In this “Tell it all” interview, Peter TOLD IT ALL!!!
This episode, we took a deep dive into the exceptional personality and career journey of Peter Bassey Okon, a certified paid media manager with extensive experience in B2B digital marketing.
Currently, he serves as a Paid Media Manager at Happy Hub Marketing, a Full-Service Digital Agency specializing in growth strategy and empathetic messaging.
Additionally, he holds the position of Digital Media and Marketing Manager at DrugStoc, where he drives revenue goals through digital channels. He also boasts of training over 857 MSMEs and 8,000 individuals as a Google Digital Skills for Africa program trainer, empowering them to leverage Google’s products for increased visibility and brand awareness.
ADMARP: Did you choose marketing, or marketing chose you?
Peter: I believe it would be more accurate to say that marketing chose me. Initially, my aspirations were focused on becoming a mechanical engineer and working for companies like Shell or Chevron in the oil industry. However, circumstances took a different turn, and I found myself in a situation where I had to support myself financially throughout my university education. As a result, I became involved in various marketing campaigns for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), telecommunications companies, and other similar industries.
During my time in university, I had the opportunity to serve as a campus brand ambassador for renowned brands such as Unilever’s Rexona, Closeup Cool Breeze, and Airtel Trybe, among others. These experiences exposed me to the world of marketing and allowed me to develop valuable skills and knowledge in the field.
Although my initial plans were geared towards engineering, my involvement in marketing campaigns and my role as a brand ambassador opened up new opportunities and made me realize my affinity for marketing. It was through these experiences that I discovered my passion for the industry and decided to pursue a career in marketing.
So, while my educational journey started with the intention of becoming a mechanical engineer, circumstances led me to explore marketing, and ultimately, it was marketing that chose me.
ADMARP: What is your greatest weakness?
Peter: One of my greatest weaknesses is that I can be overly self-critical. I have high standards for myself and strive for excellence in everything I do. While this drive has pushed me to achieve success in many areas, it can also lead to self-doubt and a tendency to focus too much on my mistakes.
To address this weakness, I have been working on cultivating a more balanced perspective. I remind myself that making mistakes is a natural part of growth and learning. I actively seek feedback from others to gain different perspectives and understand areas where I can improve.
Additionally, I have been practicing self-compassion and embracing a growth mindset. Instead of dwelling on failures, I now see them as valuable opportunities for personal and professional development. I am continuously learning to celebrate my successes and acknowledge my efforts, even when things don’t go as planned.
I also understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration in overcoming individual weaknesses. By leveraging the strengths of others and seeking support when needed, I can mitigate the impact of my self-critical tendencies and foster a more positive and productive work environment.
Overall, I see my self-critical nature as an area for growth rather than a debilitating weakness. I am committed to self-improvement and constantly strive to develop a healthier perspective that allows me to embrace my strengths while learning from my mistakes.
ADMARP: What is the idea you people have that is quite contrary to who you really are?
Peter: One idea that people often have about me, which is quite contrary to who I really am, is that I am always serious and a workaholic. While I do take my work seriously and strive for excellence, there’s another side of me that people might not initially see.
Contrary to the perception of being serious all the time, I actually love to hang out, make friends, and enjoy socializing. When I’m in a comfortable and relaxed environment, I tend to open up and show my more outgoing and fun-loving side. I believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and understand the importance of taking breaks, unwinding, and enjoying life beyond work.
Building meaningful connections with others is something I value, and I genuinely enjoy spending time with friends and getting to know new people. Whether it’s engaging in hobbies, going on adventures, or simply having a good laugh, I appreciate the lighter moments in life.
It’s important to challenge preconceived notions and break free from stereotypes. While I may be focused and dedicated to my work, I also make it a priority to nurture my personal relationships and create a positive social atmosphere wherever I go. This balanced approach allows me to bring my best self to both my professional and personal endeavors.
In essence, the idea that I am always serious and a workaholic does not fully capture the depth of my personality. I am someone who values connections, enjoys socializing, and believes in the importance of finding joy and fulfillment outside of work.
ADMARP: What can you describe as the most groundbreaking moment/period in your career journey?
Peter: The most groundbreaking moment in my career journey was undoubtedly when I landed my first remote role and started earning in USD with a company abroad. This experience was transformative in multiple ways and opened up a world of possibilities for me.
Prior to this opportunity, I had primarily worked 9 to 5 in a traditional office setting in Lagos. However, securing a remote position allowed me to break free from the constraints of physical location and tap into a global job market. It was a significant shift that expanded my horizons and provided me with a newfound sense of flexibility and autonomy.
ADMARP: What is your favorite food?
Peter: I can’t say I have a favorite food. That will be unfair to all the other meals I am yet to taste in this life. So I will just leave it as I love all good food.. LOL!
ADMARP: What food do you think is the most overrated?
Peter: This one is easy… Ghanaian jollof rice! I do not know why they even argue.
ADMARP: Tell us something, an unpopular opinion about marketing that you think people should embrace more?
Peter: An unpopular opinion about marketing that I believe people should embrace more is that marketing should prioritize long-term relationship building over short-term gains.
In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, there is often a strong emphasis on immediate results and short-term profits. Many marketing strategies and campaigns are designed to drive quick sales or generate immediate spikes in customer engagement. While these tactics can be effective in certain situations, they often neglect the importance of building long-term customer relationships.
I firmly believe that marketing should focus on cultivating meaningful and lasting connections with customers. Instead of solely prioritizing transactional interactions, marketers should invest in building trust, delivering value, and fostering loyalty over time.
ADMARP: If you weren’t a marketing expert, what would you have done differently in life?
Peter: I would have been a bartender or musician of some sort. I actually play the guitar and piano!
ADMARP: What state are you from?
Peter: Cross river state
ADMARP: What are you afraid of the most?
Peter: I fear not living up to my full potential. If there is any height in my life or career, I want to attain it!
ADMARP: Who is your bestie in the industry?
Peter: I have none yet. I’ve been solo all from 2019 when I began my corporate career through covid until now. I guess that’s why I joined ADMARP, to meet people and network.
