TOYIN KEKERE-EKUN
WHAT WAS YOUR EARLIEST AMBITION?
I wanted to be an accountant since I was 15 years old after falling in love with the subject a year earlier.
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
Encouraging more people to embrace Islamic finance in Nigeria. Although many are conscious of the religious pillars, not much attention is paid to our financial decisions.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR?
I have 2 mentors actually. My first mentor was Wale Oyedeji, former Executive Director of GTBank who gave me great advice in the first decade of my career. Another personality who has been instrumental in my growth is Hajara Adeola, founder and Managing Director of Lotus Capital.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER?
Being part of the advisory team for the first sovereign sukuk issued in Nigeria in 2017.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING?
Bond with family and friends, watch favourite TV series, attend dance classes, read novels.
I WOULD LIKE TO BE A PSYCHOLOGIST AS I’M INTRIGUED BY HOW OUR MINDS WORK OR GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR FOR YOUNG LADIES.
WHAT HAS THE MOST SATISFYING MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE BEEN?
Performing hajj recently. It was a very emotional, spiritual and physical experience. I can go on and on if I don’t stop here…
IN ONE WORD, DESCRIBE YOURSELF.
Dependable.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE AND WHY?
“if you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” This quote shows that everything begins with our minds. If we believe and have faith in ourselves, we can achieve more than we ever dreamed of.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR 21-YEAR-OLD SELF A VALUABLE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
Take more risks, be confident in yourself and learn some street smarts!
WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR 21-YEAR-OLD SELF A VALUABLE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
Take more risks, be confident in yourself and learn some street smarts!
WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY?
I advocate leadership by example – say it, live it. This builds trust which is essential. It is also important to learn the art of balancing being firm with being fair and approachable.
”IF YOU THINK YOU CAN OR CAN’T, YOU’RE RIGHT.” THIS QUOTE SHOWS THAT EVERYTHING BEGINS WITH OUR MINDS.IF WE BELIEVE AND HAVE FAITH IN OURSELVES, WE CAN ACHIEVE MORE THAN WE EVER DREAMED OF.
WHAT DRIVES YOU IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
I put in my best in most things and also enjoy mentoring.
IF YOU COULD MEET A FAMOUS PERSON/LEADER/CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD HE/SHE BE AND WHY?
President Barack Obama. He consistently beat all the odds to achieve such great goals, and still remains extremely gracious and humble…with his integrity intact.
IF YOU RETIRED TOMORROW AND WANTED TO START A DIFFERENT SECOND CAREER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
I would like to be a psychologist as I’m intrigued by how our minds work or guidance counsellor for young ladies.
YOU ARE AN ALUMNI OF THE CAMBRIDGE ISLAMIC FINANCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME. HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE ATTENDING THE PROGRAMME?
It was a fantastic programme, which creatively combined learning and fun We got to enhance our leadership skills and learn new ideas by engaging with industry experts, we channeled our competitive spirits through different activities, formed new relationships with contemporaries from various countries, and all the while savouring the beauty of Cambridge!
