What time do you usually wake up on weekdays? 

I am both. 

How do you spend the first hour of your day? 

A little workout (30 minutes) and a cup of coffee. 

What sparked your interest in finance? 

As an Engineering student, I always pondered on how businesses make money. My quest to understand the art of money led me to joining the Finance train. 

Can you share some career highlights and defining moments? 

Immediately after graduating from the university, I worked as a Civil Engineer for two years and still did not feel fulfilled. I decided to join the finance sector and made up my mind to start my finance career with the very best. So, I joined KPMG and was faced with what I thought was the greatest huddle yet as a young engineering graduate venturing into the finance space, which was to become a chartered accountant. Hence, I set myself a target of becoming chartered with KPMG before venturing out for much greener pastures. Becoming a chartered accountant with KPMG has been the most defining moment of my career yet as I had to combine work with studies in the process. My KPMG background has also been very instrumental to my career success thus far. 

How do you handle professional challenges? 

My approach to overcoming obstacles is simple. Believe in yourself, have a clear goal of who and where you want to be, get a mentor that is already where you want to be, keep good relationships at work and make sure you network, work towards your goal – quitting is not an option, and be accountable to yourself. 

What future goals are you excited about?  

Becoming an entrepreneur within the real estate business within the next five years. 

Have you had any international or different cultural experiences in your career?  

From the outset of my career, I have always worked in a highly culturally and internationally diversified environment, and it has been exciting. It helps you to have a broader mindset about people’s choices and preferences, which are shaped by their various cultural backgrounds, and it is important to respect people’s culture no matter how offensive they may seem. The strength of every organisation lies in its diversity. Above all, to build an enduring institution, every company must ensure that its organizational culture prevails over its employees’ various cultural inclinations. 

What key skills should a newly qualified accountant develop on their path to becoming a CFO? 

Continuous development and relevance are key. Take courses and certifications in evolving or emerging areas in information technology, strategy and accounting. For example, whenever there is a release of a new accounting standard impacting your industry, go for training on such a standard. Earn CPD credits also. 

How do you balance your personal and professional life? 

I make sure to shut down 100 per cent when on vacation. I have a fixed time above which I must close from the office every day. I also refuse to take my laptop home after work hours and during weekends. 

What are your interests outside of work? 

I belong to a club where I go and relax at least twice every week, networking with members of the club and participating in games and other indoor sports. I also play an active role in a religious organisation, which keeps me busy mostly at weekends. I also embark on vacation trips with family members, to unwind once every six months. 

How do you contribute to the development of others in your field? 

I have mentees on LinkedIn. I also mentor youths within my religious organisation. 

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a CFO? 

Set goals and stay focused on your goals. No year should go by without adding value to yourself. Be responsible and accountable. 

What’s your favorite quote or mantra? 

People are not your most important assets; the right people are.

Jim Collins (Good to Great) 

Share your favorite leadership lesson. 

A man that keeps learning, unlearning and relearning is second to none. 

What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your business bio? 

I am a singer, a dancer, and a pastor in my local church. I enjoy reading books on faith as well as watching epic movies. 

What’s your favorite non-business app on your phone? 

Facebook 

If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be? 

An App that helps to predict market trends. 

What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays? 

I always make sure to leave my desk and gist with other colleagues; it helps me forget about the job for a short while and then return back to my desk fired up. 

If you could relive one day from your professional career, which day would it be and why? 

The day I became a chartered accountant. Becoming a chartered accountant gave me all the peace and comfort I needed to practice accounting with confidence.