Words by- Josephine Agbonkhese

The MD/CEO of Lucy O’ora Consulting, a Human Resource consultancy and coaching firm changing the narratives for hundreds of organisations including the presidency, federal and state-owned agencies in Nigeria, Lucy Odina-Nwajideobi is a noiseless catalyst and achiever.

The forty-year-old bears on her sleeves 16 years of HR experience spanning various industries including real estate, construction, surveillance and telemedicine.

She was Head of Human Resource at Brookview Construction Company, a multinational which takes credit for building outstanding projects like the Sliverbird Galleria, Abuja; the Ibom Tropicana Mall, Uyo; as well as a couple of other monumental projects. She also served as Group Head of Human Resource at Zycom Group of Companies.
An alumna of the Lagos Business School with a honorary doctorate from the M-Gibes College of Business and Management, United Kingdom (2022), Lucy holds degrees in Economics and Business Management.
For her contributions to the field of HR in Nigeria, Lucy has several awards and recognitions in her kitty; Keyman Award by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Trade Union Women Commission Awards 2023, Best in Human Resource as well as Best in Training and Development awards 2022 from Feminine Awards.
In this interview with Allure, she gives insights into the future of work in Nigeria and also delves into her childhood and lifestyle.

You’ve excelled in HR practice; was it by fluke or ambition that you ended up a HR professional?

My drive and passion for human development, people management, and seeing organisations thrive have been the core of my professional journey. My first job experience was with one of the country’s most successful businessmen, where I started as an administrative staff. It was during this time that I truly realised the profound importance of building strong human capacity and how it directly impacts the success of any organisation. This understanding was what led me into HR practice.

Can you create a vivid picture of what a healthy work environment looks like?

A healthy work environment is one that promotes the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of employees, while fostering a positive and productive atmosphere. It goes beyond just the absence of stress or conflict; it involves creating conditions that enable people to work at their best and feel supported. It prioritises physical safety and comfort, reducing the risk of physical strain and injury. This includes providing proper office furniture, equipment, and ensuring the workspace is free from hazards. It also prioritises cleanliness, work-life balance, diversity and inclusivity, clear communication, mental and emotional well being, guidance and mentorship, as well as creates opportunities for growth through the provision of access to learning opportunities.
More importantly, it recognises and rewards employees for their hard work, achievements, and contributions. This helps individuals feel respected and motivated.

Can you share how you would motivate a team to increase engagement?

It’s all about creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued, connected, and driven to contribute. To motivate a team, I would start with a clear and shared purpose.
When people understand the bigger picture, it’s easier to see how their individual contributions matter. I would make sure everyone feels connected to our collective mission by framing each project or task as part of a larger goal.

Second, I’d foster open and honest communication because I believe that people are more engaged when they feel heard. I would encourage everyone to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns, and be sure to respond thoughtfully.

Also, I’d recognise efforts and celebrate wins, offer growth opportunities, encourage collaboration and inclusivity, empower autonomy and ownership, promote work-life balance, ensure transparency and leadership by example.

Retaining younger talents is becoming increasingly tough for organisations these days. What can be included in a compensation package to address this?

Retaining younger talents, especially in today’s competitive job market, requires more than just a strong salary. Younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly looking for compensation packages that offer flexibility, growth opportunities, and alignment with their personal values.

Performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing plans can provide an additional incentive. These can be tied to both individual and team goals, fostering a sense of ownership in company success.

Many younger workers value flexibility in how, when, and where they work. Offering remote or hybrid work options is, therefore, often seen as a non-negotiable perk.

Offering mental health resources, such as access to counseling, therapy, or wellness programs, is a key attraction. Clear and transparent career progression opportunities, with regular performance reviews and a focus on skill-building, also encourages retention. Again, younger employees are thinking about their financial future. So, offering retirement benefits is crucial. Offering company-sponsored retreats, team-building events, or social outings can also help foster camaraderie, build stronger relationships, and create a sense of belonging.

How do you envision the future of work, especially in Nigeria, with the rise in Artificial Intelligence, AI?

In my view, the future of work in Nigeria will be marked by exciting opportunities driven by AI, but it will also require significant investments in education, skills development, and policy-making, including a blend of innovation, strategy, and adaptability, both from employers and employees.
I envision a future where AI takes over repetitive, manual tasks, improving efficiency and productivity. For instance, in the agricultural sector, AI-driven tools can help farmers with crop management, and optimising irrigation, leading to better yields. Similarly, in manufacturing, automation could streamline production lines, reducing errors and costs.

However, it’s essential that we prepare the workforce for these changes through upskilling and reskilling as many jobs that involve manual labour or basic administrative tasks could become obsolete. We would need to focus on developing higher-level cognitive skills such as problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, which AI cannot easily replicate.

While AI may replace certain jobs, it will also create new opportunities that we can’t yet fully imagine. There will be an increasing demand for data scientists, AI engineers, and other tech-related roles. But beyond tech, AI will also create jobs in areas like cybersecurity, digital marketing, and AI-driven business analytics, all of which will require a deep understanding of AI and its applications.

However, one of the biggest challenges I foresee in Nigeria’s future workforce is the need for educational reform to prepare young people for an AI-driven economy. AI’s rise underscores the importance of investing in education, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, as well as soft skills like creativity, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.

Do you see Human Intelligence losing its place soon to AI to the extent of instigating massive job losses?

AI is most powerful when it augments, rather than replaces human intelligence. AI excels at processing vast amounts of data, performing repetitive tasks, and making predictions based on patterns. However, it lacks the nuanced emotional intelligence, creativity, intuition, and judgment that humans bring to problem-solving, leadership, and interpersonal interactions.
Take, for example, roles in healthcare or education. While AI can assist with diagnostic tools or personalised learning recommendations, it can never replace the human touch in patient care or teaching. The emotional connections, empathy, and adaptability required in these fields are inherently human traits that AI cannot replicate.
Ultimately, I think the most valuable asset in the workplace will remain human intelligence.

What’s your counsel to female professionals aspiring growth in leadership?

One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is to truly own your worth and communicate it confidently. I have realised that women sometimes struggle to highlight their accomplishments or advocate for themselves as openly as others might. This is not about bragging; it’s about recognising the value you bring to the table and making sure others see it too.
In leadership, visibility is key. Speak up in meetings, share your successes, and don’t shy away from asserting your ideas. Be intentional about ensuring your contributions are recognised.
Develop a strong support system. No leader, male or female, succeeds in isolation. Surround yourself with mentors, sponsors, and a community that supports and challenges you and actively advocate for you in decision-making rooms, recommend you for promotions, and open doors to opportunities.
Finally, I always encourage women to pay it forward; be a mentor, sponsor, and advocate for other women.

What was your childhood like and in what city did you grow up?

I was born in Katsina State into a family of six, as the second child. My mother was a midwife, and my father a business man. My mother, the fifth child of a Fulani mother and Igbo father, had a Muslim upbringing, and her name Talatu reflected her northern roots, despite her Igbo heritage. My Dad was born the first born of a traditionalist and a well respected Nze n’Ozo— an Igbo title that was highly sort after at that time. My family was truly a diverse family filled with so much fun.
We later moved back to the East where I joined a convent school up till my high school graduation. I was practically raised in the church and convent with the immaculate heart sisters.

You’ve just climbed the fourth floor; what would you tell your 18-year-old self about life and goals?

I’d want to reassure her that while life might not always go according to plan; every step, every challenge, and every setback is part of something much bigger than what can be seen in the moment.
It’s important to have goals—dream big and work hard to achieve them. But also know that life will present opportunities and challenges that you can’t predict. So, be flexible. Know that failure isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone.
Everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your own growth. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Finally, don’t rush to the next chapter before you appreciate how far you’ve come. Take a moment to celebrate the small victories and be proud of your growth.

Share with us your beauty routine?

Drink plenty of water, stay active, eat what fuels your body, use skincare that works for your needs, and embrace your inner beauty with love and kindness. That’s the best beauty routine I can think of!

Who would you call your style icon and why?

Michelle Obama is one of my biggest style icons. Her style is incredibly versatile—it ranges from casual yet chic looks to powerful, elegant evening gowns. She is a perfect example of someone who embraces effortless elegance, with a touch of playfulness. What I admire most about her is how she mixes high-end fashion with more accessible pieces, showing that style doesn’t have to be expensive to be impactful.

What book are you reading now and why?
‘The 5am Club’ by Robin Sharma

Do you prefer hanging out with friends or alone?

I find myself appreciating more quality moments with my husband and kids. But whenever the chance arises to hang out with my girls, I jump at it! There’s something so powerful and healing about surrounding yourself with women who support, uplift, and truly care about you.

Give us a picture of how and where you would prefer to spend a one-week vacation?
I’d start my vacation by fully embracing rest for the first two nights in a luxurious but peaceful resort.
After that, I’d spend the next few days indulging in activities that connect me with culture, nature, and art. To finish off my vacation, I’d want to treat myself to the finer things in life. Dining at fancy, local restaurants with exquisite cuisines, sipping cocktails by the beach or overlooking breathtaking views, and enjoying the best the area has to offer. Of course, a bit of shopping is a must.