I don't follow trends —Adeola Azeez

I don’t follow trends —Adeola Azeez 23 Aug 2015 12:00 AM  Walking into the Ikoyi, Lagos business premises of Deutsche Bank, Nigeria where she is the Deputy Country Representative/ Deputy Managing Director, one is greeted by an atmosphere that depicts nature and moderation. From the decorated grounds to the stylish interior and artworks, Adeola Azeez, presents a warm disposition that is infectious. With a degree in Philosophy from the University of Lagos, another degree in Law from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom and a career switch to banking, in which she has over 25 years experience, her journey is an interesting one. Her father, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, an astute lawyer, politician and leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, inspired her to become a lawyer but eventually, she made the switch to the financial sector; a decision she recalls was not initially endorsed by her dad. She recalls, “My dad did not influence my banking career. He expected me to follow in his footsteps by studying law and working with him in the family practice. “While I was happy to study law, I was also eager to build my own career and it was quite challenging getting him to understand that. There were moments when we would disagree over some of the choices I made, but by standing my ground, he came to respect the strength of my conviction to follow my own path. “I will always be lawyer at heart. Fortunately, I came to realise pretty quickly that the environment where I had chosen to practise could not sustain my passion in the early 90s. So, I had to make the hard decision to look for new areas to channel my passion. But like the saying ‘when a door shuts, God opens a window.’ My window was in global transaction banking and 25 odd years later, I am glad I followed an ‘accidental’ career path which turned out to be an additional blessing.” Currently tasked with the responsibility of managing the bank’s business in Nigeria, mainly in the financial industry, as well as ensuring that global banking practices are adhered to according to the bank’s value/ beliefs, and in line with the local regulations, the banking expert speaks on some of the challenges that come with her position. “Regrettably, we are in an era where personal and professional integrity is no longer the norm. The financial sector where we play in has had several storms both locally and internationally. While protecting the Deutsche Bank franchise, one is faced with a myriad of issues on a daily basis which keep you on the edge. Having worked in this sector for over 25 years, my personal integrity has been my selling point,” she says. Although she had a privileged background and childhood, the Ogun State-born professional did not dismiss the fact that she had her share of challenges, but she’s also quick to add that she drew life lessons from them. She enthuses: “Growing up, I was very much a daddy’s girl. I think all young women face challenges growing up, irrespective of their background. We come from a culture where we are expected to be subservient on so many issues that affect us directly – from education to career and sometimes even relationships. “First and foremost, I understood the importance of following your passion. Passion is the driving force behind all successful people. You can train 100 people to do the same thing, but it’s the ones that are passionate about what they do that continue to look for ways to grow and improve, and that’s why they succeed. “Also, being able to recognise when a situation is not positive for either your career or personal life is very important. A lot of us begin our journey heading in one direction and even when there are huge signs of danger, we keep going because we are afraid to go in a different direction.” Her story would be incomplete without making mention of those that contributed to her life’s journey to success. Giving credit to God and her family, she says: “God brought so many people into my life to help mould the Adeola that is sitting before you today.   From an early age, my father taught me the essence of integrity, accountability and fairness. “In each era and area of my life, I have had several mentors both male and female, who have been guiding lights, sounding boards and inspirations. Each of them has taught me to stand by my convictions, find my own way and never let the fact that I am a woman stand in the way of my dreams.” Successful in every sense of the word but not quick to admit it, she believes a good measure of success is being able to achieve your personal goals, whatever they might be. “Achieving and maintaining success is all about dedication and focus. Have set goals; have a plan to achieving those goals and most importantly follow through. There will be obstacles but being dedicated to your goals keeps you focused and allows you to come up with plans towards achieving them,” she adds. Call her a fulfilled woman in many areas of her life and you would not be wrong, but Azeez, has more goals she will definitely like to realise. According to her, many of them are centred on issues affecting women and elevating the nation’s reputation across board. A realist, and in her mid-50s, she seems unready to retire as she replies, “From what? My goals? Never, or at least not as long as I am healthy and God continues to strengthen, enable and fill me with His spirit, I will continue to push. You only rest when you are dead.” One of the founding members and formerly a chairperson of the Women in Management, Business and Public service, her passion for women empowerment is laudable. Also, signifying her interest in politics like her father, but with a different agenda meant for women, she is of the opinion that the problem with women’s socio-economic empowerment is because they don’t have mentors or role models, coupled with the fact that these days, young ladies do not want to ‘submit’ themselves to mentorship. “I am concerned about the low number of women in government and politics. If the situation presents itself, my political agenda will be to ignite women to action and bridge the gaps in the task of nation building through enlightenment, education and empowerment,” she says. Talking about the secrets of her success, she states: “I plan, delegate and empower people around me. I have a very busy life trying to juggle my family and other commitments very close to my heart; the only way I make up all my commitments is by being organised and always thinking ahead where disappointments can arise. I have imbibed the habit of writing down all I need to do and it has proved to be an effective personal system.” Married to Biodun, a media and public relations professional, she fondly reminisces on their first encounter as she beams with smile: “We met at a petrol station in Lagos. He is the coolest and most understanding man God blessed and enriched me with. He continues to support and encourage me in all my endeavours.” Although she is quite busy, the mother of three has a way of ensuring the home front does not suffer because of her career. She recounts, “I approach the challenge with a three-pronged system – God first and foremost for guidance and direction. My husband and my mother for emotional and practical support; and my mentors in and out of Deutsche Bank for career support. All three must be working at the same time for me to achieve this balance so nobody suffers. “These and my ability to stay organised are the stepping stones to achieving something close to a work-life balance. My career and support networks did not happen overnight, they took time and strategic effort.” When she is not overseeing the affairs at the office, Azeez indulges in a good gym session, walks with friends or relaxes by watching her favourite television channels, which she says ‘does the trick’ for her always. Not a pushover in the style department and not someone who takes it overboard either, she has this to say about her style: “I do not follow trends; I wear what makes me feel comfortable first. I have a natural talent when it comes to blending colours. A woman must be clean, decent and well turned out from head to toe without being outlandish or unnecessarily expensive. Moderation is key.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: editor@punchng.com