Secretary to Executive: Nigerian Woman's 5-Year Rise

A secretary who climbed to the executive suite in just five years is proving that curiosity and persistence can transform a career from the ground up.

Thessy Nwaubani started at Enviable Group, a Nigerian logistics and transport management company, fresh out of university with a degree in Communication Arts. Her first role was administrative work, coordinating activities and keeping operations running smoothly at the then-small company.

Five years later, she sits in the executive office leading growth and strategy for the entire organization. Her journey from administrative personnel to Admin Head to unit leader happened step by step, each promotion building on the last.

Nwaubani's path began in secondary school when she first encountered computers. The experience sparked questions about how information moves across distances without physical connections, a curiosity that shaped her university studies at the University of Uyo.

After completing her National Youth Service Corps in Northern Nigeria, she returned to Eastern Nigeria and joined Enviable Group. The company has grown significantly since those early days, and so has her role within it.

The Ripple Effect

Technology has become central to how Nwaubani works and leads today. Tasks that once took hours now happen in minutes through digital calendars, collaboration platforms, and data tracking tools.

As a self-described introvert, she credits technology with making leadership more accessible. Social media and digital communication tools help her connect with teams and manage relationships without always needing face-to-face interaction.

She stays current by following tech newsletters and online communities that share updates about new tools and innovations. Her banking app ranks as her most essential tool for managing finances and staying organized.

The executive role comes with high expectations, but Nwaubani focuses on delivering consistent value. People watch not just what leaders say but how they perform, she notes, and that responsibility extends beyond the office into personal life.

Her story shows how administrative roles can serve as launching pads rather than dead ends when paired with dedication and continuous learning.