January - March 2017 •
The Lion King
• 35
them around, respecting and not to
undermine, I also maintain a clear
focus on priorities. Above all, I am
always willing to learn by seeking
counsel and advice from both
superiors and subordinates.
What are the advantages of being
a woman in a system dominated by
men?
Hmmm! I really do not see any serious
advantage. Like you know, women
don’t get paid more for the same
job men do neither do they get less
responsibilities for the same role. As a
mother, you may suffer some set back
or delay in your career progression
as the need to balance both family
and work can take you off for a
considerable period.
That being said, the potential of being
a role model to other women in a
male dominated system and proving
that women can be as competitive as
men in the workplace are gratifying.
BUKOLA IMOYO
Corporate HR Specialist Projects
What do you do at UBA and how long
have you been here?
I’ve been at UBA for about two and
a half years. I am in charge of HR
Projects, the most important now
being the implementation of Sage
Human Resource application for UBA
and all its subsidiaries. I also contribute
to the development of strategies
for different areas of HR including
Employee Engagement.
What informed your decision to work
in a high demanding profession?
I guess it is because I am very energetic
and passionate. I like things that are
fast-paced, I like variety and I like to
learn.
Has the decision affected your
personal and social life in any way?
I would be lying if I said it hadn’t.
But I guess that comes with almost
everything in life. The important thing
is to understand your priorities at every
stage in life and strike a balance.
I used to work in Consulting and
honestly, at some point, I got burnt out
and had to re-calibrate my life.
Have you had to go the extra mile just
because you are female to compete
favourably with your male peers?
I don’t think so. But I always feel
confident and powerful. I take it
that anyone I meet does not know
what is within me and so I have
the upper hand to channel what is
within optimally, which is something
that would work for anyone actually.
Having said that, sometimes just being
the only female in a male dominated
environment is what makes you to get
people to see things your own way.
Being that you are so fashion savvy,
how did you feel when you were stuck
in grey and black suits? Did it make
you feel less feminine?
Thanks. I don’t think I am that fashion
savvy, I just try to look good always.
To be honest, it was quite a shock to
me. I couldn’t understand the ‘dulling
down’ that characterized the UBA
dress code. It was even more sombre
than the legal garb that I left behind
years ago, which up until I joined UBA,
I thought was the height of solemn
dressing. I was more than happy to
be part of the team that worked
on revising the Bank’s Dress Code. I
didn’t feel less of a woman though,
that is psychological. It will take more
than dull clothes for me to feel less of a
woman if ever I get to that point.
Feature
Christie Chuks-Ngwu
Acting Chief Security Officer
What do you do at UBA and how long
have you been in this position?
I joined the UBA family in June 2008
as Head, Corporate Security and until
very recently the Acting Chief Security
Officer. As CSO, I have oversight
for Corporate Security, Executive
Protection, Electronic Security and HSE
& Fire.
I am Responsible for all aspects
of UBA Security.
You are in a male dominated industry
and in a male dominated segment.
What strengths do you have as a
woman that havemade you successful
here?
I was privileged to have started my
career as a security practitioner in
a 'gender friendly' Service. The DSS
offers its operatives the same trainings,
exposures and does not discriminate. I
have always seen myself as a security
officer, not a female security officer.
•
Bukola Imoyo
