Early in the year, we devoted one webisode of our Vlog-discovery to the 15 women who inspired us in 2015. Chika Uwazie was a star feature on our list. I met Chika, at the Grooming for Greatness Fellowship and I was immediately taken by her astute business skills, passion and warmth. But I’m not the only one who has noticed Chika’s imprint on the Nigerian scene. Last year, Chika was the winner of the Exquisite Lady of the Year Award in the ‘Ladies Who Inspire Lady To Watch’ category. In our exclusive interview, Chika gives us a glimpse into her positive mindset and support system, both key ingredients in what makes this woman our everyday crush!
Meet Chika Uwazie
Chika Uwazie is the Vice President of Talentbase-a HR software company. Before joining Talentbase, she worked at several international organizations including The Whitaker Group, World Bank, and Exxon Mobil. A professional in Human Resource Management, Chika obtained her Masters in Strategic Human Capital Management at Georgetown University.
For her work in human capital she was featured in Human Capital magazine and Vanguard. She has also been featured in Afripop and Human IPO for her work in the digital media space and was listed in a 2016 issue of Innov8te magazine among 100 Women for being a visionary leader. Chika is also a sought after writer whose work has been published in Ventures Africa, Y Naija, Bella Naija, and Forbes.
Chika loves sharing her knowledge on the intersection between technology and HR. She has spoken at the Wharton Africa Business conference, Social Media Week Lagos, and She Leads Africa.
IBG: Why do you do what you do?
CU: As a former HR consultant I understand the power behind a great team. I believe all companies in Nigeria no matter their size should have access to HR software that can help achieve that mission. My ultimate goal is to increase the productivity and efficencity of Nigerian employees to create more world class organizations.
IBG: What motivates you?
CU: A few things motivate me everyday. The first thing that motivates me is myself and the push to improve my abilities and skills. Secondly my father who built his own IT company and has made an impact on the tech community. Lastly the hustle of the Nigerian people gives me so much energy. Nigerians can literally turn lemons into lemonade which to me is inspirational.
IBG: How do you define success?
CU: I define success as being an authority in my industry. I want when people think of HR and HR software they think about Talentbase.
IBG: What keeps you grounded?
CU: My spirituality and the support system of my family and friend. Without those three things I would not be where I am today.
IBG: What has been your biggest entrepreneurial challenge and how have you surmounted it?
CU: In my company I handle the sales and business development. I literally had the change the way I know the sales process by US standards. The Nigerian business world is dependent on building relationships and face to face interaction. It definitely has been a challenge to continue to find ways to grow our sales and learn these new methods.
IBG: What has been your biggest success?
CU: Funny enough I do not believe I have reached my peak yet in terms of success. I will say it was an honour to receive the ELOY award for Woman to Watch. I do believe 2016 will be a great year for me!
IBG: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs?
CU: To always think positively. I am a big proponent of positive affirmations and applying positive thoughts to everything I do. Nigeria can sometimes feel like a jungle and knowing inside yourself that nothing is impossible will get you through your crazy days.
Leave a Reply