During her time at university, initially a shy individual, Sochi reluctantly assumed the role of vice chairperson, preferring to work behind the scenes, shielded by the chairman's presence. However, when circumstances led to the chairperson stepping down, Sochi was thrust into the leadership spotlight. Motivated by a fear of failure and a determination to excel, she embraced this challenge as the beginning of her remarkable leadership journey.
Surpassing the constraints of introversion, Sochi expertly harnesses extroverted tendencies within her professional sphere as a leader of her esteemed professional body and training organization. Key traits such as active listening, empathy, and patience are cornerstones of her leadership approach. Moreover, she fearlessly surrounds herself with individuals who surpass her abilities, unafraid to seek their guidance whenever necessary. Embracing the philosophy that there is no failure, only valuable lessons, has been instrumental in her personal and professional growth.
Sochi celebrates Africa's rich tapestry of talent and passionately advocates for its liberation on the global stage. In her view, Africa urgently requires selfless, collaborative, and people-centered leaders to foster prosperity.
Her journey hasn't been without its struggles. At one point, she faced the challenge of being misunderstood for not displaying overt niceties toward one of her employees. This experience reminded her that striving for effective leadership does not guarantee universal likability. Hence, she advises emerging leaders against the fallacy of being likable to everyone.
Throughout her journey, Sochi acknowledges the profound influence of her business partner alongside her coaches, reading materials, and thought-provoking documentaries. As a lifelong learner, she encourages budding leaders to remain open to continuous growth, actively seeking feedback and deriving valuable insights from failures. Moreover, she advises aspiring leaders to confront anxiety and cherish every step of the leadership journey.
Sochi's impactful narrative includes her empowering perspective on embracing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming anxiety into a gift that allowed her to identify and seize opportunities, leading to remarkable growth within her business and professional organization.
As an introverted leader, Sochi dispels the misconception that outstanding leadership is contingent upon extroverted tendencies. She advocates for leaders to prioritize their development and that of their teams, liberating them from the fear of being surpassed. By empowering others, leaders alleviate their burdens while creating abundant opportunities for growth and promotion.
Our guest, Sochi, currently holds the esteemed position of Managing Director and Lead Coach at TBA Consults, bringing over 15 years of experience in business development, learning and development, and coaching. Her credentials include being a Team Development Consultant, Internationally Accredited & Certified Professional Coach, and British Psychological Society Psychometric Test Assessor. Additionally, she co-founded the Center for Core Coaching, the first International Coaching Federation Accredited Coach Training Programme in West Africa. Sochi's dedication to the coaching community is evidenced by her role as a founding board member of the Nigeria Chapter of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), where she has served in various capacities, including Membership Director and Education Director. She currently holds the esteemed position of Chapter President.
Join us for this thought-provoking episode as we gain valuable insights into the world of introverted leadership, dispelling stereotypes and embracing authenticity, with the remarkable Sochi as our guide.
