ProWoc Celebrates | 18 Edition, July 2024
Yewande Awoderu
International shipping & logistics | Sales Excellence Manager at Hapag-Lloyd
In this special July edition, ProWoc celebrates Yewande Awoderu.
Growing up, her mum often signed her letters with, “Do not be deceived: bad company corrupts good manners.” Looking back, she realizes how true and relevant this advice remains. It is a warning to avoid those with questionable values, beliefs, and character because they can negatively influence us. “Our characters and personalities are shaped by positive influences. In essence, we reflect the behaviour of those we spend the most time with” says Yewande
ProWoc recently sat down with her to discuss her accomplishments, how she deals with Imposter Syndrome, and the ambitions for the future.
Who is Yewande?
Thank you for celebrating me and giving me this opportunity to share a bit about myself. I am Yewande Awoderu, a Nigerian from the Yoruba tribe – born and raised in Nigeria. I am a seasoned logistics professional with over 10 years of experience in international shipping and logistics, having worked in various roles with skillsets spanning Sales Performance & Operations, Commercial Finance, Performance Improvement, and Process Optimization.
I lived in Denmark for almost seven years and have recently moved to Hamburg to embark on an exciting new chapter. Currently, I am a Sales Excellence Manager at Hapag-Lloyd, a leading global liner shipping company headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. I hold a BSc in Computer Information Systems from Babcock University, Nigeria, and an MSc in Information and Knowledge Management from Loughborough University, UK. Additionally, I am an affiliate of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA).
My passions and interests are diverse and enrich my life, continuously inspiring me to learn and grow. I have creative outlets in cooking and formulating skincare products. I also enjoy exploring the world through international travel, taking charge of my financial future through investments, gaining knowledge through reading, and most importantly, making a positive impact by giving back to the community – something that holds a special place in my heart.
My faith is a crucial part of who I am, serving as a key source of strength and an anchor in my life. It is an integral aspect that shapes my identity and values and I cannot end this brief introduction without mentioning it.
Denmark Journey
Life in DK – how long have you lived here? What brought you to DK? First impressions of DK: work, School and Social situations
My journey in Denmark began when I moved to Copenhagen in September 2017 for a job with A.P. Møller Maersk. Honestly, I hadn’t initially planned to live in Denmark, but it seems Denmark had plans for me.
My first impressions of Denmark were varied. I noticed how homogeneous the population was compared to Nigeria or the UK, which was an adjustment for me. I also observed the reserved nature of the Danes, the remarkable orderliness, and the extensive cycling culture. The high standard of living, particularly in terms of education and social welfare/public services, stood out to me. Additionally, I was impressed by the strong emphasis on work-life balance and personal well-being.
Important Choices
That’s a very interesting question! I’ve had to make several pivotal choices in my life’s journey so far, and it’s challenging to single out the most important ones. However, I’d like to focus on the mindset and attitude that have guided me through these decisions.
Every day, I choose to believe that I am here for a purpose and for such a time as this, regardless of my current situation or life’s challenges. I choose to live fully, yet cautious, while overcoming obstacles such as pride, the need for validation, unnecessary competition, comparison with others, imposter syndrome, fear, doubt, and worry. These are not valid reasons to avoid taking a step forward. In all, wisdom is profitable to direct.
With this mindset, I have made significant decisions, including taking on new roles and responsibilities, changing countries and careers, and forming new friendships and relationships. Some key learnings from my journey include prioritizing myself, avoiding distractions, the power of consistency and partnering with causes that strongly align with my values and beliefs, even when there is a cost of saying ‘no’.
These choices have been fundamental in equipping me with skills and experiences, shaping and reinventing who I am today. Importantly, I have also made lifelong friendships along the way.
Achievements
What is your greatest achievement and/or career highlight? Why?
My career journey continues to evolve through various pathways. Even now, I have transitioned into a completely new role with a new company in a new country. As such, I don’t pinpoint a single event as a highlight.
However, I consider each successful transition—whether it’s adding value, completing a project, gaining new skills, becoming the go-to person, or receiving positive feedback from stakeholders—as a significant achievement worth celebrating.
These achievements are important to me because they represent my ability to grow, adapt, and make a positive impact. They showcase my commitment to personal and professional development and my dedication to contributing meaningfully to my organization and colleagues. Each milestone reinforces my belief in the value of perseverance, continuous learning, and the importance of celebrating every step of the journey, no matter how small. This standpoint of my career highlights keeps me motivated and drives me to continually strive for excellence.
Challenges
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been an ongoing process, but I have been able to navigate its challenges by adopting different approaches:
1. Devotion and meditation
2. Reflecting on past achievement and how I overcame obstacles
3. Leaning heavily on support from family, friends and mentors
4. Receiving feedback from trusted colleagues
5. Engaging in continuous learning to bridge the gap of perceived shortcomings
Every day I progress with greater confidence and assurance in my abilities. I also find strength by asking myself ‘What is the worst that can happen?’
Key Contributor to Success
A key contributor to my success has been my faith, which is a significant part of my life, along with the unwavering support of my incredible family, friends, and mentors. They have guided me through some of the toughest times, teaching me perseverance in the face of challenges. Their voices of reason and calm helped me make decisions that opened-up amazing opportunities for learning and growth, shaping who I am both professionally and personally.
My parents, in particular; instilled in me the belief that ‘nothing is impossible’, ‘never think or see yourself as less than’ and that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. My dad specifically guided me through my degrees and career planning. Their sacrifices and unwavering belief in me have been instrumental in getting me to where I am today.
Aspirations
I have several dreams I would like to accomplish, and they have evolved over time. Currently, my dreams are:
- Empowering girls from impoverished homes through educational sponsorship with “Abba’s Girl.”
- Empowering widows through skill development and building a shelter for at-risk women in Nigeria.
- Establishing my own company and achieving financial freedom.
Daily Inspiration and Motivation
My daily inspiration and motivation come from several sources: bringing value to the lives of those around me, the support and love of my family and friends, the stories and testimonies I hear from others, and most importantly, my faith in God. The aspiration to leave behind a meaningful legacy for posterity and ensuring I contribute my best to the world, also drives me each day.
Best Advice Received
Again, it is difficult to single out just one piece of advice, as I’ve received so many valuable insights over the years. However, two stand out, both from my parents, who are my favorite people in the world.
Two pieces of advice from my parents stand out:
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Growing up, my mum often signed her letters to me with, “Do not be deceived: bad company corrupts good manners.” Looking back, I realize how true and relevant this advice remains. It was a warning to avoid those with questionable values, beliefs, and character because they can negatively influence us. It also highlighted that our characters and personalities are shaped by positive influences. In essence, we reflect the behaviour of those we spend the most time with.
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From my father, I received the Yoruba adage, “Ranti omo eni ti o se,” which translates to “Remember the child of whom you are.” Each time he dropped me off at school, he would remind me of this. It signified that I represented not just myself but also my family, and that every choice and action had consequences—good or bad. This advice guided me in making good decisions and upholding my family’s values. Essentially, it conveyed that “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
This saying has become even more relevant in relation to my faith, where I constantly remind myself of who I represent and belong to. If something doesn’t align with who I represent, it’s likely not the best path to follow, regardless of the perceived reward. Seeking the right wisdom to act in ways that reflect my aspirations is very crucial.
Advice to My Younger Self
Knowing what I know now, here is the advice I would give myself at the beginning of my career:
- Stay focused on your journey. It’s not about how quickly you achieve your goals but how well you do so.
- Be kind to yourself. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
- Prioritize achieving financial freedom—start now.
- Celebrate your successes and don’t immediately stress about what’s next.
- Focus on self-improvement rather than comparing yourself to others. Aim to be better than your previous self.
Rapid Fire Question for Yewande.
1. Who is one of your role models and why?
I don’t have a specific role model; I draw inspiration from various people who have influenced my life. My parents top the list, having sacrificed everything to instill values like integrity, hard work, resilience, and compassion. Additionally, incredible mentors, spiritual leaders, and friends have guided and supported me along the way.
2. If you could live and work in any country, which one would it be?
3. What is one book you think everyone should read?
The Bible! This book has profoundly changed my life – transforming and renewing my mind. While I am still on a journey, I can confidently say that I am not the person I used to be, and I wouldn’t trade this for anything.
4. What would be the title of your autobiography?
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