GenZs are easy to work with

Nonye Cally-Bechi is a qualified image consultant and diction coach. She has dedicated over 17 years to training, coaching, and consulting, with a focus on dramatically increasing profit, productivity, and people's performance. 

Throughout her career, Nonye has trained over 60,000 youths on tech and soft skills, transforming them into teachable and employable professionals ready to excel in various industries.. She has also trained 20,000+ senior executives, C-suite executives, civil servants, and top government officials, 

She’s the Founder and Programme Director of Connect Learning Nigeria, where she teaches, consults, and grooms individuals to excel in their fields and achieve their dreams. Passionate about soft skills advocacy, youth development, and women's issues, Nonye mentors young girls in the Tech for Women program.

Nonye holds a Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts from UNILORIN and a Master’s degree from UI. Her professional affiliations include memberships in the Nigerian Institute of Training Development (NITAD), the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), and the Board of Trustees for Ekobits Academy. She’s also an Associate Member of WIMBIZ, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Motherhood Initiative Nigeria, and a Board Member of Transforming Life Initiatives.

D for what? D for Doings! 🤭⚡ 

In this interview, Nonye Cally-Bechi tells us about her work on youth empowerment, the reality of the modern workspace, and what she thinks about the GenZ. Let’s get into it!

What's an interesting fact about you most people don't know?

I'm an ambivert.

Is there a backstory to your journey to serial youth empowerment?

After my youth service in Northern Nigeria, I came to Lagos and had to babysit for my elder sister for a whole year while applying for jobs. While waiting and applying, a friend suggested going for my master’s degree, which I did.

After graduation, I started job-hunting again. I got a job with a company that handles diction training for schools. My job entailed going to primary and secondary schools in Lagos to teach diction. I quit the job after a year, though; it wasn’t what I wanted for myself.

Around that time, I met an old schoolmate who told me about a company recruiting people who can teach diction/phonetics. I applied and got the job.

Few years into the job, the organization decided to start a graduate finishing school programme. Their decision stemmed from the incredibly wide gap that was identified among graduates, relevant skills, and befitting jobs. That was how my journey into youth employment started. 

It was easy for me to fit into the system—I as so passionate I even became an instructor. My driving force was looking back on my struggles and frustrations during my job-hunting period., where employers would ask that you must have a minimum of 2/3 years work experience. It was annoying because, how was I supposed to get experience without a job? It never occurred to me that I could volunteer and do other things while waiting for a job to come.

You’ve trained over 30,000 young people. What are some of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had from this work?

Actually, it’s over 60,000 youths. It’s been quite fulfilling for me because there's this joy in knowing you're transforming lives. Some of us didn't have the opportunity of getting groomed and nurtured before going into the workplace.

How do you measure the success and impact of your training and empowerment initiatives?

One of my key indices is employment rate, which is usually done through internship placements. We also get feedback from partner organisations. When we started at my previous place of work, we were achieving up to an 80% success rate.

As trainers, we work and train with the knowledge of what employers want. We don’t just deliver training; we deliver practical, hands-on, and relevant knowledge.

What are the key skills you focus on when training individuals for employability?

As a soft skills trainer and advocate, my focus is on EVERY aspect of soft skills. Research has proven time and again that, beyond your technical competence, you need soft skills to succeed in any field of work. For instance, you need:

• Negotiation Skills

• Communication

• Critical thinking

• Problem solving

• Interpersonal relation skills

• Emotional intelligence

Other key focus areas are tech skills. We're in the era of AI and Machine learning. Experts have said that AI will affect almost 40% of jobs around the world and will replace some in a few years. Therefore, our focus is a little different today than when we started. Even at that, soft skills will still play an important role in an AI-fueled future of work.

In your experience, what are the biggest challenges against youth empowerment in Nigeria?

The biggest challenge is the mindset of our youth—all thanks to social media and its influence. 

Don't get me wrong. The emergence of social media is one of the greatest innovations this generation has seen. But there are so many wrong beliefs and dangerous trends that are shaping the minds of the youth. 

Everyone comes on social media to post their wins; very few post their struggles and the efforts it took to get what they want, so many youths don’t take life seriously.

I recall when we started. I'd call people to follow up on their job placements and get responses like, ‘’it was an admin job” or “it was a receptionist job”. Some people will outrightly tell you, “the job is beneath me.” But the reality is that THERE ARE NO SMALL JOBS!

Not everyone can work in the bank or oil and gas sector. What's important is the impact you’re ready to make at that “small” company. If I tell you how much I was paid in my first job—even with my Master's degree, you won’t believe it. But it was the small job that led to the big one!

What personal philosophies or principles guide your work?

1. Diligence.

2. Belief in hard and smart work.

3. Strong work ethics; I believe whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.

4. Personal development; I am a lifelong learner.

What are some of the biggest challenges you faced in your career? How did you work on them?

One of the biggest challenges was coming into the workplace thinking I knew a lot, and then realizing I knew nothing. It was jarring for me, as I didn’t have the privilege of going through any employability skills training before working in a formal environment. 

Another challenge is dealing with people and their exigencies. It took me time to adjust and accept people for who they are. But when I noticed the gap early on in my career, I worked on myself. I recall buying and reading business books and developing my people skills as if I was going to sit for an exam. It paid off, because it helped me build confidence. 

As a guru in the corporate world, what skills do you think corporate organizations are more interested in and look out for when hiring?

First, they want to know what value you're bringing to the table. So, for every job seeker, the goal should be to market yourself effectively. Learn important skills like communication, problem solving, proactivity, leadership, adaptability, and good work ethics. Also arm yourself with tech skills. Tech skills will always give you better leverage over others. 

There's a common ideology in the workplace that “GenZ people are lazy and lackadaisical about work.” How true is this based on your experience?

There are some GenZs who have lackadaisical approaches to work. They think they know it all, lack basic work ethics, are grossly indisciplined, and have attitudinal issues. But there are also well-behaved and smart GenZs with open minds. They're not entitled, they're teachable, efficient, and effective. 

One reason the older generation has issues with the GenZ is because most of them are highly opinionated, impatient, and willing to question anything and challenge the status quo. 

GenZs are easy to work with once you understand them, but that means you must have an open mind and be patient with them.

Have you ever experienced misogyny in your line of work? How did you handle it?

Not really. I've worked with female bosses throughout my career. I had male colleagues who sometimes exhibited misogynistic tendencies, but fortunately, the environment and culture of the organization did not encourage it.

A common notion about successful women is that one cannot have it all: a great career, a loving family, and a thriving social life; something has to give. What do you think?

I think having it all is a myth. When you listen to some women who have achieved high professional success, you'll understand how difficult it is balancing all of this. It’s a TOUGH job. You can only try to achieve some level of success with the right support systems, but something has to give way. 

What three books would you recommend to someone and why?

1. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen. It's a small book, but with powerful insights and wisdom. It shifted my mindset radically when I read it in secondary school. 

2. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey. It's a blueprint for productivity and excellence. 

3. The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma. If you want to develop a routine that'll lead to success, a mindset shift, and personal growth, then pick this book up. It will change your life.

Are there any mentors or role models who have played a significant role in your professional development? What qualities do you admire most in them?

I have many people who have mentored me closely and from afar. As for my professional development, I’ll say Mrs. Mavi Isibor; she was my boss for many years. I admire her tenacity, resilience, and passion for excellence. She is thorough and committed to her work and vision.

What advice would you offer to young women committed to nurturing both professional and personal growth?

Your dreams are valid! Dream BIG dreams about your professional growth. There's a common adage that ‘’whenever you wake up is your morning”. It’s true, but wake up early enough and take responsibility for your personal growth. If you don’t, nobody will. So, invest in yourself.

Phew! That was a long, interesting, insightful, WOW ride.

If you were slacking off before, we’re sure you’ve received a massive reset now. You no go open laptop ke? Wetin go come do your steeze? 🤣

What insights stood out for you? Tell us in the comments. We’re always excited to read your thoughts.

If you’d like to connect with Nonye Cally-Bechi, you can find her on Instagram and follow her on LinkedIn.

Ciao!