In this episode of What I Do For Work, host Anita Patrick speaks with Susanna Ozenogu. They discuss the intricacies of project management, Susan's journey into this sector and what it takes to thrive as a PM.

Susanna Ozenogu is a Program and Portfolio Manager with over a decade of experience driving transformation and building scalable systems across nonprofit, tech, finance, logistics, and consulting sectors. She's certified in PMP, CBAP, PMI-ACP, and Scrum. She brings together technical fluency, learning design, and human-centred leadership. Beyond corporate execution, she is a seasoned PMP trainer and facilitator, having equipped and mentored over 2,000 executives and professionals with the tools to lead projects and programs effectively.

What you’ll learn:

• The difference between project, program, and portfolio management.

• What to do if looking to grow as a PM or pivot into the sector

• How to approach certifications and the number 1 tip for acing professional exams like the PMP

• The best practice for applying Project Management structures to real-life scenarios

• How to know if Project Management is the right career for you

• The key skills of a good Project Manager

• How and why to be visible at work

Where to find Susan and Zenog Consults

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sozenogu/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sue.lenaya/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zenog-consulting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenog_jobs/

Where to find Anita

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/anitasfire

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/

What I Do For Work on social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork

Twitter: https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_

#WIDFWPodcast

Newsletter

https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1716316/161986026210854411/share

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:57 Understanding Project Management roles

05:23 Susan's journey from Journalist to Project Manager

14:26 Project Management exists in every field

18:01 Relevance of Project Management certifications

20:14 Susan's most impactful Project Management certification

21:57 3 tips beyond certificates for a career in Project Management

29:02 How to ace your Project Management exams

31:11 How to balance textbook knowledge and real-life application in Project Management

34:17 How to know if Project Management is for you

40:56 Staying updated in Project Management practices

44:26 On continuous learning

50:51 Absurdity in business practices

#widfwpodcast #projectmanagementcareer #careerdevelopment

career development, project management certifications, continuous learning, career transitions, project management in nigeria

Production and marketing by Anita Patrick

In this episode, Anita Patrick chats with Kafilat Awotayo, founder of the Yellow company, about her path into Brand Strategy and Talent Management.

Kafilat has worked with global luxury brands in her career and is now building a thriving agency at the intersection of Nigeria’s creative economy and commerce. She shares how she’s carved a space for herself in this industry, and the mindset shift creatives need to turn their skills into sustainable businesses.

What we discussed:

• Why you must fight for your place if you want to build credibility at work

• How proactive learning and shadowing can fast-track your growth

• The role of trend forecasting in staying relevant and competitive

• Why creatives should start thinking like corporations

• Why build meaningful industry relationships that open doors

• Working at an agency vs. in-house, which should marketers in Nigeria choose

• The importance of networking and community engagement

• Balancing Brand marketing and sales

Where to find Kafilat and The Yellow Company

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kaf.ilatt/

https://www.instagram.com/the.yellowco/

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/kafilatawotayo/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/yellowcomms/

Where to find Anita

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/

Twitter/ X: https://x.com/anitasfire

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/

What I Do For Work on social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork

Twitter: https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_

#WIDFWPodcast

Newsletter

https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1716316/161986026210854411/share

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:27 The work of a Brand Strategist

03:45 Kafilat's journey to Brand Strategy

10:11 Taking a gap year strategically

11:41 Maximizing internships for growth

14:27 Road to Kafilat's Yellow Agency

17:25 Transitioning from 9-5 to agency founder

21:21 Gatekeeping in the industry

23:27 The importance of data in marketing

25:07 Building relationships and networking

26:38 The role of creativity in commerce

28:36 The evolution of Yellow Management

29:57 Supporting the Creative Economy

36:59 Building a framework for creatives

38:59 The expanding creative economy

40:41 What you need to break into Brand Marketing

46:05 Agency vs in-house

47:58 Recap of the conversation

50:15 Mentorship opportunity with Kafilat

Production and marketing by Anita Patrick

In this episode, Anita Patrick speaks with Adanna Atuonwu, the Public Relations Lead at AFEX, one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies, to unpack what it really takes to succeed in PR in Nigeria.From building media relationships across West and East Africa, to turning a Master’s degree into a career breakthrough, to managing challenging team members without burning out, Adanna shares practical lessons from her journey that every aspiring PR or communications professional needs to hear.This is a conversation about career growth, leadership, and thriving in structured organisations.What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to build and nurture PR relationships that actually move your career forward
• Where to find networking opportunities (and why “horizontal networking” matters)
• How a Master’s degree can unlock doors and how to maximise its full value
• What it’s like to work in a structured, high-growth company
• Key things to consider when choosing your first job
• The mindsets and attitudes that set successful PR professionals apart
• Practical tips for managing difficult reportees as a first-time manager

Where to find AdannaInstagramLinkedInWhere to find AnitaLinkedIn Twitter Instagram What I Do For Work on socialLinkedInInstagramTiktokTwitter/X#WIDFWPodcastNewsletterChapters00:00 Introduction00:53 What to expect01:24 Working in PR03:41 PR Lead day-to-day06:26 Productive times for working08:00 Building relationships as a PR expert12:14 Undergrad and Master's experience16:49 Getting value (and jobs) from Master's degree19:40 First year at AFEX21:48 Taking advantage of support at work22:57 Having good managers and being a good manager25:49 Handling reportees who need micromanagement30:43 Working in a place with structure35:11 Advice for choosing your first job37:14 Problems in the Comms sector39:52 Advice for working in PR40:52 Networking horizontally42:46 Where to find relationships44:45 Where to find Adanna45:12 Share What I Do For Work podcastProduction and marketing by Anita Patrick

In this episode of What I Do For Work, Anita Patrick speaks with Pearl Utuk, a social entrepreneur and international development professional, about her journey from volunteering to finding career clarity. Pearl shares her experiences at the African Leadership Academy, the career uncertainty challenges she grappled with, and the importance of networking and preparation in achieving career goals.

What you’ll learn:

• How volunteering can open doors to meaningful, high-impact careers.

• Why networking isn’t just for formal events, and how to build connections anywhere.

• Key technical skills needed to thrive in the development and social enterprise space.

• How to prepare for opportunities even when your career path feels unclear.

• How to embrace nonlinear career journeys and unexpected turns.

• The power of documenting and sharing your work to attract new opportunities.

• The role of faith during uncertain times.

• Why every small contribution can create a ripple effect in your community.

Where to find Pearl and Teach The Child

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

Where to find Anita

LinkedIn

Instagram

Twitter/X

What I Do For Work on social

LinkedIn

Instagram

TikTok

Twitter/X

#WIDFWPodcast

Newsletter

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Impactful Careers

02:46 Pearl Utuk's Journey in Social Impact

04:07 Day-to-Day Responsibilities at African Leadership Academy

06:11 Entering the Impact Space

08:26 The Role of Volunteering in Career Clarity

10:47 Building Skills and Overcoming Challenges

12:36 Finding Opportunities in Uncertainty

14:59 Developing Technical Skills for Social Development

17:51 The Importance of Networking and Documentation

20:07 Identifying Problems and Creating Solutions

36:31 Funding Community Projects

39:36 The Birth of Project Teach the Child

42:34 Navigating Career Opportunities

48:02 The Power of Networking

50:31 Transitioning from Project to NGO

57:07 Ambition vs. Contentment in Career

01:06:53 Mandela Washington Application

Production and marketing by Anita Patrick

In this episode, host Anita Patrick speaks with Irene Aguh, a multifaceted entrepreneur who has successfully transitioned from a 9 to 5 job in marketing to running her own travel and marketing businesses.

Irene shares her journey, the career challenges she faced, and the strategies she employed to build her companies. The conversation delves into the importance of planning, understanding product-market fit, and the balance between ambition and contentment in one's career. Irene also discusses the significance of self-doubt, money management, and the skills needed to thrive in the travel and marketing industries.

Takeaways

• Balance ambition with enjoying the journey.
• Transitioning from a 9 to 5 requires careful planning.
• Testing product-market fit is crucial for success.
• What people say they want may differ from their actions.
• Google can be a valuable resource for career guidance.
• Self-training can save money on formal education.
• Understanding personal finances is key before entrepreneurship.
• Building a supportive team is essential for growth.
• Self-doubt is common; remember you belong in your space.
• The travel and marketing industries require creativity and problem-solving skills.

Where to find Irene:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-aguh/

https://www.instagram.com/iryyne/

https://brandrevie.com/

https://ireneleo.com/

Where to find Anita

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/

https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/

Suggest yourself or someone else to be a guest

https://forms.gle/3uDmWq2otcFYSkR87

Episode chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:06 Diverse Career Paths: Travel and Marketing

04:37 Transitioning from 9 to 5 to Entrepreneurship

07:15 Building a Support System for Business

09:38 Critical Factors for Successful Transition

11:42 Understanding Product-Market Fit

14:17 The Importance of Execution in Business

16:46 Reflecting on Educational Background and Career Choices

19:14 Navigating Career Progression and Opportunities

21:53 The Role of Exposure in Career Development

25:18 The Role of Self-Study and Google in Career Growth

26:28 Ambition vs. Career Contentment: Finding Balance

30:06 Managing Time and Responsibilities as an Entrepreneur

30:19 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Entrepreneurship

31:50 Money Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

34:44 Navigating the Travel Industry: Skills and Insights

38:09 Reflections on the Entrepreneurial Journey

Production and marketing by Anita Patrick.