Over the next months, we’ll be profiling some of the individuals who do a great job and help to empower businesses and increase access to financial services in Nigeria.
Today, we’re starting with Chidi Dire and Nonso Chukwuogor.
Meet Chidi
Chidi Dire is the Team Lead, ReadyCash Mobile Money. He is a graduate of Agricultural Economics from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). Chidi started out as contract staff and freelancer. When Chidi is not at work, he is either swimming, reading or seeing a movie. He is also an avid boxing fan.
How did you get involved in the fintech space and when did you join Parkway Projects?
I joined Parkway Projects in 2012 as a contract staff. Before joining Parkway Projects, I worked with SIRTECH and IGIB african university. I have always looked forward to an opportunity to learn more about business development and agency banking.
What has been the most interesting moment working in the park?
I love my job. I have worked on many projects with different challenges. The most interesting project has been to strategically position the company for constant growth as the Team Lead Mobile Money ReadyCash through brainstorming and sharing ideas with every member of the team.
Can you explain the struggles/hurdles you’ve experienced at work?
Much earlier on the job, the direction wasn’t clear industry-wide but you have to deliver results. I needed to deliver in order to keep my job. I had to make sure I earned my pay. Other challenges at work are just conventional.
What’s one lesson you have learned?
Every company evolves and some may not be patient to see the company go through such stage. One important lesson I have learned over the years is PATIENCE. As an individual, things may not work out as planned but once you are humble and willing to learn, things will fall in place.
Joining the company a few years back, what has surprised you the most about your experience here thus far?
First, leadership. When the leadership of a company has a vision for sustainable growth, the sky is the springboard. Little wonder 15 years and still counting we are a force to be reckoned within the industry. The vision to impact businesses and hire creative minds to drive the company’s vision is noteworthy. I must say, the employees are creative and open-minded to learn .
What advice would you give someone who wants to work at Parkway Projects?
When you work at Parkway Projects, you’re in for constant improvement. Not only do you have the privilege to work with creative minds, you must be willing to learn and have an impact on the company. With this in mind, you have to be proactive and innovative. When you do these consistently, your skills and competencies will be for the mutual benefit of the company and yourself.
Where do you personally see Parkway Projects in 2 years’ time?
Parkway Projects is a company that has continually evolved over the years with innovative solutions to drive financial inclusion and digital payments. I am confident that Parkway Projects will continue to play a huge role in the fintech space by solving more problems associated with digital payments and agency banking. The organization has positioned its constant growth even in 5–10 years’ time.
Meet Nonso Chukwuogor
Chinonso started out as a full stack developer before joining Parkway Projects. He is a graduate of Electrical Electronics Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University, Ghana. When Nonso is not at work, he is either seeing a movie or reading up articles ( technology, business, trends and innovations)
Tell us a bit about your background?
I have always had the love for technology. In the university, I was the go-to guy for computer problems and it was a pleasure solving those problems. My final year project gave me an insight into programming and since then , I have improved my programming skills.
How did you get involved in the fintech space?
Before joining the company, I worked as a freelancer with different clients as they came. I did some pretty amazing stuff in educational technology. After some years, the fintech space started blowing up in Nigeria and I deicded to move into fintech.
As a FrontEnd Engineer, what is a typical day like for you?
Fintech isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. Daily, I solve problems and ensure that users enjoy seamless interactions on our platform.
What has been the most interesting moment working in the park?
Interesting moment for me is when I exchange ideas with the UI/UX team. It's always interesting to hear their insights and reason behind some certain decisions that were made.
Can you explain the struggles/hurdles you experience at work?
Timelines! Sometimes you want to do your best to work but there are so many other things that needs your attention. Finding that balance could be quite challenging I must say.
What’s one lesson you have learned?
I have learned to be humble and open-minded. You don’t know it all. Be willing to learn!
Joining the company some months back, what has surprised you the most about your experience here thus far?
The Humans of the Park. Coming here, I was thinking I would meet a very rigid/strict structure with little or no time for fun. But they proved me wrong. There’s proper work balance (work and fun) and that excites me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d have for someone who wants to come to work here?
Come ready to learn. Each project you work on has its own challenges and you definitely need to learn from others.
Where do you personally see Parkway Projects in 2 years’ time?
Since I came, there's been a lot of changes and progress. Loads of eggs ready to hatch! I see Parkway growing in the years to come with these projects still in the oven. Parkway is set to keep innovating and playing a huge role in the fintech space.
