Senior manager at Bloomfield Law Practice, Grace Oyeniyi, tells TEMITOPE ADETUNJI that her greatest achievements are bagging an MBA and becoming a senior manager in human resources before turning 30
Can you recount your journey from being a first-class graduate to your current role as Practice Manager and Human Resources Manager at Bloomfield Law Practice?
My first degree wasn’t in anything related to business or people management, but graduating with first-class honours and being recognised as the best student in my department instilled in me the belief that anything is achievable! My journey into HR began at my primary assignment during the youth service, Tuteria. Working closely with Kehinde Ishie, the HR manager at Tuteria at the time ignited my passion. She generously showed me the ropes and her mentorship reinforced my passion for HR. Inspired by her, I began studying what it would require to become an HR professional like her.
Upon completing my NYSC (National Youth Service Corps programme), I received an offer to join Guaranty Trust Bank. The recruitment at that time was exclusive to first-class graduates, and I remember that there were 37 of us. During our time at the Banking School, I expressed my desire to be posted to the HR unit to anyone who would listen and began to distinguish myself for the role. To my delight, I was posted to the HR Group of Guaranty Trust Headquarters, Victoria Island, Lagos. I was thrilled to be part of a group that focused on talent management, organisational development, welfare, compensation, and benefits. The multifaceted nature of HR reinforced my conviction that this was the right profession for me.
My experience at GTBank was challenging. I had to unlearn many things and learn new ones. It was the most challenging environment I have encountered in my career journey so far. However, those challenges became the foundation of my determination that led to many of my achievements today. The obstacles I faced became catalysts for my achievements. Since my time at Guaranty Trust, I’ve ventured into diverse industries such as hospitality, finance, and currently the legal sector, each offering its challenges and opportunities for growth.
What motivated you to pursue a career in Law and Human Resource Management?
One of my childhood fantasies was to become a lawyer, a dream that contrasted with my father’s desire for me to pursue the sciences, aiming for a career as a pharmacist. While I did adhere to the scientific path initially, nature eventually guided me back to discover a harmonious intersection between my passion and interests. My fascination with the legal sector started when I got into the University of Lagos and shared a room with a 400-level Law student. We would argue and debate reasonably, and she would tell me that I could make a really fine lawyer. She often remarked that I possessed the qualities to excel as a lawyer. At that time, she was in year four while I was just in my first year. Her kind words, coupled with exposure to law-themed movies further fuelled my interest in the field.
Recognising that human resource management transcends industry boundaries and is applicable across various sectors, I remained open to opportunities that would afford me diverse experiences and foster holistic growth. When the opportunity to join Bloomfield emerged, I eagerly jumped at it. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my aspirations, allowing me to delve into the legal realm while also leveraging my background in human resources. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to Bloomfield’s endeavours and continuing to develop as a well-rounded professional.
How do you balance your responsibilities as an HR/practice manager at a top-tier law firm and marriage?
Balancing my responsibilities as an HR/practice manager at a top-tier law firm and maintaining a fulfilling marriage requires careful planning, effective communication, and time management. These strategies, among others, have been instrumental in my journey thus far. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my husband, whose unwavering support and understanding have been pivotal in ensuring my success across all aspects of life.
In the course of my career, I have come to learn about work-life integration, a framework that enables me to address priorities as they arise. This means that if I am in an executive meeting on a Monday morning and get called by my children’s school because there’s something urgent I need to attend to about my children, I will promptly excuse myself to attend to it. Similarly, I’m willing to dedicate time on a Saturday to address urgent work calls.
As a wife, mother, and career professional, I meticulously plan my day to ensure that no area of my life is neglected. From preparing fresh meals for my children’s school lunches (I’m not a noodle mummy), to personally dropping them off before heading for the office, I prioritise their well-being.
My husband and I uphold a culture of open communication and mutual support. We actively involve each other in our respective endeavours and celebrate each other’s milestones. It takes two to tango, they say. In summary, I would say that the presence of a supportive spouse, coupled with effective planning and communication, has helped me greatly in creating a balance.
What are the key skills and experiences you have gained from your diverse professional background in industries such as finance, tech, and hospitality?
Being a versatile professional is truly rewarding, as it allows me to contribute meaningfully to diverse settings. My experience in the finance sector has equipped me with the skills to interpret financial concepts, analyse data for investment strategies, offer risk management advice, and most importantly, generate insightful reports crucial for decision-making in any organisation. In hospitality, I was able to hone my customer service skills, mastering effective communication and interpersonal abilities as I often had to handle clients’ complaints.
Tech, on the other hand, has been such an enabler as my journey in the tech industry has been empowering. The capability to troubleshoot technical issues and provide effective solutions has been invaluable and will undoubtedly continue to enable my professional endeavours.
Can you share some insights into your involvement with various organisations such as the Red Cross Society and the Foundation for a Better Environment?
One of my core life principles is that a life of impact is the most meaningful. Non-Governmental Organisations offer us avenues to put this philosophy into action. Since 2012, I have actively volunteered and been a member of FABE and the RCS. These platforms enable me to make a tangible difference in the well-being of those around me and in safeguarding the environment. Through FABE and the RCS, I contribute meaningfully to public health initiatives and environmental conservation efforts, particularly in raising awareness about climate change and advocating for effective mitigation strategies.
What strategies do you employ to foster a positive work culture and employee engagement at Bloomfield Law Practice?
To cultivate a positive work culture and enhance employee engagement, I implement several key strategies. Some of these are clear communication, recognition and appreciation, opportunities for growth, empowerment and autonomy, team-building activities, and feedback mechanisms, among others. By implementing these strategies, I can create a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees feel motivated, engaged, and valued.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the legal and HR industries?
I participate in seminars, workshops, webinars, and conferences relevant to the legal and HR fields, and to be a member of professional associations. The Association of Legal Administrators Nigeria is one such association that I belong to. It’s one of the associations where I network and gain valuable insights into trends in the industry.
Can you discuss the challenges you have faced in your career and how you have overcome them?
During the early stages of my career, I encountered a challenging situation with a very demanding line manager who had high expectations. To address this, I dedicated myself to developing skills in emotional intelligence and patience. These efforts allowed me to navigate the challenge effectively and achieve positive outcomes despite the initial difficulties.
Can you share some examples of projects or initiatives you have led or been involved in that have had a significant impact on your organisation or community?
Based on the confidentiality around some of the initiatives that I have championed in organisations where I have worked in the past, I may not be able to share in detail. However, I have successfully led substantial projects and championed numerous initiatives to fruition, establishing myself as a valuable asset in these organisations. Many of these initiatives continue to be integral parts of the organisations, even after my departure.
How do you prioritise and manage multiple projects and responsibilities effectively?
I start by comprehensively understanding each project’s scope, objectives, and deadlines. Then I assess the urgency and importance of tasks; I usually do this using the quadrant that I learned many years ago: 1. Important and urgent, 2. Important, not urgent, 3. Not important, urgent, 4. Not important, not urgent. By the time I am done with this classification, I can manage all projects and responsibilities effectively without dropping the ball.
What do you consider your greatest achievements or contributions to date in your career?
My greatest achievement right now is completing my MBA as a first-generation graduate, ascending to the role of senior manager, and making notable strides in the HR domain, all before the age of 30.
As a project management professional, how do you apply project management principles in your daily work?
I begin with a meticulous initiation phase where I define clear project objectives, scope, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and stakeholders’ expectations. Following this, I meticulously plan every aspect of the project, developing comprehensive schedules, budgets, risk management plans, and communication strategies to guide execution effectively. Throughout the execution phase, I oversee project progress, manage resources, and address any issues or risks that arise, ensuring tasks are completed according to plan and milestones are achieved on time and within budget.
I maintain a proactive approach to monitoring and control, regularly tracking project performance against established metrics and KPIs. Through open and transparent communication with stakeholders, I keep them informed about project progress, milestones, risks, and any changes to the plan, fostering alignment and managing expectations. I also prioritise risk management and quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle, identifying potential risks, developing mitigation strategies, and ensuring that deliverables meet stakeholders’ requirements and industry standards.
How do you approach leadership and team management in your current role?
I strongly believe in leadership by example! So, I lead by example. Having said that, I start by establishing clear goals and expectations, ensuring that team members understand their roles and responsibilities within the broader context of the organisation’s objectives. I also endeavour to communicate clearly without ambiguity both in conveying information and actively listening to team members’ perspectives and feedback.
I empathize with my team members and provide them with opportunities for professional growth and development, as well as recognising and celebrating individual and team achievements. For effective team management, I delegate as much as possible by empowering my team members to take ownership of tasks and projects while fostering collaboration and building trust. Conclusively, I understand that successful leadership and team management require a balance of authority and collaboration, so I do my best to give the duo.
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to excel in their careers?
Know what you want and learn how to get there. Stay hungry and don’t settle for less. With God on your side, you will excel.
What are your long-term career goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?
One of my mid-term career goals is to become a C-suite executive in a multinational. Sustaining this and making an impact will be my long-term goal. To achieve this, I intend to continue to give my best and continue to invest in my professional development through relevant certifications. I recognise the importance of building a strong professional network and seeking mentorship from established leaders in my field, hence, I am committed to doing this as well.
By remaining proactive in my learning, staying abreast of industry trends, and actively pursuing opportunities for advancement and leadership roles, I am confident in my ability to achieve my long-term career aspirations.
How do you handle stressful situations or high-pressure environments in your professional life?
By staying calm and not losing focus.
How do you leverage technology and innovation in your role as an HR/practice manager?
I believe that technology is an enabler and so I leverage it appropriately for various purposes. From Applicant Tracking Systems to Learning Management Systems and various collaborative platforms such as Teams, I adopt them all.
What motivates you to continue learning and pursuing professional development opportunities?
Being a first-generation graduate, learning has always been a fundamental aspect of my personal and professional journey, as I find fulfilment in acquiring new knowledge and skills. I am motivated by the opportunity to expand my capabilities, stay current with industry trends, network, and remain relevant in an ever-evolving work environment. I am inspired by the belief that continuous learning and pursuit of development can make you somebody, even when you are from a humble background.
Can you share some memorable experiences or lessons learned from your international travels and interactions?
One of my memorable experiences from my international travels was being featured in the country’s newspaper. I was recognised for contributing to the well-being of the community. On the other hand, my international travels and interactions have provided me with invaluable experiences and lessons that have shaped some of my perspectives today. My exposure to different cultures has cultivated in me an appreciation for diversity and respect for others’ beliefs and customs. Also, navigating unfamiliar environments and overcoming challenges abroad have helped develop my adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills, enhancing my ability to thrive in diverse and dynamic situations.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind in your professional and personal endeavours?
My aspiration is to be remembered as someone who made a meaningful and lasting impact on others’ lives. I want people to say that there was once a lady, who despite being from a humble background strove to leave a legacy of leadership, innovation, and positive change. I hope to inspire and empower those around me to reach their full potential, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence with zero toxicity. Ultimately, I hope that my legacy reflects a godly life lived with integrity, purpose, and a commitment to making the world a better place for generations to come.
