In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerate Action, Thrive Times Community is spotlighting women making an impact in their careers.
Timilehin James 
People Operations Business Partner – Entertainment Industry
What inspired you to pursue your career, and what was your first step toward it?
Before I officially pursued HR, I was already doing few of the HR work, I mean; to the best of my knowledge, I was already onboarding new employees, conducting interviews, training people, and coordinating meeting in my former employment and I genuinely enjoyed it. That was when I realized I wanted to build a career in HR. I had always known what HR was, but being in those spaces gave me a clearer understanding of its impact. Once I made that decision, I was intentional about my path. I focused on learning and positioning myself for the exact role I wanted in HR. That decision set the foundation for my career and led me to where I am today.
What’s the most defining moment in your career so far, and why?
Maybe not the most defining, but definitely one of the reflective moment in my career was when I single-handedly created a process, and it was approved on the first draft. Not only was it approved, but I also got to implement and execute it successfully. That experience gave me a new level of confidence, it was the moment I truly felt like I knew what I was doing.
What’s one mistake you made early in your career, and what did it teach you?
One mistake I made early in my career was being too quiet and not blowing my own trumpet. I focused on doing the work but didn’t actively showcase my contributions or speak up about my achievements. Hard work is important, but if no one knows the value you bring, opportunities can pass you by. Since then, I’ve learned to be more intentional about sharing my achievements, building relationships and positioning myself for the opportunities I deserve.
How do you balance career growth with personal well-being?
Early on, I thought career success meant always being available and pushing myself to the limit. But I learned that sustainable growth comes from working smart, not just hard. I make time for rest, personal interests and self-development because a thriving career means little if my well-being suffers. I also lean on systems, automation, and delegation to stay productive without burning out. Growth is important, but so is enjoying the journey.
What’s one skill or habit that has helped you accelerate your career?
Proactively seeking solutions, process optimization and upskilling.
If you could give one piece of advice to a woman just starting out in your field, what would it be?
As a woman in HR, it’s easy to focus on doing the work while assuming your impact will speak for itself but that’s not always the case. Confidence and visibility are just as important as competence. Prioritize gaining hands-on experience as early as possible. Internships, volunteer roles, and hands-on projects will give you practical knowledge and set you apart. Lastly, build a strong network; mentors and industry peers can open doors that skills alone might not. I promise you, the earlier you start positioning yourself as a valuable voice in the field, the faster you will create opportunities for yourself.
What does “Accelerate Action” mean to you, and how are you embodying it in your work?
To me, “Accelerate Action” means turning intentions into results quickly and effectively. It’s about being decisive, staying solution-focused, and ensuring that progress doesn’t stall due to hesitation or over-analysis. I embody this in my work by taking initiative and driving execution. When I see a gap, I don’t just highlight the problem, I propose solutions and take steps to implement them.
Zainab Abdulrasheed 
Trainer/Consultant – earning and Development industry
What inspired you to pursue your career, and what was your first step toward it?
My career journey began with a deep desire to make an impact, first in the classroom, then beyond it. Teaching in the slums of Jankara Lagos, I saw firsthand how education could transform lives, especially for children from low-income communities. That experience ignited my passion for learning and development. My first step was showing up every day with excellence, believing that even in a small space, I could create change. That commitment led to opportunities that expanded my reach, eventually bringing me into the world of corporate training and development.
What’s the most defining moment in your career so far, and why?
The most defining moment was transitioning from teaching to the learning and development space. It was a bold step into the unknown, but I embraced it wholeheartedly. This shift allowed me to impact not just students but professionals across various sectors, from government institutions to private organizations. That moment reinforced that growth happens when we are willing to step into new spaces with courage and competence.
What’s one mistake you made early in your career, and what did it teach you?
Early in my career, I underestimated the power of networking. I believed that hard work alone would open doors, but I later realized that relationships and visibility are just as crucial. This taught me to be intentional about connecting with people, sharing my work, and positioning myself for growth. Since then, I have embraced opportunities to network, collaborate, and engage in platforms that amplify my impact.
How do you balance career growth with personal well-being?
Balancing career growth with personal well-being is an ongoing journey, and for me, it comes down to intentionality. I prioritize self-care as much as I prioritize my professional development. Setting boundaries has been crucial, I have learned to say NO when necessary and to allocate time for rest, reflection, and activities that bring me joy, like swimming, visiting the beach, or engaging in creative experiences like sip and paint events. I also schedule time for learning and development while making space for mindfulness, prayer, and quality moments with loved ones. Ultimately, I remind myself that growth is a marathon, not a sprint, and taking care of my well-being enables me to show up as my best self in my work and impact others positively. I remind myself that my best work comes from a place of wholeness, not burnout.
What’s one skill or habit that has helped you accelerate your career?
The habit of showing up with excellence has been my biggest accelerator. Whether in a small classroom or on a big stage, I commit to giving my best. That consistency has built trust, created opportunities, and positioned me for growth. Another key habit is continuous learning, I call myself the “Lifelong Learner” I invest in upskilling myself so I can remain relevant and valuable in every space I enter.
If you could give one piece of advice to a woman just starting out in your field, what would it be?
Own your space and start where you are. You don’t need a big platform to make a big impact, excellence in small spaces leads to greater opportunities. Be bold, be intentional, and don’t wait for permission to shine. Growth comes from consistently showing up, learning, and seizing opportunities, even when they feel unfamiliar.
What does “Accelerate Action” mean to you, and how are you embodying it in your work?
“Accelerate Action” means stepping forward with intentionality, turning vision into tangible results. For me, it’s about not waiting for the perfect conditions but leveraging every opportunity to create impact. I embody this by equipping professionals with the skills they need to thrive, mentoring others, and continuously challenging myself to grow. Every action I take is rooted in a desire to move people, organizations, and communities forward.
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