Sharon Oparaku的动态

Thank you so much to everyone who’s reached out, engaged with the post and shared it along so far following yesterday’s rather naff announcement. I’m feeling the love – and if HSBC accepted love as payment, I’d be mortgage-free by now. ?? This is my first period out of work since entering the workforce at 16 as a pot washer – or as the chef affectionately called the role, 'dish-pig' ??. I’m naturally feeling a bit mixed about it all. On one hand, it’s been incredible spending more time with my beautiful little girl. On the other, I’m itching to channel my creativity and kick open some doors for innovative brands (they really should develop a cream for that). I’d love for the ideas and leads to keep a-flowing, and please do check out my newly pimped-up LinkedIn page, where I’ve showcased just a few of the amazing things I’ve accomplished for innovative brands so far. Thirteen years in, and I'm just getting started. For those offering leads, words of encouragement and introductions, thank you – it’s genuinely appreciated and you're too kind. And to those cold-friend-requests with messages offering commission-only work? Absolutely! My rate is a very reasonable 110% commission. Let’s make it happen! ?? + ?? Have a throwback photo. Here I was feeling a bit brave and appearing on a TV shopping channel for one of my brands after negotiating the deal. Spoiler alert, TV shopping is not my true calling. #hireme #givemeajob #gainfullyemployme #seriouslyjusthireme #idontknowwhyyouarereadingthesehashtagswheyoucouldjustbehiringme #giving110percent #salesitch #nicejumper #youreameanonemistergrinch #oink #ointment

Who do you owe your career success to? When I first started my career in Citi 19 year ago, I was a greenhorn in banking. However, after my first few months, I was given a new task ?? launch an industry first instant in-principle approval for mortgage within 6 months. The only problem and the biggest one was that I didn’t know banking, product management or technology at all. They didn’t teach all that in school! I had to figure out quickly how to ?? create a digital form for the approval process, and enable wireless internet access using desgold card (those days, there’s no wifi or smartphones). ?launch a marketing campaign with a photoshoot for a newspaper advertisement and press release. ????do a live demo of the new digital process in front of press at the One Amber showflat. All these were only possible because I had trained under the best - Chia Seng Tan , currently Citi Regional Retail Banking Head. After a first year of intensive on-the-job training, I would continue to benefit from his leadership and mentorship in the years to come. He is a great role model for : ?Deep expertise - For every area of banking under him, he’s always the subject matter expert, the one that everyone turns to for advice and guidance. ?Growth mindset - Though he’s very knowledgeable and senior, he never hesitates to learn new skills and try new things. He always encourage us to sign up for new ambitions and break new ground. ?Work ethics - He teaches us to “think and act like an owner” and is always doing the best for company’s, clients’ and employees’ interests. ?Analytical skills - He’s extremely sharp with numbers and patterns. In one glance, he will know what questions to ask and what issues can be. As such, I would forever be grateful for having the chance to train on the shoulders of such a giant. Till today, I continued to learn and be inspired by him. So here’s a toast and a post to Chia Seng. ??♀? How about you? Who do you owe your career success to? #gratitude #banking #career #work #leadership #jenelim

?? Excited to Share My Journey to Becoming an Operations Officer at TD Financial Group! ?? I’m thrilled to share some fantastic news—I recently secured the Operations Officer position at TD Financial Group! ?? This milestone reflects hard work, learning, and leveraging my experiences at Ally Bank as a Banking Deposit Operations Specialist, where I honed skills in workflows like account disputes and compliance. ?? Interview Insights During the process, I reflected on my journey, strengths, and areas for growth. Here are a few key questions I was asked: 1?? Tell us about yourself. I highlighted my Business diploma from Sheridan College, technical expertise (Salesforce, PartnerCare, WebCSR), and passion for problem-solving. 2?? Why transition from your current role? I expressed my desire to expand my skills, embrace new challenges, and grow in a dynamic environment. 3?? A disagreement with a colleague? I shared how clear communication and teamwork resolved a workflow prioritization conflict, ensuring compliance and efficiency. 4?? Missed compliance/quality standards? I learned the importance of staying updated on regulations and shared how collaboration corrected an issue to ensure client satisfaction. 5?? What would your manager say about you? I’m detail-oriented, solution-driven, and a reliable team asset. 6?? An area for improvement? I mentioned working on delegation and prioritization to avoid overloading myself. ?? The Power of Teamwork I emphasized how collaboration has been essential for overcoming challenges, enhancing efficiency, and fostering a positive work environment. ? Lessons Learned Adaptability and open communication are vital. Base decisions on facts to build trust and confidence. Growth happens when you embrace challenges. I’m immensely grateful for this opportunity at TD Financial Group and look forward to contributing my skills and enthusiasm to a team that values growth and excellence. To anyone preparing for their next career step—trust in your abilities, focus on growth, and share your story with confidence. ?? Let’s connect and inspire each other to keep growing! ?? #CareerGrowth #OperationsOfficer #Finance #Teamwork #ProfessionalDevelopment #TDFinancialGroup #JobSearchJourney #CareerTips #Networking

Fun Fact Saturday ― 3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Banking Career????? Happy Saturday to you, Yes i mean you reading this right now??. As we head into the weekend, I thought I’d share a few lessons I’ve learnt along the way that would’ve been handy to know when I first started out in banking. If you’re new to the industry or just curious, here are three things I wish someone had told me: 1?? Banking Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint When I started, I thought I’d have everything figured out within a year. But one thing I quickly learned? This field is all about consistency, patience, and continuous growth. Success here is built over time, not overnight. 2?? Problem-Solving Skills Are a Must You might think banking is all about numbers, but it’s just as much about finding solutions. Every day, I tackle new challenges, from tech glitches to complex customer requests. Learning to solve problems quickly and calmly has been a game-changer. 3?? Building Relationships Is Key From colleagues to customers, this industry is all about connections. Building trust and rapport goes a long way, not just for business but for making every day enjoyable and productive. What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first started your career? Share in the comments, I’d love to hear your experiences! #CareerAdvice #BankingLessons #ProfessionalGrowth #BankersSpeakUp #SaturdayInsights"

Being part of the Commerce team is something I’ve been thankful for (and proud of!) time and time again. The culture of Commerce is really something special and I would love for you to join me. There are so many opportunities for you to learn, grow and be the best version of yourself here. If you consider yourself a “people person,” there’s a place for you at Commerce! Being a Personal Banker could be a perfect fit if this sounds like you: ? Curiosity: Interacting with people in all walks of life is easy and you can talk to anyone and find common ground. ? Solutions Oriented: You take on new opportunities with a can-do attitude. ? Customer Focus: You can build strong relationships, ask questions, and listen attentively. ? Collaboration: Partnering with others, meeting shared goals, and sharing knowledge is how you thrive. ? Flexibility: You excel when every day is different. If that sounds good to you, come grow with me and the Commerce team!

Sometimes the journey to success takes unexpected turns. From my earlier work experiences as a funnel cake maker, produce clerk, deli worker, waitress, telemarketer, and computer salesperson, each role taught me the value of treating others with respect. This path has now brought me to Santander, where our global culture, "The Santander Way," is centered around helping people and businesses thrive. Our aim is to be the best open financial services platform, acting responsibly and earning trust every step of the way, guided by our core values of being Simple, Personal, and Fair. #Santander #FinancialServices #CareerJourney What was your path? And where did it lead you?

Did you ever notice when you first started to get dissatisfied in your retail career? It's like one day you woke up and you were no longer happy. The truth is, it likely happened over a longer period of time. You just didn't see it coming. Most people, like myself, started in retail very early on in their careers. For me personally, straight out of school. When you first started in retail, you had very different priorities in life. Like for me, retail was a means to an end. Work hard and make as much money as possible to pay for my lifestyle at the time (be it weekends out or a new car). Then life started getting serious. Mortgages, bills, family... kids! Roll on years later, and life is very different to when you started in retail. Your priorities have changed. Instead of working hard, moving up the ladder and earning money. Now things like your personal time, family, friends and health are more important. But do you know what hasn't changed? Retail! The long unsociable hours are still there, so are the expectations and the lack of appreciation. And that's why you now feel dissatisfied. You've changed, but retail hasn't. If you keep kidding yourself that one day you'll be happy again. Think back to this post. Will retail change or will you? Interesting thought...

Exciting news: I recently joined the BankWork course at Goodwill, and I absolutely love it! I have to say, banks represent so many things I admire in the professional world: ?? Money: Of course! Money matters, and I love the energy and structure that comes with working in this field. Plus, I believe in a positive mindset—money loves me, and I love money! ?? Professionalism: When it comes to money, there’s no room for a relaxed or overly creative approach—we want precision and high standards in every single detail, right? I truly enjoy maintaining professionalism and delivering excellence. ?? Business attire: Call me old-fashioned, but I adore the classic look—men in suits and women in elegant business styles. It reminds me of dining at a French restaurant with a white tablecloth—timeless, refined, and always desirable, no matter the latest trends. ?? Beautiful offices: Whether it’s a cozy local branch or a stunning skyscraper, bank offices are always inspiring. Here in Charlotte, the local branches are charming, and the skyline—wow, that’s where my passion comes alive! ?? People: Banks are all about serving people—whether it’s customers or employees—and that’s my area of expertise. Customer service and HR are both close to my heart, and I love being in a field that thrives on human connection. ?? Career opportunities: Banks offer so much room for growth. As someone with big ambitions, I love knowing that there are endless possibilities for promotion and professional development. Wish me luck on my banking journey—I’m so excited for what’s ahead! #BankingCareers #CharlotteNC #CustomerServiceExcellence #HRInBanking #BankingLife #GoodwillOpportunity

Reflecting on my career journey, I recall an interview for a trainer's assistant role. Without even realizing it, my responses centered around customer service and my passion for engaging with people. Today, I see that those responses weren't just interview answers, they were a reflection of my strengths and my path in the corporate world. Customer interactions have become the heartbeat of my work. Whether it's sales or any other department that relies on connecting with people, I'm all in. It's more than a job for me; it's about delivering a service experience that leaves customers feeling heard, valued, and satisfied. In my current role at Zanaco Bank, I'm honored to represent the bank and ensure every customer experience is a positive one. I've grown so much, developing skills I never knew I had and inspiring personal growth. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to push my boundaries and build meaningful connections. As I look to the future, I'm excited to see where this path will lead, the doors that will open and the opportunities to create even more value. Here's to continued growth, new experiences pushing me to make an impact and build meaningful connections. #Zanacobank #growth #Sales #Bank #Customerservice

Some of you know my 1st role in Corporate America after the Associate Developemnt Program at Chase was as a dedicated customer service officer on the phones. That job was hard and truth be told I sometimes didn’t like it all that much. And I hated being yelled at by customers for errors that they knew I didn’t actually cause. That said, boy did I learn on that job….about how money moves in banking; about rapport and relationship building; and about servant leadership. Essentially the service role is focused on fixing things when they go wrong. And typically people are unhappy when their money is missing, or a flight is cancelled, or a phone is not working properly, etc. But I tell you what…the best service professionals regardless of industry, love, love, love their jobs. They are great problem solvers. The best service folks make a way out of no way and figure out how to help when help is almost impossible. They also grin and bear it when an unsatisfied customer decides to just be miserable. Today, I was taken right back to those couple of years as a CSR as I listened and watched stranded travelers unload on the service professionals who were simply there to try to make things right. You know what? No amount of yelling about how you’ve been inconvenienced, no amount of screaming you’re going to miss an important meeting, and no amount of sharing how important you are based on your status level is going to make things any better any faster. Do not shoot the messengers people! I guarantee you that no gate agent nor customer service rep in a call center caused this global tech debacle. Being mean to the folks who are trying to help and who are sharing information is just plain not cool. Try being nice. The worst that can happen is you demonstrate your sense of decency and humanity and perhaps encourage the person on the other side to go to the ends of the earth to help fix things for you. Ok…end of soapbox. #Servicing #itsnoteasy #BeNice