August 21, 2023

Funbi Afolabi
Meet the Team — Funbi

Funbi joined the Transform team in January 2023, bringing with her a variety of skills and expertise from her vast experience in the world of PR & communications. Read on to find out more about Funbi.

Can you tell us a bit about your career journey before Transform, why you joined the Transform team, and what your role is here?

Having had an exciting and varied career path to date, Transform seemed like the obvious choice for me. I kickstarted my marketing career in the vibrant city of Lagos, where I had the privilege of working with brands like P&G and Nestle at an experiential B2B marketing firm. I honed my skills in marketing research, data analysis, content creation, and planning during that time.

After that, I got into the world of PR and marketing, taking on responsibilities such as internal and external communications, event management, and client relationships. I had the pleasure of working with notable clients such as Facebook and Access Bank. Later, I joined Access Bank's corporate communication team, where I was entrusted with overseeing marketing communication and PR for the bank's expansion across Africa.

I feel strongly about the practice of self-development. This led me to the UK, where I completed a master’s in Marketing. Shortly after, I joined the Transform team. The interview was a great experience and the atmosphere in the office was wonderful. When I was offered the role, it wasn’t a hard decision to make, Transform seemed the perfect place to further enrich my career. Now, as a PR and Marketing Senior Account Manager, I thrive in a collaborative environment, always happy to contribute and work as a team to create engaging content strategies for clients.

What's it like to work at Transform?

Working at Transform has been an incredibly inspiring and fulfilling experience for me. The atmosphere here is truly one-of-a-kind, promoting a positive and collaborative environment that fuels creativity and growth. From the moment I joined, I was captivated by the team's energy and dedication to delivering value for our clients.

One of the standout aspects is the supportive nature of the team. Everyone is approachable and there's a genuine sense of care. This inclusive atmosphere encourages open dialogue and idea-sharing, which makes every project a true team effort.

The diverse range of projects we work on keeps things dynamic and engaging. I've been able to leverage my marketing expertise across a variety of exciting campaigns, which has been both intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding.

To me, Transform is more than just a workplace; it's a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making an impact.

What does ‘communication’ mean to you, and what do you like about the  PR and Comms field of work?

To me, 'communication' is the intricate art of connecting, sharing, and conveying ideas, information, and emotions in a way that resonates with others. It's the bridge that links individuals, ideas and cultures, allowing us to understand, and create together.

In the field of PR and Communications I find immense satisfaction in the power to shape perceptions, build relationships and tell compelling stories. What I truly love about this field is the ability to influence how a company is perceived by the public and stakeholders.

Who and what inspires you?

New York Times Bestseller, Neil Patel, is known for his comprehensive guides and insights on SEO, content marketing, and online branding. His expertise in the field of marketing inspires me to keep learning and stay on top of current trends.

Arianna Huffington, Co-founder of The Huffington Post, is a strong advocate for wellbeing, balance and effective communication. I think a focus on employee wellbeing is key for the sustainability of every business and Arianna is effectively bringing these topics to the forefront of business development discussions.

I often read industry specific publications such as Harvard Business Review, PR Week, Content Marketing Institute, Fast Company, and MarketingProfs. These publications offer a wealth of articles and research on various aspects of business communication, leadership, the PR industry, content marketing strategies, and communication topics. They often feature profiles of innovative companies and leaders, offering practical insights and resources for marketing professionals, including tips on strategy, content creation and branding.

What do you do for fun?

I’m very outdoorsy and like to explore the beauty of nature. I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether that be in a park, at the beach or taking a ride through town. When I'm indoors, I turn to colouring books. There's a meditative quality to it that allows me to relax and let my creative side flow freely.

Three things to know about you?

I'm the life of the party. My smile can brighten up a room. I am very logical.

What do you like to listen to, if anything, while you’re working?

I like to listen to alternative rock or pop while I'm working. Recently, I’ve been listening to Florence and the Machine.

What are you reading / watching / listening to at the moment that you’d encourage other people to enjoy as much as you have?

I'm reading The Power of Habit and watching the TV show - Ted Lasso.

Lightning round

Coffee or tea?

Hot chocolate!

Scones: cream or jam first?

Neither, I’m not a big fan of scones.

Favourite quote?

‘YOLO’ – You only live once!

Best moment with Transform?

I really enjoyed spending time with the team at Bath Boules, an annual fundraising event in Bath city centre, where we competed against other local businesses. At the end of the day, I felt really connected to the team and I had loads of fun and I discovered a competitive side that I didn’t realise I had.

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