Lawrence, Assistant Manager

I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria in the 1980s, within a military household. I learnt discipline early on, attending a strict military secondary school.

My late father, a Nigerian Navy officer, gave me values of resilience and accountability that continue to shape my approach today.

My career in procurement and distribution began following the completion of my BSc in Economics, and apprenticeship training in logistics and trade.

Progressing through various roles in procurement and distribution across diverse sectors in Nigeria, I served as a key liaison with both local and international partners in the UK, USA, and Middle East.

This journey led me to Dubai and South Africa, where I lived and gained invaluable insights, using my inherent discipline and resilience to navigate complicated distribution deals.

Moving to the UK

In 2020, I relocated to the UK to reunite with family amidst Covid-19 restrictions. Initially employed as a Healthcare Assistant and Driver at a domiciliary care company, I achieved a Level 5 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety at the same time.

Joining Newcross as a Care Support Worker broadened my professional scope, then I worked as a Housing Officer at the YMCA, while pursuing my Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management.

In 2022, I joined NCHA as an Assistant Manager in Care and Support, where I discovered profound fulfilment in caring for individuals — a passion grown through volunteering in Nigeria and interactions with diverse cultural backgrounds during my time in Dubai.

Since joining NCHA, I have successfully completed my Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management. With over a decade of experience in team leadership and management roles, I offer a profound understanding of diverse perspectives and backgrounds to my work.

My approach

At NCHA, I am Chair of our Diverse Heritage Colleague Network. I'm also a Diversity Champion, and I sit on our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Panel. I enjoy meeting and working with colleagues from across the business, and giving a voice to those who can sometimes feel voiceless. With a strong belief in teamwork and the motto 'onward together', I advocate for collective success.

My advice to others would be to overcome any obstacles, including those based on ethnicity, by approaching challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. I firmly believe that if something is conceivable, it is achievable.

Embracing change as life's only constant, I continuously seek opportunities for personal growth and development. I am my own biggest supporter, driven by a commitment to lifelong learning.
In my roles at NCHA, I find fulfilment in acquiring new skills and contributing to our collective success.

While resilience has propelled me forward, I remain driven to achieve more, recognising that our only limitations are those we impose on ourselves. As the saying goes, 'If you believe it, you can achieve it'.