Function Meets Fiction: It's a wrap!

Dear readers,

#Because I’m still soaking in the experience...

#Friday #TGIF #NextDay 

...the energy, the connections, the learning, and the powerful insights from #CIPM #ICE2025. The atmosphere was inspiring, refreshing, and exactly what many of us in HR need once in a while. Sometimes, stepping back to breathe, learn, and reconnect is the best gift we can give ourselves, and that’s exactly how I felt. You can see photos HERE.

A big thank you to my CEO for giving me the opportunity to attend, especially at such a busy time in the year with so much going on. 

While in Abuja, I also made time to meet with our Abuja team — all 93 of them — for an engaging and fulfilling session. The energy, openness, and teamwork were amazing, and I’m grateful for moments like these that remind me why people are at the heart of everything we do. 

And a pleasant surprise — I even received a thoughtful gift from the HR Coordinator, Queen Victoria! For a moment I felt like an invited guest… then quickly remembered: I’m one of them. Truly, to the best team — thank you for making it special. 

Here’s to more growth, collaboration, and moments that remind us why we love HR and the work we do. 

#BurgerKingNg #Kinglace #BestTeams

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#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Nigerian Assassin Series - Week 5

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 5 of the Nigerian Assassin Series

#Friday #October #TGIF

Halloween Special – Choices and Consequences

Kiki chooses to spare Mekus Money, breaking the code of the Mirror People. It’s an act of mercy, but it triggers a chain reaction of betrayal, exposure, and bloodshed. Her choice, no matter how noble, reshapes her fate.

In organizations, too, every choice has a consequence. Breaking protocol, overlooking misconduct, or ignoring red flags — even with good intentions — can erode trust and destabilise culture. People must understand that freedom of choice is always tied to responsibility.

👉 HR Lesson: Every action has a ripple effect. Rule-breaking, however well-intentioned, carries consequences that affect trust, culture, and long-term success.

📅 Join me next Friday for our next fiction-meets-function feature! The Series will be revealed on 1st November. Stay tuned!

#Read #Learn #Grow

#People. #Culture. #Strategy.

#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.

Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo

#Like #Comment #Share

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Function Meets Fiction: CIPM International Conference Day 3

Dear readers,

#Because Day 3 was also loaded!

#CIPM #ICE2025 #DAY3 

The best was truly saved for last. The sessions explored Thriving in the New World of Work – Resilience & Wellbeing, Leveraging Human Potential to Navigate the AI Era, and a National Outlook on Reimagining the Future of Work, delivered by former Nigerian Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

My Key Takeaways:

-Resilience remains constant through every transition and evolution. It isn’t just a skill – it’s a behaviour and a mindset. One speaker, Dr. Gbenga Adebayo, MPH, noted that there are three types of people: those about to get into trouble, those currently in trouble, and those who just came out of trouble. In today’s rapidly changing work landscape, this perfectly underscores the need for resilience: no matter where you are, challenges are inevitable, and preparation, grit, and the right support systems make all the difference.

-Wellbeing starts with you. HR is often placed at the centre, expected to support employees while also managing leadership expectations. But HR professionals are employees too. Who supports them? As HR works to build safe spaces and wellbeing programs for others, it is essential to also find a personal “HR”; a safe outlet and support network for balance and mental health.

-Burnout is real – prevention must be strategic. HR must rethink how to support the workforce by establishing soft boundaries around communication (emails, calls, response expectations) and defining “safe hours” for work-life balance. Employee Assistance Programs should be tailored to real needs: nothing for us without us. Ask, listen, and design support systems with employees, not just for them.

-AI is not replacing humans – it is empowering them. AI and technology cannot function without people. In Esther Indurkar's words, "Think Tony Stark and Iron Man – one is the genius, the other is the tool that amplifies capacity". AI is only as effective as the humans who use it. HR’s biggest assignment is preparing the workforce with the right skills, mindset, and continuous learning culture. We may not predict every change, but we must be ready to analyse, understand, and adapt when it arrives.

-Jobs will evolve, so must we. Yes, certain roles, especially routine ones, may disappear, but new opportunities will emerge. The responsibility lies in reskilling and learning quickly enough to grow with the change, both as individuals and organizations.

To wrap it up, Dr. Maymunah Y. Kadiri reminded us that HR needs G.R.A.C.E. to succeed:

Grounded – stay rooted in purpose
Recognise your emotions before supporting others
Acknowledge, don’t attack
Create safe spaces through compassion
Empathy – leadership in action

Beyond learning, I am leaving with clear action steps to elevate my HR team and organization through the rest of 2025 and into 2026. 

#DearHR, the time to act is now. Wishing you grace, strength, and clarity as you navigate these rapidly changing times.

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#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Function Meets Fiction: CIPM International Conference Day 2

Dear readers,

#Because Day 2 was even better!

#CIPM #ICE2025 #DAY2 

Today delivered even more value! The sessions were broad yet highly relevant, from the application of standards (with insights from ITF, NSITF, ILO, etc.) to the reimagined role of HR and Business Leaders, promoting people management standards, effective performance management, and more.

My key takeaways from all the “brain food” we were served: 

•ILO policies can’t be applied in Nigeria until ratified by the Nigerian Government — but it’s up to us to act responsibly regardless and keep pushing the government as best as we can. 

•Companies must have Learning & Development (L&D) departments with an annual training plan for their people. Because if you don’t train them, don’t blame them. 

•HR now has a seat at the table — it’s time to make impact, not just administer policies. 

•Think flexibility and agility in policies and ways of working to attract and retain the right people, especially creatives. 

•People don’t burn out from work; they burn out from the lack of C.A.R.E. — 
Clarity (of what/how to do things), 
Autonomy (ownership and accountability), 
Recognition (praise boosts dopamine and motivation), and 
Enablement (the right environment and tools).  — Shared by the amazing ‘Toun Akinsunmi, Chief of Staff at SeamlessHR, and it stuck like glue! 

•Three things every leader must show in employee wellbeing: Empathy, Transparency, and Swift Action — beautifully shared by the delectable Shamim Walusimbi. 

•Finally, performance appraisal shouldn’t be a routine activity but a tool for continuous improvement. Three things matter here: People. System. Data. Not KPIs — those should be a thing of the past.    

This reminded me of the goals I once set for my HR team:  Zero complaints (from employees),  Zero delays (in response and execution), and  Zero errors (in output and results).    

At the time, I didn’t realise how useful this was as an HR team dashboard — getting direct feedback from people to gauge performance and identify areas for improvement. As we head into appraisal season, it’s definitely something I’ll be revisiting.    

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#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

New Book: 3 Days to go!

Dear readers,

#Because it's just 3 days to the end of the pre-order discount!

#Wednesday #HumpDay #NewBook

Dear Self-Published Author, Act Now!

Don’t let the year end without reading this book and creating your 2026 Marketing Plan. Not yet an author? No knowledge is lost!

The free sample is still available, and so is the pre-order discount.

Read it here: https://www.cmokonkwo.com/itsyourtime and get inspired to take the next step.

This practical guide will show you not just what to do, but how to:

•Set up a professional author presence across multiple platforms without overspending.

•Build visibility using free or low-cost tools like email responders, sign-up forms, and payment links.

•Create a simple marketing plan to keep readers engaged using tools and actions like newsletters, giveaways, and automated updates.

It’s your time, #DearAuthor. Let’s make it count. 

#Like #Comment #Share

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Function Meets Fiction: CIPM International Conference Day 1

Dear readers,

#Because The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria 57th International Conference and Exhibition is currently underway in Abuja, and it’s been nothing short of inspiring!

#CIPM #ICE #Day1

From the session on The Global Economy and Global Business Landscape by Tope Fasua PhD, M.Phil, Msc, FCA (Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs) to Linus Okorie MFR, CEO GOTNI Leadership Center, and his thought-provoking session on Transformational Leadership in the New World of Work, the insights were powerful.

As a writer, ideas often flow from every experience, and today was no exception. But beyond inspiration, here are my key takeaways:

-The Human Factor still reigns: Nothing truly happens without people. As we embrace technology, we must remember that human capital is evolving. AI is here to assist, not erase. The real power lies in how we integrate both.

-Smart work and hard work go hand in hand: Smart work doesn’t replace hard work; they complement each other. True success comes from working smart and putting in the effort.

-Transformational Leadership is about developing others: This is a call to HR professionals, and to every human being. Leadership is not a position; it’s a mindset. To truly transform, we must empower others, from the security guard to senior executives, to think and act like leaders. That’s how we build legacy: by nurturing growth in others, living out the values we promote, valuing human life, and creating learning systems that outlive us.

Ultimately, as Linus Okorie MFR reminded us, leadership flows to the one who knows; and I believe, also to the one who learns, leads, and lifts others.

Thank you, CIPM, and thank you to all the incredible speakers/panelists for the insights and inspiration today.

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#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Nigerian Assassin Series - Week 4

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 4 of the Nigerian Assassin Series

#Friday #October #TGIF

The Hidden Workforce

By day, the Mirror People assassins are dazzling divas. They sing, they dance, they entertain crowds. By night, they kill. Their entire existence is a balancing act of masks and secrets.

In many workplaces, employees also wear masks. They smile through stress, deliver results while hiding personal struggles, and play roles that don’t reflect who they truly are. Leaders who only measure performance without knowing the person behind it miss critical warning signs — disengagement, burnout, even ethical compromises.

👉 HR Lesson: Employees are more than their output. Leaders must create cultures where people feel safe to be authentic, not forced to wear masks.

#Read #Learn #Grow

#People. #Culture. #Strategy.

#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.

Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo

#Like #Comment #Share

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

New Book: 1 Week To Go!

Dear readers,

#Because it's one week to go!

#Monday #Motivation #NewBook

Dear Self-Published Author, It's Your Time. 

Start your journey to market, sell, and grow using the one resource you already have - time!  

Read a free sample of my new book today and get inspired to take the next step.

This practical guide shows you not just what to do, but how to:

•Set up a professional author presence across multiple platforms without overspending.

•Build visibility using free or low-cost tools like email responders, sign-up forms, and payment links.

•Create a simple marketing plan to keep readers engaged using tools and actions like newsletters, giveaways, and automated updates.

It’s your time, #DearAuthor. Let’s make it count.

Coming 1st November 2025. Read a free sample here: https://www.cmokonkwo.com/itsyourtime

#Like #Comment #Share

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Nigerian Assassin Series - Week 3

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 3 of the Nigerian Assassin Series

#Friday #October #TGIF

Toxic Culture, Ruthless Rules

The Mirror People’s culture is simple: loyalty or death. Success earns you temporary safety, failure earns you punishment — often permanent. There is no room for feedback, innovation, or dissent. Everyone operates under fear.

At first, this looks effective. Tasks get done. Rules are followed. But beneath the surface, fear destroys trust, creativity, and long-term loyalty. The organization becomes a place of compliance, not commitment.

👉 HR Lesson: Fear-based cultures may deliver quick compliance, but they will never produce innovation or sustainable success. True accountability builds trust, not terror.

#Read #Learn #Grow

#People. #Culture. #Strategy.

#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.

Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo

#Like #Comment #Share

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

New Book, Dear Self-Published Author: Coming Soon!

Dear readers,

#Because something awesome is coming!

#Monday #Motivation #NewBook

Dear self-published author, you’ve written your book. Now it’s time to get it into readers’ hands.  Marketing can feel overwh
elming and expensive for self-published authors, but it doesn’t have to be. When money is tight, your greatest resource is time.

This hands-on guide shows you not just what to do, but how to:

•Set up a professional author presence across multiple platforms without overspending.

•Build visibility using free or low-cost tools like email responders, sign-up forms, and payment links.

•Create a simple marketing plan to keep readers engaged using tools and actions like newsletters, giveaways, and automated updates.

With real examples and valuable insights, this book will help you market, sell, and grow, using the resource you already have: time!

It’s your time, #DearAuthor. Let’s make it count.

Coming 1st November 2025. Read an excerpt here: https://www.cmokonkwo.com/itsyourtime

#Like #Comment #Share

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Nigerian Assassin Series - Week 2

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 2 of the Nigerian Assassin Series

#Friday #October #TGIF

The Deadline and the Check-in

In Keep or Kill, Kiki is given six hours to eliminate her target. No extensions. No excuses. The pressure is immense, and as the clock ticks, the weight of the deadline begins to compromise her judgment. Mistakes feel inevitable.

Many employees live this reality daily — impossible deadlines, relentless pressure, and leadership that equates speed with success. Yes, urgency matters. But when every task is treated like a life-or-death mission, quality and morale collapse. People stop performing at their best and start performing just to survive.

👉 HR Lesson: Unrealistic deadlines create burnout and bad results. Leaders must balance urgency with sustainability, ensuring that pressure fuels productivity, not panic.

#Read #Learn #Grow

#People. #Culture. #Strategy.

#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.

Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo

#Like #Comment #Share

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Nigerian Assassin Series - Week 1

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 1 of the Nigerian Assassin Series

#Friday #October #TGIF

When Attraction Conflicts with Duty

Kiki is a skilled assassin — trained, disciplined, and loyal to her boss. But when she discovers that her next target is Mekus Money, her long-time crush, everything changes. Her professionalism collides with her emotions, and suddenly, the mission is no longer just about the code of the Mirror People.

In organizations, we often face similar conflicts of interest. An employee has to evaluate a friend, manage a relative, or make a tough call that affects someone close to them. Without clear boundaries, emotions can cloud judgment and compromise integrity.

👉 HR Lesson: Personal feelings don’t erase professional responsibilities. Organizations need policies, training, and accountability structures to protect fairness when emotions collide with duty.

#Read #Learn #Grow

#People. #Culture. #Strategy.

#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.

Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo

#Like #Comment #Share

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

5 Series, 5 Months Campaign - Intro to Series 3

Dear readers,

#Because it’s Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day today! Not the number of books 😁 

#October #NewMonth #HappyIndependence 

What happens when you run an organization where mistakes mean death, loyalty is everything, and performance reviews end with a gunshot?

Welcome to the Nigerian Assassin Series – October’s feature in the 5 Series, 5 Months campaign, where HR Meets the Underworld. 

Born from a Wattpad contest in 2019, what began as one short story spiralled into five gripping books — each weaving love, danger, choices, and consequences. And through it all, one truth emerges: every organization, even a criminal one, needs HR.

Series Description: A woman has to choose between doing her job and keeping the man of her dreams alive. Any decision she makes comes with a consequence.

The journey of this series will conclude (for now) with a bold twist: The Assassin’s Rule Book — coming soon.

This is no ordinary story. It’s a handbook. A manifesto. A chilling yet fascinating look at the 100 rules that govern the Mirror People, the deadliest organization in fiction. And while these rules are written for killers, the lessons reflect real workplace principles about loyalty, accountability, and culture.

October is for assassins, and for HR. Each Friday, I’ll share lessons from Keep or Kill, the book that started it all, written during one of Lagos State’s notorious gridlocks, where two hours of standstill traffic became a burst of creativity instead of frustration.

Grab a free copy of Keep Or Kill HERE and join me as Fiction meets Function this Friday.

#Read #Learn #Grow

#People. #Culture. #Strategy.

#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.

Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo #Like #Comment

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.