Nnenna Uboma is a high profile Analytics leader with over two decades of experience leading high-performing analytical teams to develop industry-edge solutions in one of the leading financial institutions in Canada. She has tutored and coached analytical professionals over the past decade, a passion that has made her a sought-after speaker at different conferences across the globe and earned her local and global accolades including her recognition as one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2022.
Remarkably, she is the Chief Strategic Officer (CSO) of Beyond Math, a Canada-based education outfit that teaches kids quantitative reasoning and enhances the development of problem-solving skills early on. Her quest to nurture high school children in leadership and entrepreneurship skills is limitless.
In this Interview with Stanley Ugagbe, the Canada-based Nnenna Uboma shared insight on her journey so far and how she was able to navigate her way to the top. She also provided tips for those who are aspiring to become business leaders.
NCNC: Thank you for creating time to have this interview with us. Your profile shows that you have had a remarkable career as evident in the local and international accolades that you have won over the years. What are some of the childhood experiences that shaped your career path and who you are today?
Nnenna: I feel honored to be one of the 2022 Top 100 Accomplished Canadian Women as well as receiving the Trailblazer award from RMA. My childhood was centered around studying. My dad usually said that what he was offering us would be education and he believed we could succeed in life after successful education. I was nurtured by a mom whose profession was teaching and my dad a lawyer. My mother taught us with so much passion and it was one goal for her – success. I do believe that my mom’s wishes and prayers along with so much energy that she put into me contributed greatly to my path. I am doing the same for my children. For example, my daughter, Jasmine has won so many awards while still in university. Today, I count myself accomplished and I look forward to seeing my children grow bigger than me and that is why I am putting so much energy into building them up. I am currently a Director at Scotiabank, a coach, and an author.
NCNC: In one of your interviews, you mentioned that you were told in your early career that you could not climb the professional ladder because of your Igbo accent. How did that affect your mental state and how did you overcome that setback?
Nnenna: I was surprised towards the end of my interview when that question popped out. This happened early in my career and it made me realize that the road ahead isn’t very easy. It made me want to prove to myself that it wasn’t completely in the hands of one person to determine your fate. I went back to school to get my MBA and many other professional certificates. I felt the need to do more than others and currently, I am finalizing my Ph.D. I am currently a director at one of Canada’s big banks and I am happy that others can hear my story and be inspired.
NCNC: Walk us through your journey as a business leader and how you were able to navigate your way to limelight.
Nnenna: My first senior leadership role was back in 2013 when I got a director of predictive analytics role at Fairmont Hotels. I took the job with a leap of faith believing in myself and my ability to learn through challenges. In Canada, one main skill needed for leadership is soft skills which are basically your ability to communicate and work collaboratively with others. Demonstrating human empathy and building allies have been helpful.
NCNC: What did you do differently to get you to where you are today? Would you say you have some special abilities that distinguish you from others?
Nnenna: I think moving into an emerging career was what aided my career speed. I pivoted into data analytics when it was developing. I was part of the first cohort to get a certificate in big data analytics from the University of Toronto. My programming technical skills distinguished me and it was easier for me.
NCNC: What informed Beyond Math and what are its mission and vision? Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives Beyond Math.
Nnena: Beyond Math is an education outfit that teaches kids quantitative reasoning and enhances the development of problem-solving skills early on. It first started as workbooks that I co-authored with my two teenage children. I serve as the Chief Strategy Officer of Beyond Math supporting with initiatives on how to drive and sustain the organization. Beyond Math has gained so much media attention such as Canada Broadcasting Services (CBC), CIOLOOK, and many more. Our mission is to break the myth that math is hard by introducing math in a fun-loving way that mimics puzzles and Legos.
NCNC: You averred that the classroom does not represent today’s digital environment. What should inform the curriculum that will form an ideal classroom of today?
Nnenna: I think that the world has gone through many revolutions since the classroom curriculum was developed. A review to evaluate the suitability of the curriculum is necessary especially when elementary math teachers are not math majors. The digital world is engrossed with the application of math simulations and problem solving is a key factor for innovation. I would recommend adding more activities that can enhance critical thinking and out-of-the-box problem-solving to the math curriculum.
NCNC: Over the years, you have coached analytical professionals. What are some of the challenges you have faced? What is your most rewarding moment so far?
Nnenna: There is a perceived myth that anything that involves some level of math is hard. Articulating the problem-solving techniques is what I find most challenging for my mentees. This is where the benefits of introducing problem-solving analytics early on will be beneficial. I have coached so many professionals and what is most rewarding is seeing them established in their career.
NCNC: What advice would you like to give the next generation of aspiring business leaders?
Nnenna: I have thought through this question many times which prompted me to write my best-selling book titled “Lessons to my younger self”. The book is available on Amazon that contains over 200 lessons to my younger self through my lived experiences. My one piece of advice to my younger self is to celebrate yourself all through your journey knowing that the baton will be passed to another someday.
SUPPORT NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWSPAPER CANADA
If you like our work and want to keep enjoying what we offer, kindly support us by donating to the Nigerian Canadian News by clicking here
Share your thoughts in the comments section below
Do you want to share any news or information with us? If yes, contact the publisher at publisher@test1.nascitest.club
