Saying yes when everything in me wanted to say no
I never thought one decision would change the entire trajectory of my career.
My first big entry into the multinational world started in Senegal. My world expanded overnight. I was surrounded by brilliant people from all walks of life, different ways of thinking, and new perspectives not just on work, but on life.
Joining such a structured, global environment made me feel that my ambition had no limits. I loved it. It gave me a sense of ownership I had never experienced before. That was P&G. And the best part? I was still living close to my family, working in the P&G Senegal office.
But less than one year after joining, everything changed. The Senegal office closed, and I was told I had to move to Nigeria.
At that time, Nigeria was not on my list of dream destinations. It felt messy, noisy, and unstructured to me. I couldn’t understand how people combined so many foods on one plate. My choice was clear: stay in security with family in Dakar, or stretch myself into the unknown.
I said yes.
It was one of the hardest moves I’ve ever made; culture, environment, and work all changed overnight, with no family support. Some of my colleagues said no, and I can’t blame them.
But looking back, that yes opened more doors than I could have ever imagined. It made me rare in a pool where few dared to go. It built resilience. It taught me that hustle can be a positive word, that working hard and wanting more isn’t shameful.
Lessons I carry with me:
- Growth often happens in discomfort but enjoy the ride, and take what’s good from each phase.
- Every decision carries risk; you can’t know the full outcome in the present moment. What matters is giving your best so that whatever outcome comes, it becomes the best one for you.
- Saying yes when others say no can make you stand out in ways you don’t immediately see.
That one decision shaped my path as a leader and a change maker.
👉🏾 Your Turn:
Have you ever said yes to something that scared you? That didn’t look “perfect” but ended up changing your career or life?
And if you’re navigating a tough decision now and want support to weigh your options, explore my private career advisory 1 week access, a safe space where we map out your next steps with clarity and confidence.
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