A
true embodiment of the George Halas quote, "Nobody who ever gave his best
regretted it," meet Cynthia Esi Dannah, the Corporate Communications
Officer at Stratcomm Africa.
Known
for her ability to connect with people effortlessly, Cynthia has captivated
both her colleagues and clients with her composed demeanor, warm personality,
and positive outlook towards work.
From
ensuring that the team is collectively feeling uplifted every Monday morning by
coordinating our corporate fellowship to scheduling quarterly Happy Hour to
make us eat and dance the stress away, Cynthia approaches every task with her
best foot forward.
Her
desire for team harmony does not end in the office. Cynthia radiates the same
positive energy when juggling her family responsibilities as well as other
extracurricular activities. Her supportive husband and adorable children can
surely testify to this!
Get
to know more about Cynthia in our latest interview below.
What
motivated you to pursue a career in Communications?
Cynthia:
During my undergraduate studies, I remember my lecturer sharing a story where
he said a community prioritized a brass band over a life-saving borehole,
despite facing health risks from contaminated water. Explaining how that could
have been handled better, the lecturer spoke extensively about the use of
stakeholder engagement and strategic communications in empowering communities
to make informed decisions. I will say that was a turning point for me. It was
this realization that ignited my passion to pursue a career in communication
with the intent of using the power of communication to drive development.
How
do you balance your roles as a Corporate Communications Officer at Stratcomm
Africa and being a mother of two?
Cynthia:
Eiii, balancing work and family life? I honestly have no idea how ooo. All I
can say is, it is just by grace, “takashi (skills) and mpaebo bebreee (a
whole lot of prayer)....hehe”. Well,
I do a lot of planning and I always ask for help when necessary.
Can
you share a memorable experience where your smile, warmth, and hard work made a
significant impact?
Cynthia:
There was one particular field assignment I participated in, and I remember
that the intended community was rendered inaccessible due to flooding. Swiftly
adapting to the situation, we improvised and had to move to a neighboring
community to gather the necessary data. Because the other community was not
expecting us, they were not too enthused about the exercise. Despite meeting
some initial skepticism from the community members, my approachable demeanor
and warmth played a key role in fostering trust and encouraging engagement. By
actively listening and employing empathetic communication techniques, I
successfully connected with the community members.
Why
is it so important for you to support your colleagues in the field??
Cynthia:
Supporting colleagues in the field is crucial because effective communication
relies on teamwork and collaboration. This our job “de3” is not a one-man thing
ooo, it involves a lot of teamwork and collaboration as earlier said. And I am
always happy to support whenever the opportunity presents itself.
What
strategies do you use to stay self-motivated in your work?
Cynthia:
I maintain a positive mindset by reflecting on the significance of my role to
my team, clients, and organization. Additionally, I celebrate every win, big or
small.
How
do you leverage your interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills in
your role?
Cynthia:
I am a people person with a warm personality, and I leverage this to build
strong relationships and collaborate effectively. My communication skills enable
me to convey messages clearly and tailor them to different audiences.
Additionally, my organizational skills help me manage tasks efficiently and
meet deadlines effectively because it can really get crazy especially when you
work in an agency where you must cater for the unique needs of our various
clients with tight deadlines. If you do not plan and prioritize well, you will
always find yourself wanting. Overall, I will say these skills allow me to
contribute effectively to the success of my organization and that of our
clients.
Can
you share an example of a challenging situation you faced at work and how you
overcame it?
Cynthia:
A client faced reputational risk due to some negative publicity. Through prompt
action, transparent communication, and stakeholder engagement, I effectively
managed to diffuse the situation and protected the client's reputation.
Collaborating closely with my team at Stratcomm Africa, internal and external
stakeholders, we successfully steered through the challenge.
What
advice would you give to someone aspiring to a career in Communications?
Cynthia: For those aspiring a career in communications,
my advice would be to cultivate a diverse skill set that encompasses strong
writing, interpersonal, and strategic thinking abilities. Seek opportunities
for hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or freelance
projects to gain practical knowledge. Additionally, stay updated on industry
trends, technologies, and best practices through continuous learning and
networking. Again, I will emphasize finding internship programs and always
giving your best once the opportunity presents itself.
How
do you use your skills to make a meaningful impact, both in your professional
and personal life?
Cynthia:
Effective communication fosters understanding, drives positive change, and
builds meaningful connections. At work, I strive to develop strategies that
make a meaningful impact, ensuring our messages resonate with stakeholders and
align with organizational goals. These same principles extend to my family
life, where open communication is key to building strong relationships with my
loved ones. Whether it is fostering a positive and inclusive environment at
home or advocating for important causes, I believe clear communication is a
powerful tool for making a difference in both my professional and personal
spheres.
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