with Precious O’Dahunsi (Product Marketing Manager and Product Manager, Bumpa)
How did you get into operations? Is it something you always wanted to do?
Kind of, to be honest. I’ve always been involved in one way on the other in how things work or function; basically getting more involved than participation. My mum is an event manager, so I grew up managing the operations of a number of her businesses & services.
How did I get into operations? Well, to be honest we did not have a lot of staff in the company and I was what Yorubas would call a “bebelube” (one who likes to jump into things). Three months into joining the company, I was planning the company’s hangout all the way from Ife. 😂
You currently work as an operator in a fast-growing startup. What’s one word you’d use to describe your average day at work, and why?
‘That’s crazzzzyyyy baby’ that’s how. 😂
Speaking of “crazy”, as an operator, you usually have to deal with challenging situations, policies, etc. Can you share examples of situations you’ve encountered and how you dealt with it?
Hmmm. I have the craziest stories, some I can’t share here to be honest. But, the most challenging thing honestly is just managing the people side of things.
People can show you shege.
Another “crazy” thing I used to do year on year was organise 3 day end of year activities for over 25 people. How did I overcome it? By not dying.
Wow. That’s interesting. Let’s go to the good part now.
What’s your favourite part of being an operator?
I know I said people can show you shege, but I’m not going to lie —
My favourite part of it all is actually managing people and being able to gear them into the excellent stars they already are.
That could be through making them comfortable, happy, listening to them, taking up micro issues and sharing it with management so they can be resolved.
In addition to this, one of my favourite parts of being an operator stems from my definition of who an operator is, which is being an ecosystem builder.
For me, this looks like starting a ripple down conversation about certain defects in the ecosystem in any way I can.
Whether it’s by ensuring that the earning possibilities of a sect in sector are not detracted by a disgruntled player or by sharing the knowledge I have gained to help others starting in tech to achieve better career growth, I love it and I’m down for it.
What’s one skill you think every operator should have, and why?
I’d say be proactive, creative, hardworking and have empathy.
If you have all these, you’re good to go.
Before you go, can you share two things you do as an operator (either daily/holistically) that make your work easier?
Separating operator work from my professional skills.
As an operator whose job description is not “Junior Operator” or “Head of Operations”, you need to be able to separate what the company is paying you for and what you’re doing on the side for the same company.
If you don’t deliver on your actual KPIs, nobody really cares that you organised the best team bonding party or kept the work culture blooming.
I would have loved to mention one productivity hack I have but I’d just be lying to be honest. I’m just figuring it out as I go. Or in more relatable terms, “I just dey rough am”.
For your day-to-day work as an operator, the two skills I would emphasize are: Focus/prioritization and being empathetic.
I’ve seen assholes (pardon my French) who call themselves operators and one thing I do every day is make sure I go through the entire 24 hours without making any “asshole” move.
To sign up for the Operators Mixer 2.0, visit https://bit.ly/OperatorsMixer
