The DHL Package That Changed My Career

At the end of 2015, many things had fallen apart, and I desperately needed a new job.

On February 12, 2016, I walked into the Millward Brown office (now Kantar) in Maryland, Lagos, to meet the MD. Her name was Ugo Geri Robert, and I had read about her accomplishments in the Research space. I was ushered into a room I later came to know as the Chill-Out Room. It had a snooker table, a 60-inch TV, comfortable sofas and the kind of space designed to make you rest and forget yourself.

A few minutes later, Madam Ugo, as we all later called her, walked in. The moment she entered, I could tell she was a force. Her presence was undeniable. She had this magnetic aura about her. Then there was her perfume. You know those fragrances that announce your arrival without being overpowering? That was her. It didn't take long to learn that one of the quickest ways to win her heart was to gift her perfumes.

I still remember that day as clearly as if it were yesterday. She walked in wearing a red jacket and black trousers, looked at me and said, "You are Sophia?" I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not, but I answered yes and stood up to greet her. She smiled and asked me to sit.

She opened with, "How did you get to know me?" I told her how I had done some research about company CEOs. Then she said, "When I received your CV, I was curious to meet you. What gave you the idea to DHL your CV to me?" I shared with her how I had gotten creative about trying to reach decision makers of organizations. Interesting how I DHL’d my CV to 5 CEOs and she was the only one who responded.

She asked if I had done research before and if I was good with numbers. Apart from my university research project, I didn't really know what market research was. A few minutes into the conversation, she looked at me and said, "To be honest, we don't have headcount in qualitative department right now. Would you mind an internship role?"

I said I didn't mind.

She replied, "A colleague of mine will be in touch."

I wasn't even home yet when someone, whom everyone calls Brand Mike, called me. He offered me the role and sent my offer letter that same day. I resumed on Monday, February 15.

I worked closely with Madam Ugo for five years before moving to another organization. Everyone who knew Madam Ugo knew she lived life at extremes. Extreme work and extreme fun. There was no room for slacking in either. She loved to work, so you had to love to work too. And when it was time to have fun, she gave it everything. She could actually fight you for not joining company fun activities.

She was the same with the things of God. Whenever it mattered, she showed up fully.

Recently I played back my journey and my research journey is traceable to her impact. I remember her fondly, as Madam Ugo is now with the Lord; but I know she lives on in the many lives she shaped. One thing that experience left me with is to take chances on people, give opportunities whenever I can, and keep giving a hundred in everything.