October 2024 – HumanManager Blog

#SpotlightChampion: A passion for growth in Business Development.

In today’s dynamic business landscape, growth is more than just a goal—it’s a passion. For Sharon Kayobor, a Business Development Associate at HumanManager, helping businesses thrive isn’t just her job; it’s her daily drive. Sharon’s commitment to uncovering new opportunities and ensuring client success powers her work, making her an invaluable part of the HumanManager team.

When did you join HumanManager Limited and how’s your experience so far?

I joined HumanManager Limited in April 2023 as a Business Development Associate. My role includes relationship management with prospective, new and existing clients. To achieve this, I leverage clients’ unique challenges to enhance their operations and align our offerings with their business goals, fostering long-term partnerships. These experiences have strengthened my market analysis and relationship management skills, which are key to growth and ensuring clients feel supported.

Explain your role to a 5-year-old

A business development associate is like a company explorer. He/she looks for new people who might want to buy the company’s goods or services at a price. The associate then talks to these people to understand their needs. He/she shares that information with the company to help make specific goods or help them do what they want. So, they assist the company in discovering more friends and keep everyone happy!

What motivated you to pursue a career in business development, and what excites you most about your role?

My motivation to pursue a career in business development stems from the desire to help businesses grow and succeed. Contributing directly to a company’s success and positively impacting clients is deeply fulfilling, and I enjoy the excitement of identifying and nurturing new opportunities.

What has been your biggest challenge in client relationships?

My biggest challenge is adapting to each client’s unique needs and expectations. I prioritize active listening, consistent communication, and delivering value to build trust and foster long-term partnerships.

How do you stay motivated and focused when working towards long-term goals?

I break down my long-term goals into smaller, manageable milestones. This approach makes the journey feel less overwhelming and allows me to celebrate my little wins.

What are the unique attributes people don’t know about you?

One unique attribute that people may not know about me is my passion for cooking. When I’m not working, I love to spend my time in the kitchen, I find great joy in preparing meals.

What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day at work?

My favourite way to unwind after a busy day is by getting a good night’s sleep. I truly value my rest and prioritise relaxing and recharging – I won’t trade this for anything after a long day.

If you are to eat only one kind of food in a month, what will it be and why?

Amala and Ewedu with stew would be my one-month food choice. Its harmonious blend of textures and flavours, along with its nutritional value and ease of preparation, makes it irresistible!

Prioritizing self-care on busy days

By Olakunle Yusuff

Let’s face it, even with flexible work structures—remote, hybrid, full-time, part time, and others—you sometimes feel overwhelmed and casually say, “I am tired.” It is familiar, right? We live in a fast-paced world such that balancing work, family, recreation, and others, often leaves little or no time for self-care. 

Here are four effective strategies to prioritise self-care, even on your busiest days, and maintain a balanced state of physical and mental health:

1.) Regular Exercises

 Exercising is one of the best ways to keep high energy levels and reduce stress. A brisk walk, short run, or home workout—regular physical activity boosts mood, improves focus, and helps manage stress. An early morning or break time session of 20-30 minutes’ walk around your neighborhood or office block may just be what makes the difference. Make exercise a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

2.) Meditation Break

Meditation breaks, no matter how short, can help you reset and stay relaxed or focused. A 5-minute session of mindfulness or deep breathing can clear your mind and reduce anxiety. These moments allow you to step away from the chaos and return to your tasks with a refreshed mindset. Breaks such as this may be most useful at the peak of your workload or start of day. 

3.) Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones

Spending time with family or friends helps you to decompress, share your thoughts, and feel supported. A brief phone call to a loved one during work hours or even a shared meal can uplift your spirits. Take advantage of lunch break to engage in non-work-related conversation. It is important to remember that meaningful relationships are part of what keeps you grounded.

4) Personal Time

Do you have me time? Are you hard, fast, and disciplined with it? Enclosing yourself in your library to read a non-work-related book or exploring your hobbies could be the tonic that gives you that mental or physical relief. Plan your me time ahead, make it regular, and be consistent.

To achieve great physical and mental well-being, it is important that you are intentional about your work-life balance. A plan to exercise, meditate, socialise with friends and family, and most importantly, having your me time must be a priority.

Olakunle Yusuff is the Brand & Marketing Lead at HumanManager Limited. He shares his personal fitness journey with anyone who is looking to stay fit or seeking accountability partners.