By Yemisi Suleiman
Meet Amaka Okeke-Lawal, Executive Director, Optiva Capital Partners, Africa’s foremost wealth retention and investment advisory firm.
With a background in Sociology from the University of Lagos and certifications in Business Analysis, Amaka has risen through the ranks to lead a team of over 1,000 professionals across 23 branches.
As she prepares to be conferred as an “Ambassador at Large” by the African Union Agenda 2063 ambassadorial assembly, Amaka, a seasoned professional, shares insights on wealth and immigration management, gender inclusivity, and her remarkable career journey, as well as her vision and initiatives driving Optiva Capital Partners’ success.
What inspired you to pursue a career in wealth management?
As a child, I witnessed firsthand, what not having a well-diversified portfolio can do to a family and this, unconsciously, spiked my interest in building generational wealth.
How long can you really stay without working? Think back, of the billionaires and trillionaires of yester years, some of them are struggling despite having lived in abundance. It just simply means their wealth was not well diversified. To answer your question, my childhood experience was what inspired me first to pursue a career in wealth management.
How did you get started at Optiva Capital Partners, and what were your early days like?
I met the chairman of Optiva Capital Partners in September 2013. He is an extra ordinary man and an amazing person. The first thing I noticed about him is his brilliant mind, audacity, vision and boldness. After our first meeting, he offered me a job and I accepted. I can proudly say that I have been with Optiva Capital Partners for 11 years now and I have no regrets.
His visionary leadership and mentorship instilled in me a sense of purpose, mental toughness and a hunger for success that has guided me towards personal and professional growth.
The chairman didn’t know me from anywhere, but he believed in me and challenged me. He identified my strengths and weaknesses and began to train me. He built an extreme hunger for success in me. He taught me all I know about the business and has been there every step of the way. He is my mentor, my teacher, my leader, my father and my Boss!
I started my career as a trainee and my early days were truly transformative. I remember walking into the office for the first time and feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness. As a trainee, my Job description involved prospecting on the field, establishing and building rapport with clients through regular communication, identifying the needs of the clients, presenting and answering objections. It’s been an interesting process and journey for me.
What is investment immigration all about?
Investment immigration is the legal acquisition of Second Citizenship or Permanent Residency through investing in the host country. Citizenship by investment simply means the outright purchase of your passport. While some countries offer direct citizenship without having to meet the residency requirements like, the stunning Caribbeans: Grenada, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. Countries of the core west like Canada, USA and some parts of Europe, however, offers you Residency by Investment which means, you need to reside in the country for a period of time before you can qualify for citizenship.
What role does Optiva Capital play in all of these?
Our job is first, to understand the needs of our clients and then recommend solutions. To give context to what I mean, one might just be looking at access to different countries or interested in expanding their business opportunities without necessarily relocating. However, some others might be looking at relocation to take advantage of the free quality education and reduced university fees for their kids or access to free quality healthcare system. The benefits of having a second passport cannot be over-emphasized; It opens you up to unlimited opportunities, Global access and Global acceptance all in one hand.
How has your experience been working in investment immigration and advisory services, especially dealing with different personalities?
It’s been checkered but very successful, you know how it is, the sun doesn’t shine all the time but as God said “lines will fall in pleasant places”. For me Amaka Okeke-Lawal, it has fallen in pleasant places. For the clients we serve, I have experienced first-hand, how our services has helped them with wealth creation, wealth retention and transcending borders both physically and financially. In the bible there’s a place called Goshen meaning prosperity, Optiva Capital Partners is my Goshen. In a nutshell, my experience has been truly an enriching journey, marked by personal and professional growth.
What are some of your most notable achievements in your over a decade-long career?
Having worked for over a decade, it has been an interesting process and journey for me; I’ve been working hard and achieving milestone after milestone in my career. I have the recognition of being the top salesperson consistently, and this means a lot to me. The doors it has opened professionally has been mind-blowing. I have grown in knowledge, my profile has risen in the society, opportunities knock on my door, the responsibilities and accolades that my current role entails are both challenging and exciting.
I got awarded “Youth Icon” Award as the Future Shaper 2023 by GMYT Group, I’m a member of Women In Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Recognized as the Top 20 Most Inspiring Women for 2023 by TLP (The Lekki Post), Woman of Integrity & Patriot of the year award 2024, I was recently admitted as a Fellow of the National Institute of Credit Administration (FICA), showcasing my commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the finance industry. In a few days, I will be conferred as an “Ambassador at Large” by the African Union Agenda 2063 ambassadorial assembly. In all of these, my achievements will mean nothing if I’m not impacting the lives of other people.
As a woman in a leadership position, have you faced any gender-related challenges in your career, how did you handle it?
I am fortunate to say that I haven’t faced any significant gender-related challenges in my career. This is largely due to the supportive and inclusive environment I’ve been privileged to work in, surrounded by people who value diversity and are committed to seeing me succeed.
At Optiva Capital Partners, 70% of our work force are women and my organisation’s emphasis on equality and gender parity has created a culture where everyone has equal opportunities to grow and thrive. I’m grateful to be part of a team that recognises the value of diversity and is committed to creating a work place where everyone can succeed. We are at the fore-front of women empowerment, youth empowerment, entertainment and strongly in support of giving back to the society.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing women in the corporate sector in Nigeria today, and how can we work towards greater inclusivity and gender equality?
Women in the corporate sector in Nigeria face numerous challenges, including gender bias, limited access to opportunities, and unequal pay, which hinder their career progression and perpetuate gender inequality. To address these issues, it is essential to promote diversity and inclusion, provide mentorship and training, foster a culture of respect, and implement policies and practices that support gender equality, such as flexible work arrangements, leadership development programmes, and zero tolerance for discrimination. By working together, we can create a more inclusive corporate sector in Nigeria that values and empowers women to lead and contribute their best.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the course of your career?
Loyalty and consistency are the most valuable lessons I’ve learned. The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn has been instrumental in my growth. I’ve come to understand that success is a gradual and continuous process that requires persistence, dedication, and staying true to one’s goals.
What advice would you give to younger professionals in your field?
Be loyal. It’s all a process and there’s time for everything. Embrace a learning mindset and take advantage of training opportunities. This will not only enhance your performance but will also contribute to your professional growth. Be open to receiving feedback, both positive and constructive, and use it to enhance your performance in your job function. And lastly, be passionate about your job.
What was growing up like for you and how did your growing informed your life’s choices?
I was a silver spoon spoilt child and also a daddy’s girl, accustomed to privilege and comfort but the tides changed and eventually, I lost my dad. My mum shouldered the responsibility of catering for the family. All I just wanted to be growing up was the wife of an Odogwu (laughs) but all that changed when I met the chairman in 2013. I was young and naive with no clear sense of direction. I wanted to be so many things at the same time but he redirected my energy and focus to ONE GOAL-to be a person of significance through focus, confidence, and action. He elevated my trust in God and trained me to be mentally tough, the kind of mental toughness that helped me to glide through the challenges of life unfazed. He taught me that if God be for me, no opposition or challenges can overcome me.
How do you balance work and personal life?
I’ve learned to prioritise tasks based on importance and urgency, delegate responsibilities to capable team members, and efficiently manage my time, by creating a schedule that includes dedicated time for work, family, and hobbies.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
While I love to stay home, watch movies, listen to music and have a good sleep, I also love being out once in a while and when I’m out, I’m the life of the party.
What’s your favorite travel destination, and why?
Dubai. Dubai is a vibrant city offering a unique fusion of sophistication and world class entertainment. My favourite activities in Dubai are the luxurious shopping experiences, thrilling adventure activities such as helicopter ride, Ski Dubai, zipline, relaxing on the beautiful beaches of palm Jumeirah, from exploring the iconic Burj Khalifa to experiencing the thrill of desert safaris. The list of fun activities in Dubai is just so endless.
How do you prioritise self-care and wellness?
By intentionally allocating time and resources to nourish my mind, body, and spirit, recognising that my personal well-being is essential to driving success and making a positive impact in my professional endeavours. I go to the spa, gym and social clubs, I give myself a treat. I make a conscious effort to try and take time off to stay in a hotel or resort and be pampered.
What are your favourite fashion brands or designers?
Hermes, Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton.
How does your work influence your fashion choices?
As the Executive Director of a Global company, my job is to provide solutions to High-Net-worth individuals and families. I dress for success, opting for a sleek and sophisticated wardrobe that commands respect and inspires confidence.
My style is polished and refined, reflecting the firm’s values and my own commitment to excellence. From board meetings to client presentations, my attire is thoughtfully curated to make a lasting impression. In the world of finance, I stand out as a leader who means business, and my style is an integral part of that message.
You are a year older this week, what does this new age mean to you?
Honestly, I’m overwhelmed with emotions. But first, I’ll like to thank God for bringing me this far, and my chairman who gave me this opportunity. I thank the CEO, my husband, family, friends, clients and staff. As I look back, I’m proud of the person I’ve become, I’ve fought for my dreams, I’ve faced my fears, I’ve learned to love myself, I’ve built a life I never thought possible, and I’m grateful for every twist and turn that has brought me to where I am today.