July - September 2016 •
The Lion King
• 23
Ibrahim Puri, Executive Director, North
Bank always with a pleasant mien.
We don’t see him much because he
is up north making sure the UBA flag is
flying. Here below are insights to Puri.
What is the most embarrassing thing
that has ever happened to you?
Puri:
While I was engrossed in an MPR
session I forgot it was my first Daughter’s
birthday. I was extremely embarrassed
when she called, upset that I did not
even take the time to wish her happy
birthday. This incident reinforced in me
the importance of work-life balance
and the need to remember the simple
things in life such as the names of
colleagues and customers. People are
generally more responsive and loyal
when you acknowledge them in little
ways like this.
Note:
So nice to hear how his daughter
touched his heart strings. As a daddy’s
girl myself growing up with a very busy
dad, I would have called very upset
too. Dads please note.
What are you most scared of?
Puri:
As a God fearing man I will
have to say the wrath of God.
Secondly it would be to lose the trust
of my subordinates and to lose the
confidence of my peers and superiors.
The implication of this will be that the
service rendered to our customers will
be negatively impacted. Also if my
superiors have no confidence in me
it will affect my ability to actualize
policies and programs necessary for
me to meet set targets.
That being said, I am not afraid of
occasional failures because there are
lessons to be learnt from them as
the lessons learnt in the valley take
you faster to your next peak. These
learning points will also assist myself
and my subordinates avoid similar
pitfalls in future.
Note:
Finally. One ED who isn’t afraid
of failure. But he does mention a
caveat which is “occasional failure”.
What is the funniest thing you have
ever seen or experienced?
Puri:
The people closest to me know I
laugh each and every day due to a
variety of reasons so it will be difficult
to pick out one experience. I do enjoy
the performances of various Nigerian
comics such as Ali Baba, Basketmouth,
IBRAHIM PURI
IN BLACK AND WHITE |
ASK THE EXECUTIVE
I go die, AY and others especially their
skits which poke fun at politics and
everyday life. In my free time I try to
watch some of their recordings as the
jokes aid in reducing excessive stress
and pressure.
Note:
Laugh lines much better than
frown lines. A laugh a day keeps the
stress at bay.
What would you do if you weren’t
working at UBA?
Puri:
I have an interest in agricultural
production especially the value
adding aspects of it i.e. processing
and packaging so I would be involved
in that. I also have a strong passion
for imparting knowledge so I would
have to say lecturing either in a
consulting capacity or in a formal
higher education setting.
Note:
Confucius says ’by experience,
we may learn wisdom’
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Puri:
When a supervisor fails to mentor
a subordinate and continues to see
nothing good in them. Unwillingness
to train staff on the job or recommend
them for formal training. When
supervisors fail to walk the talk i.e. live
by example. Failure to communicate
decisions resulting in confusion or a
distortion of facts. Procrastination
leading to failure to execute assigned
tasks. Overpromising and under
delivery. Lack of understanding of
contemporary developments within
the industry and an unwillingness to
learn.
Note:
Note very well!
