Behind the Mastercard Foundation Experience

The Mastercard Foundation is on a mission to transform education across Africa by disrupting long-standing systemic barriers and accelerating innovative solutions that empower millions of young people. Through the EdTech Conference 2024, the Foundation sought to create a landmark convening that would spark collaboration, showcase impactful technology, and set a new standard for educational progress across the continent. The goals of the conference were to:

• Attract new clients
• Demonstrate expertise in logistics, experience design, and large-scale project management
• Highlight creativity, strategy, and operational excellence
• Showcase big numbers, big visuals, and big impact

THE CHALLENGE

Africa’s education ecosystem faces major structural barriers, including limited connectivity, low digital literacy, insufficient teacher training, fragmented EdTech adoption, and gaps in data to guide policy and investment. The conference aimed to address these challenges by fostering alignment, clear direction, and a sense of urgency among stakeholders across the continent’s distributed educational landscape.

The assignment required flawless large-scale coordination — managing over 600 guests across six hotels, handling protocols for ministers and VIPs, synchronizing arrivals from 20 countries, unifying the experience across multiple locations, delivering daily highlight videos and comprehensive multimedia coverage, and ensuring real-time communication and navigation for all attendees — making world-class execution essential with no margin for error.

STRATEGIC CONCEPT

We designed an experience rooted in Connection, Innovation, and Impact.

Connection

Structured spaces for governments, startups, educators, and youth to collaborate from plenary conversations to breakout problem-solving labs and curated networking.

Innovation

A showcase of 300+ African EdTech solutions tackling multilingual learning, teacher development, and connectivity challenges.

Impact

Data-driven programming, policy-focused discussions, and a digital layer powered by the Whova App for real-time engagement and community-building.

WHAT WE DELIVERED

End-to-end experience design and execution, including:

• Event & Experience Design
• Communications & Audience Engagement
• Guest Logistics & Hospitality Management
• Airport Operations & VIP Protocol
• Multimedia Production (Photo, Video, Livestream)
• Stage, Venue & Environment Production
• App Integration & Digital Engagement
• Full Onsite Operations & Program Management

THE EXPERIENCE

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Conference unfolded as a coordinated, professional, and highly structured gathering designed to keep 600+ attendees aligned, informed, and comfortable throughout the three-day program.

Guests transitioned smoothly from airport reception to hotel check-in, supported by dedicated hospitality desks across six hotels. Clear signage, colour-coded IDs, and consistent communication ensured that attendees always knew where to be and when.

Inside the venue, the plenary hall became the central hub of energy, hosting keynotes, policy conversations, ministerial dialogues, and youth-led sessions. Breakout rooms were activated simultaneously, creating pockets of focused discussion across teacher development, EdTech innovation, and policymaking.

The Whova App played a defining role in the experience, enabling real-time updates, schedule navigation, session check-ins, and community engagement. Attendees shared messages, photos, and insights that extended the conversation beyond the physical rooms.

Across three days, the atmosphere remained collaborative and purposeful, a blend of structured programming, informal hallway conversations, and idea-sharing among innovators, policymakers, and educators from across the continent.

AT A GLANCE

THE RESULT

The conference established a new collaborative blueprint for Africa’s EdTech ecosystem, setting measurable goals, enabling shared direction, and igniting cross-continental momentum.

• 30M young Africans to access dignified work by 2030
• 98M out-of-school youth to be reached via EdTech
• 70% reduction in youth unable to read simple paragraphs through multilingual EdTech
• 20 African countries implementing data-driven EdTech policies by 2026
• 300+ EdTech startups supported
• 600+ stakeholders aligned for policy & implementation

OUR PROCESS

Event Production

We approached production as both a technical operation and an emotional design exercise — shaping the environment, flow, and energy of the event from the ground up.

What this included:

• Full venue transformation aligned with the conference theme
• Stage and environment design (plenary, breakout spaces, networking zones.
• Lighting, sound, and AV engineering
• Real-time production control room for stage cues and transitions
• Ministry-level protocol coordination for ministers and high-profile guests
• Live-stream integration for remote audiences
• Real-time change management as agendas evolved

Outcome:
A multi-environment event space that supported 600+ guests moving between sessions, breakouts, and networking without friction.

Design

We built a cohesive visual universe that shaped how the conference was seen, navigated, and experienced across screens, print, and physical space.

What we created:

• Full event identity & visual system
• Color palette, typography & iconography
• Social media & promotional assets
• Speaker cards, program graphics & comms templates
• Whova app visual customization
• Stage & screen design (plenary + breakout rooms)
• Motion graphics & LED wall content
• On-site branding (banners, backdrops, signage, floor markers)
• Lanyards, badges, vouchers & printed materials

Outcome:
A unified design language that elevated the event aesthetic, increased clarity, and created a visually immersive environment from arrival to closing.

Programming

Managing the intellectual core of the conference required precision.

We handled:

• Agenda design across 3 days
• Speaker coordination & briefing
• Ministerial Forum programming
• Session flow design (timing, transitions, AV needs)
• Concurrent breakout sessions across multiple rooms
• Keeping time for 40+ speakers, moderators, and performers
• Integrating live polls, Q&A, and youth-led activities
• Updating schedules in real-time via the Whova app

Outcome:
A dynamic, fast-paced program with no delays and consistently high engagement.

Guest Logistics & Hospitality

This was the backbone of the event

What we executed:

• 16+ hours daily airport operations across 4 days
• Visa-on-arrival support for ministers and VIPs
• Shuttle coordination across 6 hotels and the venue
• Colour-coded guest ID system for routing
• Concierge-style hospitality desks (round-the-clock)
• Pickups, drop-offs, and hotel check-in optimization
• Meal coordination, including dietary restrictions
• Lost luggage, room changes, special needs requests

Outcome:
579 guests across 20 countries moved through Abuja with friction-free, a rare feat for an event of this scale.

Communications & Attendee Engagement

A multilayered communications system ensured guests always felt informed and supported.

Included:

• Pre-event communication strategy (invitations, reminders, travel forms)
• Master travel guide production
• On-site announcements and daily updates
• Whova app configuration and management
• Push notifications for session reminders
• In-event signage & directional communication
• Coordination with government offices and airport authorities

Outcome:
83% of guests reported being highly satisfied with communication, a leading indicator of overall event satisfaction.

Multimedia Production

A high-stakes event demands high-quality documentation.

Delivered:

• Full photography and videography across all sessions
• Multi-angle recording for keynotes and panels
• Daily highlight videos are edited and shown each morning
• Socialmedia-ready clips for Foundation use
• Live-streaming for global audiences
• 2,722 high-resolution edited photos

Outcome:
A rich archive of content capturing both the emotional and intellectual energy of the convening.

The BCM Internship Program, launched in 2024, has quickly become one of our most exciting entry points for young talent. What began as an experiment has turned into a thriving space where curious, ambitious people learn, contribute meaningfully, and begin shaping their professional journeys in editorial, data, tech, and design.

This year, we’re thrilled to welcome nine brilliant interns who are ready to roll up their sleeves and immerse themselves in storytelling, design, product, and data.

Meet the Interns

• Ifeoluwa Aigbiniode joins us as an Intern Reporter while on a gap year, eager to sharpen her understanding of storytelling, tech, and business journalism within an African context.
• Adaora Obeleagu, a law student and part-time YouTuber, joins as an Editorial Intern. She’s excited to meet the “cool people of Big Cabal” and learn from them.
• Franklyn Usuowa, a writer whose fiction has appeared in literary journals, joins as a Citizen Vertical Intern. A Chemical Engineer by training, Franklyn is looking forward to learning from BCM’s newsroom.
• Rhoda Inya steps in as a Product Design Intern, eager to “gain knowledge and punch above her weight to build international products.”
• Tomisin Oyebolu, a brand design intern, brings a strong background in animation and illustration and is excited to learn from BCM’s creative team.
• Bukola Abati, a highly organized, people-focused professional who also runs her own bakery, joins as a Product Manager Intern, ready to learn and contribute positively.
• Priscilla Fadayini enters as a Software Development Intern, describing this internship as her launchpad into tech after building personal projects.
• Boluwatife Olowolafe, a nutritionist and dietician, joins as Zikoko’s Social Media Intern. She’s ready to stretch her capacity, grow her career, and connect with vibrant communities.
• Success Sotonwa, a nurse transitioning into data analytics, joins with a love for coding and a passion for shaping content that informs and inspires.

This internship program is part of our commitment to finding and growing the best media talent on the continent.

“We are intentional about building young talent to their greatest capacity,” says Anita Eboigbe, COO of Big Cabal Media. “This programme goes beyond what interns can learn from us, but also about what they can teach us with their curiosity, creativity, and new perspectives. We believe strongly that they will do their best work with us and that what they start here will echo in their careers for years to come.”

The rest of the year promises to be a deeply rewarding journey for our interns and we are excited to introduce them to you.

You can also get to know them better through our introductory video here.

At Zikoko, we don’t just tell stories; we shape the culture. Our writers are chroniclers of Nigerian life, making sense of the chaos, humor, and drama that define us. Whether it’s deep dives into money struggles, hilarious takes on dating, or first-hand experiences of living in Nigeria, we capture what it means to be young and alive right now.

If you’ve ever read a Zikoko story and thought, I can do this… or even better, now’s your chance.

What is Zikoko Next Gen?

Zikoko Next Gen is our Intern Fellowship, built for young, ambitious writers ready to take on the world of digital media.

If you’ve got talent, drive, and a burning need to tell stories, we want to meet you.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for three interns who don’t just write but think, challenge, and entertain. You should be someone who doesn’t just consume culture but wants to shape it.

1. You Have a Strong Sense of Storytelling

A great story isn’t just words on a page. It grips, surprises, and moves the reader. Whether it’s a funny listicle, a pop culture deep dive, or an emotional essay, you know how to structure a compelling narrative that keeps people reading to the last word.

2. You’re Curious and Opinionated

The best Zikoko stories don’t just report facts; they have a point of view. You’re the type to argue about Gen Z dating struggles, the best Nigerian reality TV moments, or the unspoken rules of living with your parents. You bring fresh angles to everyday conversations.

3. You Understand Digital Media and Internet Culture

You don’t just scroll through Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram — you analyze them. You know what makes a post go viral, how internet trends evolve, and how to craft content that resonates with an online audience.

4. You’re Adaptable and Eager to Learn

Zikoko moves fast, and so should you. One day, you might be writing a feature article, the next, a tweet thread, and the next, scripting a video. You’re ready to dive in, experiment, and grow.

5. You Have a Unique Voice and Sense of Humor

At Zikoko, personality is everything. We don’t do boring. If your writing has flair, wit, and that extra something that makes people want to share it, we’re interested.

6. You’re Self-Driven but Collaborative

You can take an idea and run with it, but you also know how to take feedback and make your work even better. The best writers know that great content is built in community.

Bonus: If you have multimedia skills (Canva, video editing, etc.) or SEO knowledge, even better.

Who Should Apply?

This is for the dreamers, the storytellers, and the culture shapers. If you already write for fun, obsess over content, and have opinions that need to be heard, this is your moment.

Apply here.
(Form closes on April 11, 2025)

BCM is one of Africa’s most innovative digital media companies. We are home to brands like Zikoko, TechCabal, and Citizen, telling important stories about African youth, technology, politics, and culture. Our mission is to inform, entertain, and inspire through world-class storytelling, and we are looking for bright, ambitious interns to join us in that journey.

Why Intern with BCM?

Last year, we welcomed 12 incredible interns who worked across different teams, made valuable contributions, and some of whom are now full-time employees at BCM.

We take pride in nurturing young talent, providing them with a platform to grow, and equipping them with the skills they need to excel in their careers.

This year, we are expanding our internship programme to offer opportunities in key areas of our work. We are seeking interns in the following fields:

• Product Management
• Software Development
• Brand Design
• Product Design
• Data Analysis

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for ambitious, curious, and passionate individuals who are eager to learn and grow. Whether you’re a third-year student, a recent graduate, or looking to pivot into a new field, this internship will provide you with valuable industry experience.

How to Apply

Interested? Apply now! Send your application, including your CV, a short personal statement, and links to relevant work via this form.

Application Deadline

Applications close on April 14. Don’t miss this chance to kickstart your career with Big Cabal Media.

Apply here.

After a highly competitive selection process, three remarkable fellows are joining our newsroom, bringing fresh perspectives and an appetite to tell the most important stories shaping Africa’s tech future. They are Abubakar Abdulrasheed, Opeyemi Kareem and John Adoyi.

For these fellows, this programme is a dream, a calling and a chance to tell the stories of the African digital economy from their unique perspectives.

For Abubakar Abdulrasheed, this fellowship is more than just a career move — it’s an opportunity to shape the conversations that matter.

“Technology is transforming Africa at an incredible pace, but without good journalism, people are left in the dark about its impact,” he says.

“This fellowship will give me the tools to tell compelling, data-driven stories about how technology is shaping human experiences. More importantly, it gives me a platform to contribute to Africa’s technology discourse, driving conversations around policy, digital inclusion, and innovation.”

For Opeyemi Kareem, joining TechCabal is the realization of a four-year dream.

“I told myself four years ago that I wanted to work at Big Cabal Media. I just didn’t know how it would happen,” she says. “I had writing skills but didn’t know how to carve a clear career path. This fellowship is my start, my opportunity. I’ve always been on the outside looking in, but now, I’m finally inside. I can’t wait to see what this journey holds.”

The third fellow, John Adoyi’s relationship with technology is deeply personal.

“As a visually impaired person, technology has been my bridge to the world. Assistive devices and digital tools have helped me navigate life, but I know that such technologies remain inaccessible to many people in Africa,” he says.

“This fellowship is my chance to explore how technology can drive inclusion and to tell the untold stories of those leading this change. More than just learning, I want to advocate for accessible technology and highlight the innovations that truly make a difference,” Adoyi adds.

The TechCabal Journalism Fellowship is a mission to strengthen Africa’s tech journalism.

At TechCabal, we believe great journalism is essential to Africa’s tech ecosystem, and we are committed to training the next generation of storytellers.

The Fellowship, led by Kay Ugwuede, TechCabal’s Standards and Features Editor, is a yearlong, hands-on program designed to equip emerging journalists with the skills, knowledge, and access they need to cover Africa’s digital economy with depth and clarity.

Speaking on the program’s focus, she said, “The inaugural TechCabal Journalism Fellowship aims to identify and train emerging journalists through a yearlong, rigorous, on-the-job program in one of Africa’s leading technology newsrooms.”

Ugwuede will work with the newsroom and Cabal leadership to oversee the development of the fellows throughout the program.

“It’s been an exciting journey from the fellowship design to the application and selection process, and I couldn’t be prouder of the talented people we’ve chosen,” says Anita Eboigbe, COO of Big Cabal Media.

She adds: “Journalism training is essential, and we are keen to lead the way in developing the right skills for covering Africa’s tech ecosystem. Over the next year, these fellows will learn from the best in tech and business journalism, share their perspectives with us and the world, and contribute directly to the most impactful tech newsroom in Africa.”

Over the next year, Abubakar, Opeyemi, and John will dive into the stories that define Africa’s tech ecosystem. They will challenge narratives, ask tough questions, and bring fresh perspectives to the industry.

Here’s what they think about the future.

At Big Cabal Media (BCM), we’re always pushing the boundaries of storytelling and innovation. From launching fresh content to expanding our network of writers and analysts, there’s always something exciting happening.

Here’s a quick look at the biggest updates from the past week.

Zikoko’s New Show — Play House Is Here!

We’re beyond excited to introduce Play House, Zikoko’s latest show that promises to keep you entertained and engaged. Huge props to the Zikoko and Cabal Creative teams for making this happen.

If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for? Go check it out and bring back your hot takes! Episode 2 drops this Friday, so stay tuned. You can watch here.

TechCabal is Looking for Contributors

TechCabal is Africa’s leading technology publication, dedicated to telling the most compelling stories about innovation across the continent. Now, we’re building a network of the best feature writers to help us expand and deepen our coverage.

We’re looking for talented, fact-driven writers who can produce deeply reported, engaging, and nuanced narratives about startups, tech businesses, policymaking, and the human side of technology.

Writers from across Africa are welcome to apply, but we’re particularly keen on those based in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Cairo, Dakar, and Tunis. If this sounds like you or someone you know, see details here.

Join the Zikoko Book Club

Love books? So do we!

That’s why we’ve created the Zikoko Book Club, a Twitter community where book lovers can come together to discuss, debate, and celebrate literature in all its forms.

Whether you’re into contemporary fiction, African literature, or pop culture deep dives, there’s a space for you. Click here to begin.

TC Insights Drops the State of Tech in Africa 2024 Roundup Edition

TechCabal Insights has just released the latest edition of the State of Tech in Africa (SOTIA) report. This quarterly publication captures critical trends in acquisitions, funding, startup expansion, and regulations shaping Africa’s digital economy.

This particular report offers a comprehensive review of 2024, with a deep dive into the key shifts and emerging opportunities from the second half of the year. If you’re looking to stay ahead of Africa’s fast-evolving tech landscape, this is an essential read. Find it here.

That’s a wrap on this week’s BCM roundup.

Also, we’ll be sharing some exciting new open roles during the week, so stay glued to this space if you’re looking for opportunities to join our team.

Are you a recent graduate passionate about storytelling, technology, and the future of Africa’s digital economy? Do you dream of creating impactful journalism that explores how technology shapes lives, businesses, and societies across the continent?

This is your chance to work with one of Africa’s most exciting media companies and develop the skills to lead in the world of tech reporting.

TechCabal, Big Cabal Media’s flagship publication, is a thought leader in Africa’s tech ecosystem. For the past decade, we’ve provided insight, analysis, and critical conversations around the startup scene and the digital economy. Now, we’re going even further — unpacking the context and impact of technology to engage insiders and everyday audiences alike.

The TechCabal Journalism Fellowship is a program designed for outstanding graduates in journalism, communications, and related fields.

This immersive experience offers world-class training, mentorship from the best, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful reporting on technology and innovation in Africa.

Fellows will explore topics such as digital accountability, artificial intelligence, fintech, and the digital economy.

What’s in it for You?

• Hands-On Experience: Work alongside TechCabal’s editors and reporters on high-impact stories.
• Mentorship: Learn from industry experts committed to your growth.
• Competitive Salary: Receive financial support while developing your career.
• Pathway to Employment: Strong candidates may be absorbed into TechCabal’s newsroom after the program.
• International Exposure: Access global journalism resources and networking opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for:

• First-Class Graduates: Recent graduates in communication, journalism, or related fields. Second class graduates with an exceptional journalism portfolio are encouraged to apply.
• Passionate Storytellers: Writers who can turn complex topics into engaging stories.
• Critical Thinkers: Reporters with a knack for analyzing trends in Africa’s digital economy.
• Digital Enthusiasts: People fascinated by the transformative power of technology on the continent.

How to Apply

Application Deadline: January 31st, 2025

Here’s a guide on how to prepare your application:

What You Need:

• A clear and concise resume.
• A portfolio of three writing samples showcasing your journalism and storytelling skills.
• A personal statement (500 words) answering: Why are you passionate about tech journalism, and how will this fellowship help you achieve your goals.

Submit Your Application: Fill out the application form here and attach the required documents.

Next Steps: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within a few weeks of applying.

If you have further questions, kindly refer to the FAQs here.

Apply here.

Dear Friends,

It’s Big Cabal Media’s tenth anniversary and on an occasion like this, one spends time introspecting on the journey and the versions of the business and publications we’ve built over the years.

It’s been an incredible ride and none of it would have been possible without the commitment of the people who have worked tirelessly to build this important corner of the African media landscape and you, the audience, who continue to consistently support us.

Media is a tough business and this milestone not only marks a decade of incredible achievements but also serves as a testament to the dedication and passion of everyone who has been part of this amazing journey.

As I reflect on the last decade of Big Cabal Media, I am filled with a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the transformative impact we have had on the media landscape in Nigeria. More importantly, I am very excited about the way that we treat storytelling as the highest medium of capturing humanity and phases of human interaction and invention, especially on the African continent.

With TechCabal, we have followed the Nigerian tech ecosystem from its days as a bubbling idea in Yaba, Lagos State, to the multi-layered and thriving industry it is today. We hold stakeholders to account and push the boundaries of conversations towards the ideas that prosper the continent, using our platform to amplify important works across diverse sub-sectors.

With Zikoko, we have pioneered important conversations with depth and story formats that allow for various groups, especially the underrepresented, to get the spotlight. We continue to sit at the pulse of youth culture. In 2023, our youth and democracy arm, Citizen, used storytelling to help young people understand the electoral process and was a reliable friend as they navigated the elections.

Beyond our publications, our data and insights arm, TC Insights continues to contribute to the limited research pool and shapes policies on the continent through detailed reports, briefs and stakeholder engagements.

I am also immensely proud of the exceptional contributions of our audiovisual production arm, the Cabal Creative team, whose dedication and creativity have been instrumental in shaping our stories. Over the years, the team has delivered remarkable audiovisual outputs and supported experiments that have positively shaped the way our audiences consume news.

Additionally, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our Growth, Design, Tech, Operations, Finance, Talent and Business Development/Partnerships teams for their outstanding dedication and support. Through their brilliant contributions, they have played a pivotal role in upholding the pillars of the media business we are building together. Their expertise and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in our continued success.

Overall, our stories have inspired conversations, shaped culture, critiqued actions, curated communities and prospered innovations. We are the culture — documenting the lives of Africans and shaping the direction of the most important cultural imprints for the world to pay attention to.

With our written and audiovisual continent, we have remained committed to learning and growing with vibrant young people and innovators in Nigeria and Africa.

In the last ten years, we have had incredible moments that’ve made parts of this media experimentation journey worth it. From Tech Women Lagos to Jollof Road, Future of Commerce, Hertitude, Burning Ram and Moonshot, ours is a story of innovation, resilience, and growth.

One of the most inspiring aspects of our journey has been witnessing the evolution of our team. I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented, creative, and dedicated individuals who continuously push the boundaries of what is possible. Each member of our team brings a unique perspective and skill set to the table, and it is this diversity of thought and expertise that fuels our creativity and drives our success.

I am also deeply grateful for the tireless support of our stakeholders, investors, advisors, and partners who have believed in our vision and supported us every step of the way. Your faith in our ability to make a difference has been a source of inspiration and motivation for all of us at Big Cabal Media.

Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the future. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, exploring new opportunities, and making a meaningful impact in the world.

As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your support and dedication. Together, we have accomplished so much, and I have no doubt that the best is yet to come.

Here’s to another decade of innovation, collaboration, transformation and excellence.

Thank you.

(Catch our anniversary video here).

What’s your favorite work-related memory or moment at BCM?

When I joined in 2019/2020, my line manager asked me to host the All-hands session because it was done physically then. Not being a people person, I literally froze. I went into people’s DMs and asked for suggestions on what I could do. At the end of the session, everyone enjoyed it, and I was so happy with myself.

If you could swap jobs with anyone in the company for a day, who would it be and why?

I would say the content creators, and the reason would be because I find their job interesting. I feel like they are living a soft life. As much as editing is a lot of work, I would do just the filming part.

What’s the most unexpected skill or talent you’ve discovered in a colleague?

For me, I would say nothing. I really don’t know, and I have not paid attention to that.

If you could create a quirky office tradition or ritual, what would it be?

I would suggest we all dress in purple. Purple being my favourite color on a particular day in the week, and everyone needs to come to work physically dressed in purple.

What’s your go-to productivity hack or workday routine that keeps you on track?

I would call it motivation. So, whenever I think about money — the money I will earn in a particular month — it is motivating enough for me to know I need to get something done and not sleep on it.

If you could choose a theme song for your workday, what would it be and why?

It would be “Arya Star” –Comma. I love that song a lot. Before now, I did not understand the lyrics, but after listening to them, I was like, “This is my song.” I need to increase my commas. I need to be doing like three to four commas.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a colleague at BCM?

Someone in the company once gave me an interesting pep talk that I am still holding on to until today. You know, in Sales, there is a bit of competition, and this can get to you. The person basically encouraged me to “face my front.”
This just means do that thing you love doing, put in the effort, focus on your work, and what is yours will come to you.

What’s one skill or area of expertise you’ve developed during your time at BCM?

It would be communication skills. Given that I am not a people person, I don’t like talking and it’s been very hard. You know, as a salesperson, you need to talk to people. BCM has helped me develop and improve my communication skills.

Can you share a project or task where you had to overcome a significant challenge? How did you tackle it?

I would speak to task. Working on proposals can be very tasking for me. I would love you to prepare a proposal for me, then I go pitch to the client. It was sort of a challenge for me, but in recent times, I have been able to overcome it.

I take things one at a time, and I am very open to feedback from my line manager or anyone. This helps me to finish up that proposal and move on to the next. I feel like feedback really helps a lot.

What’s a recent industry trend or development that you find particularly interesting or exciting?

I would say TikTok, because I am a TikTok person. I love that app so much. It is my go-to. It helps me relieve stress with videos I watch, both for education and entertainment value. I also make TikTok videos myself. When you see me doing this, I have maximum fun.

How do you stay updated on advancements in your field or industry outside of work?
TikTok, again, because that app is very wild. I think the algorithm will push your interests to your FYP, so you would get to see most of the things that interest you all the time.

I follow this guy called Dan Lok. He focuses on sales and marketing, how people can pitch their products to their clients, how to make good pitches, how to sell, and how to meet your target audience. I find him interesting and follow him to keep up with trends.

If you could offer one piece of advice to someone just starting in your role, what would it be?

I would practically pass down the same advice I was given: focus on your job, ask questions, reach out to people, and seek opinions.

When you gather this information, it would be easy for you to handle the task, but when you try to do it all on your own, you will find it difficult. So, face your front, ask questions where necessary, implement corrections, and you will see yourself excelling.

What’s your favorite work-related memory or moment at BCM?

I think it has to be August 2022. We had our post-appraisal party at the good beach. I think it is the best BCM party I have ever attended, and I was like two months in at BCM.

If you could swap jobs with anyone in the company for a day, who would it be and why?

I would say either Timi or Joseph on the Growth team.

For Timi (Odueso), it’s because I was an active reader of TC Daily before I joined BCM. I just really love how he is able to spin narratives for each day, and it doesn’t get boring with headlines at all.

For Joseph (Asa’ah), I think he does unbelievable work on our SEO and data. Sometimes, I would love to see it firsthand or just have insights.

What’s the most unexpected skill or talent you’ve discovered in a colleague?

We had an impromptu task from a client to work on a landing page for the event. We were trying to use a very simple template, and the design team was overwhelmed. We do not consider ourselves designers but Joshua on the Growth team was able to do really great work coming up with the landing page, with added animations. It was really good to see.

If you could create a quirky office tradition or ritual, what would it be?

I would say Pizza Friday, as opposed to just getting food individually. Everyone delves into one large slice of pizza. For me, it is the sharing element to it.

What’s your go-to productivity hack or workday routine that keeps you on track?

Well, it’s like a couple of things, we use a weekly tracker to sort out our tasks for the week on the Growth team. So, it is always updated there.

I usually outline the tasks I am going to do for each day. So, when I feel overwhelmed or like I have done so much, I look at what I am going to do, and I know there is still work waiting for me. Basically, I like to do tasks based on priority.

If you could choose a theme song for your workday, what would it be and why?

Okay, two songs actually. The first is the song by Alo Black titled “The Man.”

It is a very high-testosterone song; anytime I hear it, I feel motivated. I think my second work song will be “Pump It” by The Black Eyed Peas.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a colleague at BCM?

I think this was during my first appraisal. a consultant said, “The only thing that can stop me is me.”

I work with this in mind.

What’s one skill or area of expertise you’ve developed during your time at BCM?

The ability to use Google Sheets properly at a very high level. I use Google Sheets often. I previously did not use it as much.

Also, the ability to break plans or strategies into the tiniest component, so nothing gets missed, will be another skill I have developed during my time at BCM.

What’s a recent industry trend or development that you find particularly interesting or exciting?

As a performance marketing person, one of the interesting things I have seen is the importance of engaging ad creatives over things like optimization.

I will say you need to think of them this way — If you weren’t putting any ad dollars into something, would people still buy this thing? And if your answer is ‘yes’, then you can put your money there. But if your answer is ‘no’ , then you shouldn’t put your money there.

How do you stay updated on advancements in your field or industry outside of work?

I follow a lot of YouTube channels. I follow a lot of media buyers and growth people on YouTube.

Every Saturday, I go to their channels and download a lot of videos and listen to them while I work. I also subscribe to newsletters. A couple of them are Aaron Young, Ben Leaf, the Growth Newsletter, also LinkedIn, and lastly, I take courses too.

If you could offer one piece of advice to someone just starting in your role, what would it be?

I started as a paid media manager. I will say you need to be a lot more than that. You need to have other things tied to your stash as a performance marketing person.

You need to possess something that makes you stand out. Also, don’t just take courses and think that they make you extremely better. Rather, take a course, use the platform, take a course again, or better still, follow constant life updates of people who actually use these platforms.