Oluchi Ikechi-D’Amico: Consider the legacy you want to leave behind
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| Oluchi Ikechi-D’Amico |
"Highly curious. Thirst to explore. Necessity to improve. A big believer that organisations must constantly re-evaluate their purpose, client/market needs and how they do business, in order to stay relevant and impactful" These are the words that Oluchi Ikechi-D' Amico used to describe herself from her LinkedIn profile. She was named Management Today 35 Under 35 in 2019.
Omote Ro Dhe was endeared by Oluchi's rich and impressive profile and how she is using her platform for social impact, that we had to chat Oluchi up.
Read excerpts below:
You have a rich profile, one that shows you are intentional about your purpose and mission. Can you tell us more about Fully Bossed is all about as the Founder?
Thank you! Fully Bossed is an ethos and movement. I founded it to help career professionals have better tools to succeed in their careers, no matter who they are. We focus on helping career starters and professionals advance in their careers using soft skills; 4 soft skills: Mindset, Brand, Storytelling and Orchestration. It’s far easier when you know how and this is what we aim to show!
Hitting the Management Today 35 Under 35 is no small feat. What were the steps you took to meet that mark and how are you using that recognition to make an impact?
Thank you! Lots of hard work and commitment to my vision to have autonomy in what I do. Yes, I developed great technical skills as a Management Consultant specialising in transactions like mergers and acquisitions, in Banking, though I believe the secrets for me were the four soft skills I mentioned above! That meant I was able to climb through my career to Partner, quickly, and achieve a number of business outcomes which helped secure me that award, and others.
Can you list some women who have influenced you into the woman you have become and what endeared you to them?
Interestingly, from a work perspective, it was also about not seeing much representation in my industry, in terms of senior females advocating for change, DEI, authenticity, entrepreneurialism or encouragement about advancing a career. I wanted to be that change for others.
"Curiousity killed the cat" is a popular idiom but you described yourself as 'Highly curious'. When do you draw the line so that being curiousity does not land you in trouble or destablise the information you already have?
I think it’s about gauging your audience. I like to think about many sides to a perspective and ask questions to better understand and therefore be better knowledgeable. I also push boundaries sometimes with my questions but never with what I would not be prepared to share myself. Showing your audience you have empathy and reasoning behind your questions is important.
I was drawn to your article on motherhood. This is something I believe every woman looks up to but this changes her entire life. How can women manage motherhood well without letting go of their other ambitions?
I cover a lot of this in the article but for me, it was about identifying and accepting my motherhood journey as the right one for me. That meant balancing motherhood with personal and business commitments and ensuring I only say yes to the really important things. Though preparation to balance all the roles is key! As is ensuring you have support from others to help you. I’m lucky to be in a position where I do have or can access, support from others.
You are a big believer that organisations must constantly re-evaluate their purpose, client/market needs and how they do business, in order to stay relevant and impactful. Can you share some tested and proven strategies to actualise all these?
Covid… BLM movement… just look at how companies altered services, products and/or their values to respond to these events, and not be mute. Business, macroeconomics, consumers and communities are constantly evolving. Organisations must constantly re-strategise, engage with consumers and re-brand.
You are very passionate about inclusion, equality and diversity. Why is this so?
I'm passionate about helping others unlock their potential! I feel in my role it’s important to be a voice for others and advocate levelling the playing field.
Success is relative. What does it mean to you? Who are some women that are your yardstick of being successful?
Happiness. From a career perspective to me it means autonomy and freedom.
What advice do you have for young women pursuing purpose?
Consider the legacy you want to leave behind and be committed to that mission and impact others.
Connect with #FullyBossed for more via the platforms below:
Instagram: @getfullybossed
LinkedIn: @fullybossed
YouTube: @fullybossed
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