted approach. First, it is essential to establish a strong spiritual foundation by fervently entrusting their careers and aspirations to God. This unwavering faith provides the strength and resilience needed to navigate challenges. Second, confidence and self-advocacy are essential factors. Women should cultivate a strong sense of self-worth, acknowledging their significance and accomplishments.

This enables them to articulate their needs, set boundaries, and assert themselves in various settings. Strategic networking is essential. Women should build contacts with key individuals, attend business events, and join relevant organisations. These relationships can give useful information, resources, and opportunities. Taking reasonable risks is necessary for growth. Women should be willing to venture outside of their comfort zones, take on new tasks, and consider failure as a learning opportunity.

Mentoring and sponsorship are also crucial. Women should seek help from competent specialists who can provide valuable insights, advice, and support. Sponsors can help increase company awareness, provide recommendations, and generate opportunities. Prioritising skill development is key. Women should constantly update their knowledge, learn new skills, and remain adaptive in an ever-changing environment. It is essential to encourage and support one another. Women should celebrate one other’s accomplishments and assist one another through difficulties in order to create a culture of cooperation, empowerment, and encouragement. Ultimately, it is critical to accept lifelong learning. Women should never stop learning, unlearning, and relearning in order to stay open to new ideas, perspectives, and developments. This strategy allows them to stay current, adapt to change, and continue growing. By implementing these methods, women can position themselves for success, overcome difficulties, and take on leadership roles.

What is your life mantra?
Lead with purpose, inspire with passion. I aim for excellence in my personal, professional, and spiritual spheres of life. Leading with purpose entails remaining true to my values and vision, while inspiring with passion involves motivating others with enthusiasm and energy. I aim to empower others, drive positive change, and leave a lasting legacy.