We’re back with another recap of the Zikoko HER Conversations on X (FKA Twitter) spaces. Our final space of the year was intentional and crafted to help the girls (and boys), set their career goals as we close out 2025.
The space was moderated by Vera Njote, Operations and Strategy Associate at Zikoko and sponsored by one of the leading partners of our #ShiftTheStory campaign, She Leads Africa. The speakers, Dieko Ojo, Investment Associate at Novastar Ventures, Oreoluwa Atinmo, Marketing Director at GBFoods Nigeria and Oreoluwa Bukola, a self-employed career coach, came prepared with life saving tips condensed for you in this article.
These are the top 6 tips from the conversation to help you climb up your professional career.
1. Stop Being a Yes Girl
The first thing to understand about securing your place at the top at work, is that you’re not there because your employers owe you a favour. You’re there because you’re qualified for the role. Our speakers all agree that women in corporate workspaces move around shy and docile, like they’re begging to keep their jobs and waiting for permission before doing things. This behaviour won’t get you anywhere. In the corporate world, audacity is a valuable currency, and this includes having the courage to say no to things you don’t agree with. Find your voice and show your expertise. Let your employers know why they chose you.
2. Minding Your Business Won’t Help
Once you’ve let your superiors and colleagues understand that you have opinions and thoughts of your own, the next step is going the extra mile. We’re not saying involve yourself in their personal matters, although that may be helpful where boundaries are available. But more so, let your involvement be impactful and productive, especially for the business. What do we mean? Take initiative, be creative, and be proactive. No one gives top seats to people who sit around and do nothing. It’s important to go beyond what you’re expected to do and take ownership of your ideas. Sometimes, you may need to buddy up with your boss and be the teacher’s pet. But that’s fine, no one is on this journey with you.
‘It’s important to think of your career as a business where you need to cultivate relationships to grow. If you don’t think of yourself as an enterprise that people need to trust to recommend for more tasks, you likely won’t be getting that promotion’- Oreoluwa Bukola
3. Ask for What You Want
The people who are handing our promotions, while in some situations may be fair with who they give it to, need to know that it is something you want. If our actions aren’t reflecting our desire for growth, then we should at least be able to ask for it. We’re not saying go into HR’s office to ask for a promotion outrightly, especially when you haven’t worked for it. What we’re saying is, ask your seniors and colleagues to guide you on getting what you want, ask to be put on projects and assigned tasks that can help you achieve these things. You’re not going to be acknowledged until you ask for what you want.
Also Read: #NairaLife: He Struggled Financially for Years. Then a Career Switch Changed His Life
4. Be Known for Something
It’s important for people in your workplace to know and recognise you for something. This could be an idea, a product, a trait or skill that has proved reliable and the only way to achieve this is by tooting your horn and marketing yourself. Get comfortable with owning your projects and ideas, get comfortable with bragging about your achievements.
‘Let people think of you as the perfect executioner for projects. Men will probably do a fraction of what you’ve done and make a big deal out of it. Let people know you for the things you’ve done so they remember you. Build relationships with decision makers so they remember you. Show up for them so you remain top of mind’ – Dieko Ojo
5. Take Communication Seriously
Remember, you’re asking for help, not demanding it. You’re trying to come off as likable and professional to your colleagues, not snobby and haughty. Communication matters. Our speakers all agree that it is important to pay attention to not just our words, but also our tone. We must not be confrontational and to the best of our ability, we must avoid conflict. On the rare occasion that you are caught up in it, speak factually. Finally, always seek clarification. It’s important to always be on the right page.
6. Engage in Work Politics, Ethically
Office politics are not in your head, neither are they conspiracy theories. They are real and thriving and it’s important for you to learn to play the game before it plays you. What’s the best place to start? Get a sponsor/mentor and choose who you want to develop your relationship with outside work. If you think work relationships end in the office, then do we have a surprise for you. Engage your superiors in conversations not just about your job, but your career. Talk growth with them and let them know that they’re working with an ambitious person. When it comes to actually executing your tasks, always make sure nothing surprises your boss and always align with major influencers.
‘Adopt the practice of aligning before the main meeting. Identify the key people who may not be leaders but are instrumental in influencing decisions.’- Oreoluwa Atinmo
Our speakers also share tips on redeeming your image where things have gone left and making yourself near irreplaceable. They were keen on making you the possible best team player in this space. Listen here!
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