In an exclusive interview with Kirsty Ngozichukwuka Amamgbo, Granted Bayo Speaks as a face of the week. She revealed her background, career, way of life and her achievements.

Background check

May we get to meet you; who really is Kirsty Amamgbo?

Kirsty Ngozichukwuka Amamgbo is a Sales professional with over 7 years’ experience. I have always been a natural born leader and winner from time immemorial which has been evident in my life. I joined Golden Step Secondary school in ss3 and became the Head girl within 2 weeks I enrolled, displacing the Head girl on ground.

 During NYSC, I joined Winners corpers fellowship and became the first female president which was against the constitution which states, “A male would be made the President, a female his vice”. That constitution was changed because I broke the norm. Ever since I have been a great leader and manager in my territory.

 I am a goal-oriented Sales Professional with expertise in interpersonal relationship, Digital marketing and negotiation. Driven to provide quality customer service. Innovative in leveraging extensive knowledge of products and services as well as creating solutions for customers in order to increase sales revenue.

 I educate, refine and drive myself to be a better person, always constantly learning and improving myself. Proven track record of exceeding business goals and multiple performance awards.

Can you please tell us about your background?

I hail from the Eastern part of Nigeria, born in Ibadan and grew up in Lagos. I am the first child out of five children. I was brought up in a God fearing home. My parents made sure we went to the best of schools even when they couldn’t afford it, they thrived to make life better for me and my siblings.  I am currently married and blessed with a wonderful baby.

Briefly tell us about your educational background?

I have a degree in Pharmacology from the prestigious University, University of Lagos which I graduated in 2012. I further upgraded myself in acquiring several certificates in Digital Marketing, one of which was University of Illinois.

What do you do for a living?

I am a Sales and Marketing Coach/Consultant, trained and coached people to become great salesmen and also people transitioning into sales. I also offer consultancy to both individuals and company looking   to increase their sales, retaining customers and converting leads to loyal customers. I am a Sales professional with vast experience in sales.

When did you know you wanted this job?

As soon as I graduated from school, I knew I would start a career in sales but didn’t know when or how. After National Youth Service Corp, I started looking for jobs, I already had a bearing so my focus was on sales. I eventually stumbled on a job but the pay was low plus the stress that came with it was overwhelming. At that point, I encouraged myself with this saying,” I am working to learn so as to earn big in future”.

How do you prepare before delivering a marketing presentation?

When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Before going for any marketing presentation, I prepare ahead, familiarize with my slides and also update my slides when necessary. I look for an icebreaker that would gain the attention of the audience.

This is my number 1 secret. When you get the attention of your audience from the beginning, the rest comes easy. With a good icebreaker, I have my audience glued to me and the screen. I also ask myself likely questions to be asked after the presentation. You don’t want to look confused, so I rehearse all the necessary questions to be asked and answer them confidently. Also, another thing that helps out, is the use of promotional materials. This material serves as a topping on the tea.

What dream did you have while growing up?

I always wanted to be an Author and a Lawyer, but I found myself in Science due to pressure to become a Medical Doctor. Well, that didn’t work out but I learnt something great with such a mistake. Man proposes, God disposes. His plan is the ultimate, so I realized that despite the career mistake, I am doing exceptionally very well and still living my dream. I didn’t allow the challenges or disappointment stop me from achieving my goals.

Where is the worst smelling place you’ve been?

Well, I can’t say I have any worst smelling place.

What was your first win that made you confident that you were doing the right thing?

 When I won Brand Champion in Anti-infective and Anti-hypertensive portfolio in 2017. Ever since then, I knew I was on the right path.

Who is your mentor and why?

My mentor is Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. She is a powerful woman with so much prestige and intelligence. She inspires me to always go for a bigger dream, as long as you believe, you can get it.  Aside from the fact that we bear the same name Ngozi, she has taught me that women are powerful and we all have what it takes to be great in life.  

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I like reading, dancing, writing and travelling around the world.

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be, and why would you choose that name?

Well, I will still bear Kirsty because of its uniqueness and poise that comes with the name.  Kirsty simply means Anointed and it singles me out in the midst of crowd.

What is the biggest challenge to achieving the success?

The biggest challenge is Self-doubt. Nothing kills dreams faster than self-doubt. If you doubt yourself and your potentials, there won’t be any reality towards achieving them. Above all, self-doubt is the biggest challenge to success.

Are in a relationship; if yes what advice would you give to young couple out there?

Yes, I am married to a lovely husband. My advice to young people is this, marry someone that will support your dreams. A partner that wants your success and sees your success as their success, only then can you go far.

How do you manage your relationship and profession?

People dish out this question to me a lot. Honestly, I would say it is by the Grace of God. Being a career woman and taking care of my home was initially not an easy one, I will be honest with you. It took a lot of learning, self-denial and determination to get me to where I am.  However, I have a very supportive husband, he makes everything so easy for me with my work and home activities

Are you ever depressed and why?

Yes, I have been depressed. In the past, whenever I try to do something and it doesn’t work out, I do feel down and discharged like a failure. I don’t really like to have a plan B until recently, incase plan A doesn’t work out.

What is the biggest risk that you’ve taken?

Undergoing LinkedIn training which turned out to be the best decision of my life.

What is your opinion about going to school to get a certificate or just get a trade to be financially literate?

I do advice young people that going to school is not a scam. It is very important to get the necessary certificates and someday, it will be useful.

Abraham Lincoln once said; “I will study and prepare myself and someday my time will come”.

In this wise, they should Keep upgrading their selves and one day they will stand out from the crowd.

Where do you hope to be in the next four years?

Well, I will be clear on my goals. I hope to be a top executive in Sales, touring and impacting the world.

To know more about Kirsty Amamgbo, kindly follow her on LinkedIn @Kirsty Amamgbo.