My journey to the Lagos Business School (LBS) was at first abysmal, and unexpected.
My work routine is to wake up every 4:30am, clean up, dress up and hit the road to the island as an investment banker. Once I get to the office, first thing is to check my mails for backlogs, treat or assign where possible and settle in for the day’s job. These have been the cycle for close to 10 years and for every level I get to, more responsibilities follow so I struggle to create time to think of any course or run another program.
Lagos Business School gave me a new story.
First, I was reluctant to apply for the program and settle for either to go for executive MBA or just the modular MBA. I applied for both for lack of direction and resolution. Second was to write the exams, I passed. way above the benchmark and was full of hope again that yes, I can do it. The real challenge was after getting the admission.
We had the orientation and met with some of the best-in-class program managers and facilitators, telling us about what it means to be an LBS MEMBA student, alumni and all the benefits and prestige that comes with the program.
Nothing touches the heart better than a desire accomplished. I was inspired and ready to wade the waters.
Corporate Financial Accounting was the first course I took, and I found it less challenging due to my current nature of work and professional program. My perspective to financial analysis has greatly improved.
Here comes the Analysis of Business Problems (ABP) . ABP actually got me lost. I was practically following the trail of the class and assignments. The depth of understanding and attention to details required in ABP is top notch. I was eventually trained to look beyond the noise on issues and avoid falling for traps that come with treating symptoms when the root cause of business issues is not addressed. ABP has been most enriching in terms of solving business problems and making informed decisions even in my Office. I now focus on the root of issues and filter the “nonessentials” to identifying business problems or conflict among my subordinates at work.
Data analytics has helped me in my presentation skills and use of excel tools in ways I couldn’t have if I had not come to LBS. It’s a skill I want to continue to use and improve on.
Management Communication (MC) sits at the center of all decisions since good communication skill and ability to address issues as they arise gets an organization in the right path and save reputations damage. MC is a prerequisite to all communication in oral, verbal or no verbal. MC has really helped identify gaps and how to communicate in an effective way that produce the expected result, my leadership skill has improved as I can better understand the nonverbal communication from subordinates when dealing with them on task. My writing skill has improved tremendously as outlier, clutters in my write skills have reduced. I also make sure my I proof my writing or mail before sending out to anyone. My use of punctuation has improved, I avoid unnecessary exclamation marks in my mails as well as use of short text during chats or on social media.
The intention is to communicate and do it right as a leader. Combining all have leant within the two months into the program is value for money but more than that. I am becoming a better financial analyst, data analyst, communicator, and a leader in business.
