In her new book, ‘Maximising Your Career Seasons,’ Victoria Ibhawa offered crucial advice for professionals on how to thrive and make the most of each phase in their careers.
Ibhawa, founder of ‘Inspired for Impact,’ whose career spans over 17 years with prominent organisations, emphasised the importance of self-awareness and goal-setting.
She shared her personal experiences and the lessons she’s learned throughout her career.
The book, a four-part guide with 253 pages, was designed to help young professionals navigate the seasons of their careers.
“The book explores different growth stages and challenges, from the season of sunrise to the season of sunset. It’s about figuring out what you want to be remembered for and managing the real workplace realities,” she explained.
She revealed that her goal with the book was not only to guide professionals but also to inspire them to become the best versions of themselves.
“I want it to be used as a reference for organisations to help guide their staff and for individuals who want to grow both professionally and personally.”
Ibhawa’s passion for supporting others shines through in her work. Through her foundation, ‘Inspired for Impact,’ she helps professionals develop their careers, relationships, and leadership skills, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed and lead inspiring lives.
“I love seeing young people thrive. This book is my way of giving back, sharing my experiences, and helping others learn from them. I want it to be a practical guide for professionals at any stage of their careers.
“We support individuals throughout their entire career journey, from entry to exit. The book provides insights on how to present yourself effectively, carve out a unique niche, stay relevant, and establish yourself as an indispensable professional,” Ibhawa said.
Also speaking, distinguished corporate service professional from Chevron, Olujide Abimbola, shared insightful reflections on career growth, mentorship, and personal development at the book launch. He explained that his experience working with individuals, especially younger professionals, had shaped his views on how people can navigate career challenges and improve their life outcomes.
Abimbola explained that over time, he had the opportunity to counsel many individuals, offering guidance on both personal and professional matters.
“Many people come to me with questions about their career or general life issues. And from my experience, I’ve found that most of the time, the challenges people faced aren’t as difficult to solve as they might seem. The real challenge is often the inability to properly analyse the problem and break it down into smaller, manageable parts.”
Through his involvement with ‘Inspired for Impact,’ Ibhawa’s foundation, Abimbola said he had contributed to reach out to young professionals, offering them support and guidance through various outreach programs.
“We aim to provide exposure, knowledge, and guidance to individuals, particularly those in the early and middle stages of their careers,” he explained.
“We have reached over 15,000 young people through our online outreaches, where we connect them with experienced professionals who share valuable insights. Our feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s gratifying to see these young people thrive.”
A learning expert, Mrs Esohe Adetola, counseled the audience, “Be aware of who you are, what you want in life, and the career path you want to follow.
“Once you have clarity on your goals, you can begin taking the necessary steps to achieve them. One of the key things I did was find a mentor. There’s nothing you need that someone hasn’t already accomplished.”
Adetola also encouraged professionals to actively seek opportunities, saying, “Put yourself forward for opportunities. The title of a role or task tells you what to expect, and you should be prepared to rise to the occasion.
“Be ready for people to reach out to you at any time, and always make use of Information and Communication Technology to stay relevant and informed.”
Senior Pastor of CBC, Pastor Olusegun Abraham, who prayed for the author and the success of the book, encouraged professionals to purchase a copy.