In this episode, host Anita Patrick speaks with Henrietta Ekefre, an International Human Rights Lawyer, Policy Advisor, and Consultant specializing in transformative justice, gender equality, and reparations for historical injustices.
Henrietta shares how she built her career in the global human rights field, from the strategic career decisions she took during her undergraduate studies, to working with organizations like the Clooney Foundation for Justice, the African Commission on Human and
People’s Rights, Africa Judges and Jurists Forum, and how she continues to use the law as a tool for social transformation.
What you’ll learn:
The work of an International Human Rights Lawyer
Henrietta’s strategy for choosing a law specialization
How to reverse-engineer your career path when you have a vision
How Moot Court competitions can open professional doors for young lawyers and law students.
Internships, fellowships and graduate programs for Human Rights and Advocacy professionals.
Experience working with international organizations like the Clooney Foundation for Justice
How to apply for and get funding for postgraduate (Master’s) degrees at universities such as the University of Oxford, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Pretoria.
Scholarship and funding strategies: what reviewers look for, how to demonstrate need, and how to choose the right referees for recommendation letters.
Managing burnout, vicarious trauma, and emotional fatigue in human rights work.
The role of empathy, safe spaces, and trauma-informed advocacy in sustaining meaningful change.
The importance of publishing research, op-eds, and think pieces to build credibility
How to deal with perfectionism paralysis and keep showing up for your work.
Where to find Henrietta:
Twitter/X: https://x.com/Henriettaekefre
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/henriettaekefre
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theiconichenny/
Where to find Anita
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/anitasfire
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/
What I Do For Work podcast on social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork
Twitter: https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_
#WIDFWPodcast
Chapters
02:47 A day in the life of an International Human Rights Lawyer
06:26 The inspiration behind Henrietta's law career
07:46 Henrietta's strategy for choosing her law specialization
10:59 Course content, activities and opportunities for undergrad law student
15:07 Networking and experience opportunities
16:49 Planning ahead as a Law student
17:54 Finding Law internships that are relevant to your career
26:04 Clooney Foundation for Justice fellowship experience
29:09 Importance of networking
35:34 Creating a vision for your Human Rights career
38:29 What personalities thrive in Human Rights Law?
41:07 Balancing research and advocacy
43:27 The importance of empathy in Human Rights work
45:21 Pursuing advanced education in Human Rights
55:44 Tips for applying to graduate programs and getting funding
57:42 What scholarship reviewers look out for in applications
59:05 An example of how to prove the need for scholarship for post-grad applications
01:00:34 How to choose a good referee for your recommendation letter
01:04:14 Navigating mental health in Human Rights work
01:12:24 Creating safe spaces in advocacy
01:14:56 The importance of publishing one's work
01:18:03 Dealing with perfectionism paralysis
#HumanRightsLaw #InternationalLaw #HumanRightsCareer #SocialJustice #LawStudents #AdvocacyWork #TransformativeJustice #Scholarships #StudyAbroad #OxfordUniversity #ClooneyFoundation #LegalFellowships #WomenInLaw #AfricaLaw #CareerInLaw #PostgraduateFunding #LegalResearch #PublicInterestLaw #MentalHealthAwareness #EmpathyInAdvocacy career advice for aspiring lawyers in Africa
Production and marketing by Anita Patrick
In this episode of What I Do For Work, host Anita Patrick speaks with Susanna Ozenogu. They discuss the intricacies of project management, Susan's journey into this sector and what it takes to thrive as a PM.
Susanna Ozenogu is a Program and Portfolio Manager with over a decade of experience driving transformation and building scalable systems across nonprofit, tech, finance, logistics, and consulting sectors. She's certified in PMP, CBAP, PMI-ACP, and Scrum. She brings together technical fluency, learning design, and human-centred leadership. Beyond corporate execution, she is a seasoned PMP trainer and facilitator, having equipped and mentored over 2,000 executives and professionals with the tools to lead projects and programs effectively.
What you’ll learn:
The difference between project, program, and portfolio management.
What to do if looking to grow as a PM or pivot into the sector
How to approach certifications and the number 1 tip for acing professional exams like the PMP
The best practice for applying Project Management structures to real-life scenarios
How to know if Project Management is the right career for you
The key skills of a good Project Manager
How and why to be visible at work
Where to find Susan and Zenog Consults
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sozenogu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sue.lenaya/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zenog-consulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenog_jobs/
Where to find Anita
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/anitasfire
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/
What I Do For Work on social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork
Twitter: https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_
#WIDFWPodcast
Newsletter
https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1716316/161986026210854411/share
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:57 Understanding Project Management roles
05:23 Susan's journey from Journalist to Project Manager
14:26 Project Management exists in every field
18:01 Relevance of Project Management certifications
20:14 Susan's most impactful Project Management certification
21:57 3 tips beyond certificates for a career in Project Management
29:02 How to ace your Project Management exams
31:11 How to balance textbook knowledge and real-life application in Project Management
34:17 How to know if Project Management is for you
40:56 Staying updated in Project Management practices
44:26 On continuous learning
50:51 Absurdity in business practices
#widfwpodcast #projectmanagementcareer #careerdevelopment
career development, project management certifications, continuous learning, career transitions, project management in nigeria
Production and marketing by Anita Patrick
In this episode, Anita Patrick chats with Kafilat Awotayo, founder of the Yellow company, about her path into Brand Strategy and Talent Management.
Kafilat has worked with global luxury brands in her career and is now building a thriving agency at the intersection of Nigeria’s creative economy and commerce. She shares how she’s carved a space for herself in this industry, and the mindset shift creatives need to turn their skills into sustainable businesses.
What we discussed:
Why you must fight for your place if you want to build credibility at work
How proactive learning and shadowing can fast-track your growth
The role of trend forecasting in staying relevant and competitive
Why creatives should start thinking like corporations
Why build meaningful industry relationships that open doors
Working at an agency vs. in-house, which should marketers in Nigeria choose
The importance of networking and community engagement
Balancing Brand marketing and sales
Where to find Kafilat and The Yellow Company
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kaf.ilatt/
https://www.instagram.com/the.yellowco/
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/kafilatawotayo/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/yellowcomms/
Where to find Anita
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/
Twitter/ X: https://x.com/anitasfire
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/
What I Do For Work on social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-i-do-for-work
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatidoforwork/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatidoforwork
Twitter: https://x.com/WhatIDoForWork_
#WIDFWPodcast
Newsletter
https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1716316/161986026210854411/share
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:27 The work of a Brand Strategist
03:45 Kafilat's journey to Brand Strategy
10:11 Taking a gap year strategically
11:41 Maximizing internships for growth
14:27 Road to Kafilat's Yellow Agency
17:25 Transitioning from 9-5 to agency founder
21:21 Gatekeeping in the industry
23:27 The importance of data in marketing
25:07 Building relationships and networking
26:38 The role of creativity in commerce
28:36 The evolution of Yellow Management
29:57 Supporting the Creative Economy
36:59 Building a framework for creatives
38:59 The expanding creative economy
40:41 What you need to break into Brand Marketing
46:05 Agency vs in-house
47:58 Recap of the conversation
50:15 Mentorship opportunity with Kafilat
Production and marketing by Anita Patrick
In this episode, Anita Patrick speaks with Adanna Atuonwu, the Public Relations Lead at AFEX, one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies, to unpack what it really takes to succeed in PR in Nigeria.From building media relationships across West and East Africa, to turning a Master’s degree into a career breakthrough, to managing challenging team members without burning out, Adanna shares practical lessons from her journey that every aspiring PR or communications professional needs to hear.This is a conversation about career growth, leadership, and thriving in structured organisations.What you’ll learn in this episode:
Where to find AdannaInstagramLinkedInWhere to find AnitaLinkedIn Twitter Instagram What I Do For Work on socialLinkedInInstagramTiktokTwitter/X#WIDFWPodcastNewsletterChapters00:00 Introduction00:53 What to expect01:24 Working in PR03:41 PR Lead day-to-day06:26 Productive times for working08:00 Building relationships as a PR expert12:14 Undergrad and Master's experience16:49 Getting value (and jobs) from Master's degree19:40 First year at AFEX21:48 Taking advantage of support at work22:57 Having good managers and being a good manager25:49 Handling reportees who need micromanagement30:43 Working in a place with structure35:11 Advice for choosing your first job37:14 Problems in the Comms sector39:52 Advice for working in PR40:52 Networking horizontally42:46 Where to find relationships44:45 Where to find Adanna45:12 Share What I Do For Work podcastProduction and marketing by Anita Patrick
In this episode of What I Do For Work, Anita Patrick speaks with Pearl Utuk, a social entrepreneur and international development professional, about her journey from volunteering to finding career clarity. Pearl shares her experiences at the African Leadership Academy, the career uncertainty challenges she grappled with, and the importance of networking and preparation in achieving career goals.
What you’ll learn:
How volunteering can open doors to meaningful, high-impact careers.
Why networking isn’t just for formal events, and how to build connections anywhere.
Key technical skills needed to thrive in the development and social enterprise space.
How to prepare for opportunities even when your career path feels unclear.
How to embrace nonlinear career journeys and unexpected turns.
The power of documenting and sharing your work to attract new opportunities.
The role of faith during uncertain times.
Why every small contribution can create a ripple effect in your community.
Where to find Pearl and Teach The Child
Where to find Anita
What I Do For Work on social
#WIDFWPodcast
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Impactful Careers
02:46 Pearl Utuk's Journey in Social Impact
04:07 Day-to-Day Responsibilities at African Leadership Academy
06:11 Entering the Impact Space
08:26 The Role of Volunteering in Career Clarity
10:47 Building Skills and Overcoming Challenges
12:36 Finding Opportunities in Uncertainty
14:59 Developing Technical Skills for Social Development
17:51 The Importance of Networking and Documentation
20:07 Identifying Problems and Creating Solutions
36:31 Funding Community Projects
39:36 The Birth of Project Teach the Child
42:34 Navigating Career Opportunities
48:02 The Power of Networking
50:31 Transitioning from Project to NGO
57:07 Ambition vs. Contentment in Career
01:06:53 Mandela Washington Application
Production and marketing by Anita Patrick
In this episode, host Anita Patrick speaks with Irene Aguh, a multifaceted entrepreneur who has successfully transitioned from a 9 to 5 job in marketing to running her own travel and marketing businesses.
Irene shares her journey, the career challenges she faced, and the strategies she employed to build her companies. The conversation delves into the importance of planning, understanding product-market fit, and the balance between ambition and contentment in one's career. Irene also discusses the significance of self-doubt, money management, and the skills needed to thrive in the travel and marketing industries.
Takeaways
Where to find Irene:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-aguh/
https://www.instagram.com/iryyne/
Where to find Anita
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-patrick-gr8n3ss/
https://www.instagram.com/anitasfire/
Suggest yourself or someone else to be a guest
https://forms.gle/3uDmWq2otcFYSkR87
Episode chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:06 Diverse Career Paths: Travel and Marketing
04:37 Transitioning from 9 to 5 to Entrepreneurship
07:15 Building a Support System for Business
09:38 Critical Factors for Successful Transition
11:42 Understanding Product-Market Fit
14:17 The Importance of Execution in Business
16:46 Reflecting on Educational Background and Career Choices
19:14 Navigating Career Progression and Opportunities
21:53 The Role of Exposure in Career Development
25:18 The Role of Self-Study and Google in Career Growth
26:28 Ambition vs. Career Contentment: Finding Balance
30:06 Managing Time and Responsibilities as an Entrepreneur
30:19 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Entrepreneurship
31:50 Money Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
34:44 Navigating the Travel Industry: Skills and Insights
38:09 Reflections on the Entrepreneurial Journey
Production and marketing by Anita Patrick.