Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State
Schreyer Honors College
78 episodes
1 month ago
Are you a Schreyer Scholar looking to connect with Scholar Alumni for career and life advice? Or perhaps you are a recent graduate looking to take the next step in your career, or are a prospective Scholar looking to learn more about the College. When our Scholars submit their honors thesis, they ring a ceremonial gong to mark the completion of their honors experience. #FollowingTheGong is a show that features conversations with Scholar Alumni and friends with stories and advice on how to maximize your Scholar experience, prepare for your career and further education, and make new connections with a strong network of Scholar Alumni that blazed the trail before you. Episodes are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays when Penn State classes are in session and are available on major platforms.
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Are you a Schreyer Scholar looking to connect with Scholar Alumni for career and life advice? Or perhaps you are a recent graduate looking to take the next step in your career, or are a prospective Scholar looking to learn more about the College. When our Scholars submit their honors thesis, they ring a ceremonial gong to mark the completion of their honors experience. #FollowingTheGong is a show that features conversations with Scholar Alumni and friends with stories and advice on how to maximize your Scholar experience, prepare for your career and further education, and make new connections with a strong network of Scholar Alumni that blazed the trail before you. Episodes are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays when Penn State classes are in session and are available on major platforms.
FTG 0066 – Climbing the Ladder from State College to Lagos with Business Leader Adeolu Adewumi-Zer ’00
Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State
56 minutes 45 seconds
1 year ago
FTG 0066 – Climbing the Ladder from State College to Lagos with Business Leader Adeolu Adewumi-Zer ’00
Overview:
Adeolu Adewumi-Zer ’00 Business and Science, a global advisor, change leader, and passionate advocate for a thriving Africa joins FTG to discuss her journey from State College to Penn State to Germany, Turkey, and now Nigeria. She shares her perspectives on majoring in math and actuarial science with an international lens. Adelou provides insight into careers in consulting and in-house corporate work both in the US and abroad and transitioning from detailed STEM work to managing and leading people in complex organizations. She also shares her experiences taking the plunge to leave corporate life and start her own firm after opening a regional office for one of the largest financial firms in the world and serving on corporate and non-profit board. This episode can be helpful for any Scholar, and is a can’t miss one for any Scholar planning to major or work in a business, consulting, and/or international setting. Adelou’s bio is available below along with chapter markers detailing the topics discussed.
Guest Bio:
Adeolu Adewumi-Zer ’00 Bus, Sci is a global advisor, change leader, and passionate advocate for a thriving Africa. Adeolu earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in Actuarial Science and Mathematics with Honors, along with a Minor in Japanese, from Penn State in 2000 after growing up in State College. Adeolu built a stellar global financial services career spanning four continents. She most recently oversaw ca. EUR 500M investments across Africa as Regional Head of Mergers, Acquisitions and Transformation Africa for the Allianz Group, led Allianz Nigeria as CEO, and has now launched ZER Consulting Africa from Lagos, Nigeria, where she collaborates with development agencies, investment funds, startups, and social entrepreneurs, providing strategic guidance in executive leadership, business strategy, corporate governance, and value creation. Adeolu's passion for Africa extends beyond her professional pursuits, as she actively champions critical causes such as financial inclusion, gender equality, and quality education. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Adeolu frequently graces international conferences, sharing her dynamic insights on corporate governance, executive leadership, and gender empowerment.
Connect with Adeolu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeoluadewumi/
Episode Topic & Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:47 How Adeolu came to Penn State and the Honors College
02:31 Selecting math-based majors in science and business
03:56 Using hard STEM skills in leadership roles
06:02 Being a Bunton Waller Scholar too
08:20 The Honors Thesis
10:01 Choosing industry over academia
11:54 Becoming a certified actuary
13:53 The B and C - study abroad and campus involvement
15:40 Using campus and family experiences as a manager and leader in industry
16:57 Coaches, sponsors, and mentors
19:57 Working in consulting
21:28 Going from consultant to corporate
23:22 Working in Europe and Africa
26:46 Opening a new office/branch for a company and resources for working moms internationally
30:19 What is Allianz
32:01 Going out on your own & starting your own firm
38:38 Facing challenging situations as a leader
40:39 Leadership skills to develop as a Scholar
42:09 Serving on corporate and non-profit boards
43:07 Time management strategies - saying yes and saying no
46:00 What the host didn't know to ask
47:38 Biggest success and failures
48:58 The responsibility of being sponsored
50:54 Shoutouts!
52:28 Final pieces of advice
53:52 How to get in touch with Ade...
Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State
Are you a Schreyer Scholar looking to connect with Scholar Alumni for career and life advice? Or perhaps you are a recent graduate looking to take the next step in your career, or are a prospective Scholar looking to learn more about the College. When our Scholars submit their honors thesis, they ring a ceremonial gong to mark the completion of their honors experience. #FollowingTheGong is a show that features conversations with Scholar Alumni and friends with stories and advice on how to maximize your Scholar experience, prepare for your career and further education, and make new connections with a strong network of Scholar Alumni that blazed the trail before you. Episodes are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays when Penn State classes are in session and are available on major platforms.
