Our Executive Director, Nissi Lyam, sat down with Gap X for an enlightening interview. As a trailblazer in the GapX community and the driving force behind Terlyn Team Ltd, Nissi shared valuable insights about her career journey, challenges, and the principles that guide her leadership. We’re excited to bring you the highlights of this conversation, which reflect the core values that shape our work at Terlyn Team.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your current role and what inspired you to pursue a career in your field?
A: I am the Project Coordinator at AFOS Foundation, a German-based NGO. My passion for serving the underserved through financial inclusion and creating sustainable incomes has always been my driving force.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
A: Top on my list will be gender bias. Being a woman comes with its own challenges in the corporate sector, from underestimation of your potential to unequal remuneration. My biggest advocacy has been competency. Once people see how competent I am, my gender becomes secondary.
Q: How has mentorship played a role in your professional development?
A: It is always great to have someone you look up to and whom you can run to for mentorship when the need arises. I have benefited from mentorship a great deal in my career and academics.
Q: What motivates you to strive for leadership roles within your organization?
A: I naturally want to make a success of every project I am involved in, so I often find myself in the driver’s seat. Leadership for me also comes from a place of service.
Q: What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received, and how has it impacted your journey?
A: The best career advice I have received is that I am my own competition. This has helped me a lot as I always strive for perfection by continuously improving my processes.
Q: How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life and interests?
A: The simple theory is “you should enjoy what you do.” I love my job, and most times it feels like it is my interest and not really a task. I have a family, and sometimes it can be demanding, but time management is key to creating a balance.
Q: What advice would you give to other women in the GapX community who are looking to grow in their careers and attain leadership positions?
A: Be innovative and creative in what you do. There is a global call for solution providers. If you want to remain relevant and grow in your career, be a solution provider.
Nissi’s insights offer a window into the leadership philosophy that drives Terlyn Team Ltd. Her emphasis on competency, continuous improvement, and innovative problem-solving aligns perfectly with our mission to bridge gaps and raise bars in the business world. As we continue to grow and evolve, we’re inspired by Nissi’s journey and committed to fostering these values within our organization and in the services we provide to our clients.
