How this Nigerian lady went from studying communication to starting as a secretary. Now, she’s an executive at a logistics company
From discovering computers in secondary school to leading at Enviable Group, Thessy Nwaubani’s journey is shaped by curiosity and how information flows.
From discovering computers in secondary school to leading at Enviable Group, Thessy Nwaubani’s journey is shaped by curiosity and how information flows.
Now in an executive role, she leads growth and strategy at Enviable Group, a logistics and transport management company.
In this edition of After Hours, Nwaubani traces her growth trajectory from a humble university graduate to now serving as an executive, abd how technology underpins her daily life.
My first real interaction with technology happened in secondary school. That was when I was introduced to computers, and I remember how exciting it felt at the time. It was fascinating to see what a computer could do.
I became more interested in exploring the possibilities, trying things out, learning how different functions worked, and discovering how technology could make tasks easier. It opened my mind to a new way of doing things, especially compared to the manual processes I was used to.
I studied Communication Arts at the University of Uyo, Nigeria. It focused on communication, advertising, and information flow rather than creative arts.
What drew me to it was my curiosity. I wanted to understand how information moves from one place to another; how we can communicate across distances without physical connections; and how information is transmitted without distortion. Those questions influenced how I approached my career.
Fresh out of university and after my NYSC in Northern Nigeria, I returned to the East and joined Enviable Group. I have been with the company for over five years now.
I started as a secretary and administrative personnel. At the time, the company was much smaller, so my responsibilities were largely administrative and more of coordinating activities, ensuring operations ran smoothly, and keeping everything aligned.
From there, I grew into the role of Admin Head and later became the head of a unit. Over the years, I’ve continued to climb the ladder, taking on more responsibility and growing into my current executive role.
Being in an executive role comes with a lot of expectations. People look up to you, they anticipate your next move, and they expect results. For me, the focus has always been on delivering value.
That responsibility doesn’t just stay at work; it extends into my personal life. It requires consistency, discipline, and showing up fully every day. People are watching, not just what is said, but also the performance.
Technology plays a huge role in both my professional and personal life.
At work, it has made things significantly easier. Tasks that would normally take hours to complete manually can now be done in a fraction of the time. Tools like email, digital calendars, and workplace platforms help me stay organised, schedule meetings, and manage my day effectively.
I use platforms like WhatsApp and other collaboration tools to communicate and coordinate tasks. For data collection, scheduling, and tracking activities, technology has become indispensable.
Technology has also improved how I manage my finances. I can track my expenses, plan my spending, and stay in control of my financial decisions. Beyond that, it has opened up learning opportunities, from online courses to educational content, all accessible without needing to leave my location.
My email is essential for communication, especially for work. WhatsApp is equally important for quick interactions and coordination. But if I had to pick one that stands out, it would be my banking app. It plays a major role in how I manage my finances efficiently.
Despite its benefits, technology also comes with challenges. One major issue is network reliability. Delays and connectivity problems can disrupt workflows. There are also challenges around verification processes, which can sometimes be slow and frustrating.
Another concern is cost. Many digital tools and platforms are priced in foreign currencies, which means fluctuations in exchange rates can affect how much you end up paying.
Security is also a big issue. There’s always some uncertainty when sharing personal or financial information online. Even with data protection policies in place, concerns remain about the security of these systems, especially amid reports of fraud and data breaches.
Technology has changed how I communicate and express myself.
As an introvert, it has given me a platform to share my thoughts without having to be physically present in front of an audience. I can engage, express opinions, and connect with people more comfortably.
However, I also recognise the need to step back sometimes. I’ve taken breaks from social media, especially when it becomes overwhelming or when the content becomes too heavy. It’s important to protect your mental space and find balance.
If I had the opportunity to create a tech product, it would be something highly interactive, like a smart assistant that helps plan and manage daily activities dynamically.
Not just a tool where you input tasks, but one that adapts in real time. If your schedule changes, it automatically reorganises your day and suggests alternatives. Something intuitive, responsive, and truly helpful in navigating daily life.
Technology in Africa is growing steadily, and I believe the next five to ten years will bring significant transformation.
We’ll see increased adoption across sectors like education, transportation, and beyond. Technology won’t replace people, but it will make work easier, improve efficiency, and create better alignment in how things are done. If the current pace continues, we’re heading towards a more tech-driven society where innovation plays a central role in everyday life.
