At SDI, we’re thankful for all our employees. This month, our ongoing Employee Spotlight series focuses on California-based project manager Wahab Balogun, whose passion for helping others shines through and has shaped his career goals since childhood.
How long have you worked for SDI?
I’ve been with SDI almost a year; I started about 11 months ago. I’m looking forward to celebrating my one-year anniversary!
What is your current role/project?
In my current role, I am managing land management systems implementation projects for two West Coast cities.
What are the most rewarding parts of your job?
I really enjoy helping my clients resolve critical issues relating to the project and helping them manage the pressure of implementation. I find these rewarding because as a Program Manager my projects stay on course for effective completion on time and budget.
What did you imagine you would do for a living when you were growing up?
I always wanted to own a farm, so I imagined I would be a farmer. Many a night, I dreamed of being on a farm as large as a city! I wanted to grow key crops and help feed the nation. But as I grew up, the realities of rural farm life no longer seemed as glamorous as Old MacDonald’s farm and nursery rhymes had once sounded to me.
Are there any professions other than your own that you’d like to attempt now?
I have been managing projects for the last 12 years, and I think that is where I fit in the long term. One advantage of specializing in project management is that the same skills are needed in every industry; the project management process always includes planning, initiation, execution, monitoring, and closeout.
What’s the best professional advice you ever received?
Someone once told me, “Don’t be emotional about any project.” That really stayed with me because it helps me focus on being the best at whatever life throws at me.
What professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
I am most proud of helping a West African state build a manufacturing/recycling plant that converts tires to diesel. This project reduced the impact of environmental pollution from tires in the state by 10%. Previously, tires were burnt in open landfills, but this project recycles 5,000 tires daily, while also reducing the need for virgin diesel by 1%. The pilot program was considered successful enough to initiate nationwide conversations on tire recycling in Nigeria.
What are your hobbies?
I have several hobbies, but I really enjoy cycling, singing, and traveling.
How do you unwind at the end of a busy day?
Lately, I unwind by playing with my two-year-old son or catching up on TV shows.
Who/what inspires you?
Diligence: I am inspired by success and by successful people who attain excellence.
Thanksgiving is coming up soon; what are you grateful for lately?
I am grateful to be alive! I am also grateful for family and for all the opportunities God has graced me with this year.
Interested in learning more about how passionately helpful project management can improve your organization? Contact us today.
We celebrate diversity; the views expressed above are those of the interviewed individual, not SDI.
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