Okeke-Lawal: Optiva Capital’s Edge is its Elite Partnership Across the World
Ms. Amaka Okeke-Lawal, is the Executive Director of Optiva Capital Partners, a leading investment immigration wealth management company, with responsibility for overall business development. A quintessential business leader who is focused and goal-oriented, she has, by merit and dint of hard work risen to her exalted position. In an interview, she reminisces on her years at Optiva Capital Partners, and the firm’s distinctive edge in investment immigration. Excerpts
Tell us about yourself
I am the Executive Director of Business Development at Optiva Capital Partners, and I have been with Optiva for 10 years and currently in charge of 21 branches. I am a member of the board and the executive committee at Optiva Capital Partners. For my educational qualification, I obtained a BSc in Sociology from the University of Lagos and I am also a certified business analysis professional. I am God-fearing, a goal-getter, hardworking, dedicated, and intelligent. When I set goals, I remain resolute and focused on them with high commitment, unwavering determination, and persistence until I achieve them. No number of obstacles or challenges will deter me. I am from Anambra State and happily married to a Yoruba man from Ibadan, Oyo State.
What motivated you to join Optiva Capital Partners 10 years ago? The Chairman of Optiva Capital Partners, Mr. Franklin Nechi motivated me to join the company. I met the chairman in September 2013. I was young and naive with no clear sense of direction. I wanted to be so many things at the same time but he redirected my energy and focus to ONE GOAL-to be a person of significance through focus, confidence, and action. He elevated my trust in God and trained me to be mentally tough, the kind of mental toughness that helped me to glide through the challenges of life unfazed. He taught me that if God be for me, no opposition or challenges can overcome me. The chairman is a visionary. The first thing you would notice from your interaction with him is his brilliant mind. He didn’t know me from anywhere but he believed in me and challenged me. The truth is that I love a good challenge. When I set my mind to do something, nothing can stop me. He identified my strengths and weaknesses and began to train me. He built an extreme hunger for success in me. He taught me all I know about the business and has been there every step of the way. He is my mentor.
My life has been a life of achievements and it’s evident from my growth. As I learned to focus on one goal at a time and become a goal-oriented and result-driven person that I have transformed into, there was no looking back. It has been laurel after laurel. I started my career as a relationship management executive with primary duties of establishing and maintaining relationships with clients, deep knowledge of the company’s products and services, providing clients with comprehensive products/services, and guiding their decision-making process. From there, I grew to General Manager and I am now the Executive Director of Business Development in charge of the implementation of business strategies, training, and development of the team, work tools for business development, overseeing over 21 branches, branch expansion, and strategies, institutional operations, social media marketing and so on.
I have the recognition of being the top salesperson consistently, and this means a lot to me. The doors it has opened professionally have been mind-blowing. I have grown in product knowledge, my profile has risen in society, opportunities knock on my door, and the responsibilities and accolades that my current role entails are both challenging and exciting. Recently I received the GAHAWARD Youth Icon Award as the Future Shaper 2023 by GMYT Group. It has been challenging and gratifying and I am grateful to God for everything He has enabled me to achieve.
What do you find most rewarding about working at Optiva?
Working in an organization like Optiva Capital Partners can be rewarding for several reasons. Firstly, it offers the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and industries, allowing professionals to gain valuable insights into various sectors of the economy. This exposure can be intellectually stimulating and provide a broader perspective on global markets. Secondly, Optiva Capital Partners offers competitive compensation packages, including bonuses and performance-based incentives. This can be financially rewarding for individuals who excel in their roles and contribute to the success of the company. Lastly, there is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people. The company has a culture of helping people and introduced welfare packages tagged “No One Is Left Behind” and “Now I Can See” programs to cater to our staff and family members. Parents and grandparents are offered free eye treatment including surgeries and long-term care. Many parents have benefitted, and some were flown from interior villages to Lagos for medical treatment with full hotel accommodation for the parents and accompanying aids till treatment is completed on an all-expense paid basis.
How have you seen Optiva grow and evolve during the past 10 years you have been here?
Optiva has grown from a single location to expanding its horizons in over 21 branches across Nigeria, from having only 15 staff to over 1,000 paid staff. From being an agent to having elite international partners across the world. Optiva Capital Partners is also globally recognized as the number one investment immigration company in Africa.
What are your future goals or aspirations within the organization?
My future goals or aspirations within the organization are to align with the mission of the company which is to improve lives by protecting, growing, enhancing, and optimizing wealth and also, fostering strong client relationships, and delivering exceptional financial services.
How has the company culture contributed to your long-term commitment?
The company culture at Optiva Capital Partners has played a significant role in fostering my long-term commitment to the organization. The emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning has created an environment that encourages personal and professional growth. The supportive and inclusive nature of the culture has allowed me to thrive, feel valued, and contribute meaningfully to the company’s success. This positive atmosphere, combined with the shared commitment to excellence, has solidified my dedication to Optiva Capital Partners for the long term.
How do you envision your role in the company’s future?
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my vision for the future and outline how I envision my role in the company’s future as the Executive Director at Optiva Capital Partners. With a focus on driving growth, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainable success, I am committed to contributing to our organization toward new heights. As the Executive Director, my primary objective is to provide strategic direction and ensure the effective execution of our mission. I will work closely with the board of directors, leveraging their expertise and guidance to shape our long-term goals and objectives. By aligning our vision with industry trends and market opportunities, we will position Optiva Capital Partners as a leader in the investment immigration service sector. Furthermore, I believe in the power of effective leadership and teamwork. I will foster a collaborative and inclusive culture within our organization, encouraging open communication and empowering our team members to contribute their unique perspectives. By nurturing talent and providing professional development opportunities, we will build a high-performing team motivated to achieve excellence. In addition, I recognize the importance of building and nurturing relationships with our clients, partners, and stakeholders. I will actively engage with them, understanding their needs and expectations, and ensure that we consistently deliver exceptional service and value. By fostering trust and maintaining transparent communication, we will strengthen our reputation and attract new opportunities.
What motivated you to stay this long at Optiva Capital Partners?
Firstly, I found fulfillment in the challenging and dynamic nature of the sales and financial services industry which Optiva Capital Partners provided with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Thereby allowing me to expand my skill set, broaden my knowledge, and take on new challenges which in turn, fueled my motivation to stay and excel within the organization. Lastly, the vision, mission, and goal of Optiva Capital Partners are aligned with my aspirations.
QUOTES:
“My future goals or aspirations within the organization are to align with the mission of the company which is to improve lives by protecting, growing, enhancing, and optimizing wealth and also, fostering strong client relationships, and delivering exceptional financial services.”
“I believe in the power of effective leadership and teamwork. I will foster a collaborative and inclusive culture within our organization, encouraging open communication and empowering our team members to contribute their unique perspectives. By nurturing talent and providing professional development opportunities, we will build a high-performing team motivated to achieve excellence.”
