Our team

Overview

James Okpokiri is a Doctoral Research Student and Lecturer at the Berlin School of Business and Innovation, Berlin, Germany. A Human Resources Generalist/Business Partnering enthusiast, innovative business support expert and a people’s champion with over 14years professional work experience.

James Okpokiri had previously worked with United Bank for Africa (UBA PLC) – (a leading Pan African Financial Services Group with 20 African subsidiaries and the UK, New York and Paris) – Lagos, Nigeria from July 2013 to Jan. 2022 serving in the following capacities:

  • Regional HR Business Partner, Sept. 2018 to Jan. 2022
  • Compensation & Benefits Officer, Sept. 2016 to Sept. 2018
  • HR Business Partner, Jun. 2015 to Sept. 2016
  • Personal Assistant to the Group Executive Director – Resources (Executive Office), July 2013 to May 2015

He had also worked with Zenith Bank PLC; (another leading Pan African Financial Services Group with a Branch in the UK) – Lagos, Nigeria between November 2007 to October 2012 as a Senior Confidential Secretary to the General Manager/Group Head, Human Resources as well as Regional Senior Confidential Secretary.

Over-time, he has joined brilliant minds during his Postgraduate Certificate/Masters’ Degree study period to organize extra-lessons, mentorship, counselling and coaching sessions for youths awaiting University Admission and those in their Undergraduate Studies already; in various in subjects and leadership areas with significant positive outcomes.

Facilitated Induction classes and trained entry level New Hires at the Banking School; especially on Work Ethics/Policy, Playing as a Team, Dress Code/Employee Corporate Outlook in and out of the Office, etc.

He is involved in not-for-profit/volunteer ventures in his home Country; which involves providing financial support to less privileged students, academic/career guidance/counselling, coaching and mentoring of youths and enlightenment campaigns against social vices. Youths Advisory/Support in the provision/acquisition of professional and technical skills.

Organizing nutritional rehabilitation and financial support projects to the aged; as well as identifying and providing basic social amenities to orphanages and the needy in rural Communities.

James likes teaching, mentoring and coaching youths, as well as developing businesses advisory for entrepreneurs to gain the right skills for success.

Areas of expertise

  • Innovative/Strategic Business Support
  • Design and Creative Thinking
  • Effective/Transformational Leadership
  • Organisational Growth and Development  

Awards and honours

NYSC Award for Diligence and Industry at work – 2004.

Research interests

  • Effective Leadership and Organisational Transformation
  • Creative Innovative/Design Thinking

Conferences, Talks, and Speaking Engagements

New Hires and Induction Training Host.