In Dale Carnegie’s famous book, ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’, the well-known relationship expert did not state it outrightly, but there is no doubt that he intended to get his audience to understand that the most secure way to win and keep friends is to stay successful, relevant and ‘useful’ to them. As it has been proved with Mariam Chidiebele Olusanya, the new MD/CEO of GTBank, the beloved swan is really a duck that nature has graced with finer features.
Nigerians are generally excited at the recent appointment of Olusanya to the position of GTBank CEO. As Olusanya’s appointment comes at a time when the biggest banks in Nigeria are having women take over vital positions, folks are nodding their heads at the evidence of inclusion and meritocracy in the banking sector. After all, Olusanya is not only the first female to occupy the top echelon but also the most qualified for the role.
Olusanya’s appointment follows the retirement of the former GTBank MD/CEO, Segun Agbaje who was a darling of the management board of the bank. The end of Agbaje’s tenure brought along much scratching of heads as some of the board members reportedly could not single out an individual suitable for the role. However, among the five Executive Directors at the time, Mr Odeyemi A. A., Mr Jide Okuntola, and Olusanya stood out. Moreover, Agbaje is said to have recommended Okuntola and Olusanya. And now, at last, Olusanya emerged as the top choice for the high chair.
Attentive folks have noted that Olusanya has suddenly become a swan in the eyes of old friends and associates. With success comes a multitude of well-wishers and it is no different for Olusanya. Well-wishers reportedly began to troop in when Olusanya was rumoured as one of the prime candidates for the top seat. But the trickle of friends has become a flood.
It’s not unexpected. A bride glows best when she is new. And Olusanya, the new bride of the banking sector in general, and GTBank in particular, is glowing at the moment.
