Linda Ahaneku - On Leading The Intersection of Tech and Impact
Interviewed by Nkem Adigwe
Linda Ahaneku
Nkem: Please, tell us about yourself.
Linda: I am the Chief Operating Officer at Shago Payments Limited. With over eight (8) years of experience in human capital development, business and strategy, brand management, and corporate administration, I have worked across industries like oil and gas, financial technology, and agricultural technology. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the Imo State University and a Master's degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from the University of Lagos.
In my career, I have demonstrated proficiency in selfless and effective leadership through my work at Schlumberger, Capricorn Digital Limited, and AgroMall. I have been instrumental in uplifting communities through projects such as the Agricultural Collaboration (Agrocola) project. It focused on creating economic opportunities for 10,000 educated youths in 5 states of the federation. I have won awards for championing the first CBN-led SANEF Initiative at Capricorn Digital Limited, designed to offer financial services to 60 million financially excluded Nigerians. As a result of my stellar performance, the company was awarded the most outstanding performance in 2019 for achieving the highest number of activities and transactions in the CBN SANEF cashless initiative. I am passionate about the outdoors and enjoy singing and dancing in my free time. I aspire to establish a first-class agricultural technology company in the future. I am from Imo state, Isu Nwangele L.G.A and the 7th child from a family of 8.
N: What piqued your interest in tech?
L: My interest in tech stemmed from my passion for improving lives. Tech provides the opportunity to create innovative solutions that solve complex problems for businesses, individuals, and society. It touches all facets of human life, and supporting people to achieve their purpose is the ultimate reason for existence.
N: How has it been working as a woman in tech?
L: Working in tech has been exciting and challenging at the same time. Exciting because asides from creating valuable solutions, I've been privileged to work with bright minds while ensuring they have the right environment to remain productive. It is challenging because the tech world is dynamic and demanding amidst many glass ceilings that still need to shatter.
N: If you were not working in your current career, what other career path would you have chosen and why?
L: I would have been a doctor since I love helping people or a scientist because I love discovering new things.
N: How do you deal with opposition in the workplace? Do you have mechanisms for dealing with the resistance?
L: My philosophy for dealing with opposition in the workplace is to focus on the ultimate goal. Oppositions are inevitable distractions that come with interacting with people, and I apply a situational approach while carefully achieving my target. Some mechanisms I use at the workplace are:
● Do not resist or ignore the opposition.
● Understand the reason behind the opposition (there is always an interest).
● Evaluate the interest versus the ultimate goal. Consider things from their point of view, but focus on the bigger picture.
● Apply a collaborative problem-solving approach, such as participative decision-making, and tactical communication.
● Use the carrot and stick method where necessary.
N: What advice would you give a young Nigerian lady looking to pursue a career in tech?
L: Have strong values and do not compromise on them. Develop emotional agility for making quality decisions. Consistency and perseverance will get you there. Find a good mentor and learn the ropes from their experience.
N: What are your career expectations, if you would like to share them?
L: To own and manage a globally recognised business in the agricultural and payment industries.