What inspired you to pursue a career in corporate finance/investment banking, and how did you get started in this field?

I had a few inspirations that will lead me to pursue a career in finance. As a young teenager looking to decide on a career path and courses to do in school, Mrs. Okonjo Iweala’s accomplishments played a significant role in my interest in the field. At the time, she was the Minister of Finance, having spent most of her career at the World Bank. Also, coincidentally, Economics happened to be one of my favourite courses in school. So, voila, finance seemed to be the interesting path to follow.

It did not take too much to get started in the field; a few finance courses, some math and zeal were all that it took for me.

 What are the key qualities that make someone successful in investment banking?

I believe just like most success stories you might know of; discipline, diligence, and consistency will take you a long way. The principles are the same and are no different because it is Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, or tailoring.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the industry?

Interestingly, I look forward to reading the headlines from DLM Corporate Communications Media Monitor every morning, it gives me insight into relevant market events of the day. I also follow the media pages of a few local and international financial news agencies; the likes of Financial Times, BusinessDay, and Nairametrics – great media outlets to stay abreast in this industry. Moreover, some socialisation, be it with colleagues at the CFA institute or within the market, also helps.

What is the most rewarding part of your job as a financial analyst at DLM Advisory?

There are a lot of rewards that come on the job, but top will be the ripple effect of my little day to day activities on corporates and sometimes on an entire sector of the economy. For instance, advising Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) on a capital raise that would eventually go to support small businesses or executing a transaction that supports housing finance or better still working as part of a team that identifies a problem, conceptualises a solution and brings it to life. The ability to provide real impacts on ordinary people is very fulfilling and gives the job meaning.

What are common financial challenges businesses face, and how do you help them overcome these obstacles? 

Most businesses come to us to advise on capital raise – short-term, long-term, to prefinance expansion projects or refinance existing obligations etc. As you may know, capital is scarce and so there is competition for the limited funds out there. So, as a financial adviser, the goal is to help the corporate compete favourably in the market, for this limited resource. The other side to this, is understanding the universe of investors, the types of funds available; in terms of risk appetite, term, other desirable factors, and how to match this with the corporate/project need. An appreciation of the investor universe vis-a-vis corporate objectives are essential to achieving client funding objectives.

 What advice would you give to anyone going into investment banking or corporate finance? 

My advice will be to every young person going into any field, to focus on getting things done. That is all that really matters, be it as an employee or in entrepreneurship. And so, this includes knowing what to do – knowledge, how to do it – skills, and then strive to be the best at it. Furthermore, building and sustaining the right relationships cannot be overemphasised. You need people to succeed.