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What It Takes to Work with FunZ as a Program Manager

Similoluwa

Similoluwa Ifedayo

July 28, 2025

What It Takes to Work with FunZ as a Program Manager

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When people think of FunZ, they think fintech. But for me, FunZ is also people, places, and pure energy. From business summits to dance-offs, I’m not just part of the system. I bring it alive in real time.

As a Program Manager, I don’t just work behind a screen. I show up — at events, in communities, with volunteers, vendors, and vibes. Some days, it is strategy decks. Other days, it’s fixing last-minute logistics in heels.

We sat down with Oloruntoba Precious, North Central Program Manager at FunZ, to unpack what her day looks like: the chaos, the community, and the creativity it takes to bring the brand to life on ground.

What does a typical day in your role look like? 

A typical day for me starts around 7 a.m. I like to use that time to align my priorities: prepping for meetings, sorting through my tasks, and getting mentally ready for the day. One of my first responsibilities is making sure the check-in and check-out tracker is updated and shared on time.

My day usually involves a mix of activities: attending proposal meetings, reviewing proposal documents, staying updated on trends, and executing both program-related and marketing tasks. I also monitor and manage our Maverick communities, volunteers, and sales reps, ensuring they’re supported and clear on their responsibilities.

In between, I stay in touch with colleagues, offer support where needed, and make sure my deliverables are submitted. No two days are the same, but that’s what makes it exciting. It’s a mix of structure, spontaneity, and a lot of collaboration.

You’re part of the marketing team, but you’re also involved in the program aspect. What’s that balance like for you?

It’s a lot to juggle, but I have come to love the balance. On the marketing side, I handle everything from strategy to execution—ensuring visibility, brand messaging consistency, documentation, collaboration, and engagement across channels, especially within my zone (North Central).

On the program side, I bring a lot of energy and intentionality. I focus on planning, budgeting, coordination, and making sure every box is checked. I also ensure our volunteers, sales reps, and Maverick communities, alongside event organisers and attendees, feel supported, valued, and happy with the outcome. For me, it’s not just about tasks getting done, but about creating a seamless experience for everyone involved.

Interestingly, these two sides of my role have become a great reflection of my ambivert nature. I am fully extroverted during brand activations—energised, social, and out there—but when it’s time to lock in and get the work done behind the scenes, I lean into my introverted side. It’s that mix that helps me stay balanced, productive, and present on both ends.

Being based in Abuja while most of the team is in other parts of Nigeria and the world just comes with its own spice. What’s that experience been like so far?

It’s definitely been a unique and growth-filled experience. Being based in Abuja while most of the team is spread across Nigeria and beyond has pushed me to become more proactive, present, and intentional with communication. I have learned how to create impact even from a distance and to lead confidently from where I am.

What makes it even more interesting is that I am the only female among the program managers. That alone has challenged me in a good way to show up fully as myself. I bring my creativity, energy, and ideas into every part of my work, especially when it comes to representing FunZ on ground, connecting with communities, and making sure North Central feels seen.

While it can feel a bit isolating at times, it’s also made me more confident in how I show up. I have learned to own my space without losing the softness, intentionality, and unique perspective I bring as a woman in this role. And honestly, that balance of being both expressive and efficient has helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.

What’s one project or campaign you’ve been part of that made you feel really proud?

Honestly, I’m proud of all the projects I’ve worked on, but my very first on-site experience stands out the most because of how much it stretched me.

I had to represent FunZ at two different events on the same day: the Abuja Business Summit and the Madiba Comedy Show. I had no prior on-ground experience, just strategy plans, clarity on the brand goals, and a lot of determination. I had attended events before as an individual, but this was my first time showing up fully as FunZ Representative, Regional Manager (North Central).

Everything that could test me did: little to no sleep, a wardrobe malfunction, and even getting lost on my way to the first venue. But I showed up, spoke about FunZ, connected with attendees, and networked with purpose. After my session at the Business Summit, someone walked up to commend my delivery; I was unaware that he was a partner FunZ had in view at the time. That moment gave me a confidence boost I didn’t even know I needed.

Right after that, I rushed down to the second venue for the comedy show and did it all over again. It was exhausting, but it was also the moment I knew I could handle the weight of real-time brand representation. Since then, every event has come with its own story, but that day was the beginning of something bold for me.

How do you stay in sync with the rest of the team, especially when you’re managing different programs and locations?

For me, staying in sync is a mix of communication, curiosity, and collaboration. I try to give regular updates through meetings, trackers, or even voice notes. Sometimes, I will admit, my updates turn into mini rant sessions, but they’re real and they help the team understand what’s truly happening on ground.

I’m also naturally curious, so beyond sharing what’s going on in my zone, I ask a lot of questions. I love hearing what’s working in other zones, and we often swap strategies, templates, or ideas. I even reach out to other departments when needed, just to get a different perspective or align better across teams.

Plus, I make it a point to check in on my teammates when they have events. It helps me stay updated on what’s happening across different locations and gives me a sense of how the bigger picture is moving. At the end of the day, it’s not just about passing information, it’s about staying connected, learning from each other, and making sure we are moving forward together, even when we are miles apart.

What’s one surprising thing you’ve learned about working in the marketing space that you didn’t expect before joining FunZ?

Honestly, I was new to marketing when I joined FunZ. One thing that surprised me is how strategic I have had to become—constantly thinking of different angles, backup plans, and alternatives. I didn’t realise I was capable of handling that kind of pressure. 

Being the first child and the only daughter, I think life has always trained me to adapt quickly and hold things together. But marketing has shown me that beyond being strong, you need to strengthen both your strengths and your weaknesses. You must stay aware of your audience, the product, trends, and perception, because people will ask questions, and you need to be ready to not only answer, but do it in a way that benefits the brand.

If you had to describe your job in three emojis, which ones would you pick and why?

🧠 — Because I constantly have to think, adapt, and strategise. Every day requires brainwork.

💃 — I am always on the move, attending events, showing up as the face of FunZ in my zone, networking, and staying visible.

🎢 — It’s an emotional rollercoaster sometimes. There are highs, there are stress moments, but the thrill keeps me going.

When you feel stuck or overwhelmed, what helps you bounce back? A call to a teammate? A walk? Good jollof? A movie?

Honestly, a mix of all. Lol. Sometimes I rant to my team just to offload. My teammates are the best to rant to. They listen and also actively engage in the conversation. I don’t really eat, so sometimes I take time off to cook. I also take walks, listen to music, or just cry, take my bath, and sleep. Life no hard. Once I feel a little lighter, I return with more clarity and get things done.

Imagine FunZ hands you ₦1 million and tells you: “Do something wild for our Abuja audience.” What are you doing?

I am throwing the FunZ Experience Party—a full-blown vibe where culture meets chaos in the best way. From influencers to dancers, fashionistas to foodies, creatives to content kings and queens, everyone’s pulling up for the experience.

We’re talking about good music, interactive games, drink-ups, dance-offs, fashion moments, networking zones, and random team games to spark real connections. It’s more than an event, it’s pure energy, real fun, and community in motion.

To get in? Download the FunZ app, refer your people, and grab your ticket. But here’s the twist: we’re picking one standout attendee for an exclusive FunZ getaway. All-expense paid. With T/C applied. This isn’t just another party. This is the Abuja moment everyone will be talking about.

Two lies and one truth. We’ll try to guess which one’s real.

I don’t have a favourite food. I sleep by 9 p.m. every night. I don’t like spicy food.

Looking ahead, what’s one thing you’re excited to build or be part of at FunZ in the next few months?

Looking ahead, I am especially excited to help build and deliver the seamless FunZ experience—where entertainment meets finance effortlessly. It’s not just about the product, but how people feel when they use FunZ.

Being from the North Central zone, I am passionate about making sure this experience reaches my community in a way that’s authentic, engaging, and memorable. I want to create moments that truly connect people to the brand and make using FunZ feel like part of their lifestyle.

Let’s flip it. I want to work at FunZ as a Program Manager. What’s your honest advice and what should I be ready for?

If you want to work at FunZ as a Program Manager, my honest advice is to be ready to move fast and stay flexible. This role demands a balance of big-picture thinking and hands-on execution. You’ll need to juggle strategy, coordination, and quick problem-solving all at once. Expect to wear many hats and communicate clearly across different teams and communities.

Most importantly, come with energy and resilience. FunZ moves at a lively pace, and the ability to adapt without losing momentum is key. Be ready to lead with both passion and organisation, and always keep the user experience front and centre. And don’t forget, what makes you you is exactly what makes you valuable here.