Martha Kingsmike, a marketing maverick in Nigeria's fintech ecosystem, is redefining the norms of job-hopping in the industry. With a reputation for delivering high-quality work, Kingsmike has built a career that spans nine years, with stints at Okada Books, TechCabal, and currently, PiggyVest. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and the right company culture.
Kingsmike's journey began at Okada Books, a digital publishing startup, where she landed an internship after university. With a literature background and experience promoting her own blog, the audience engagement role suited her perfectly. However, she soon found herself taking on more responsibilities, learning on the fly, and leaning on teammates to fill technical gaps. This high agency mentality, often described as 'founder mode,' has defined her career and enabled her to thrive in fast-paced environments.
After Okada Books, Kingsmike joined TechCabal, where she worked to boost its online presence, balancing humorous audience engagement with credibility. She later moved on to Pocket, a fintech platform acquired by PiggyVest, in search of a bigger challenge. At Pocket, she transitioned from audience engagement management to product marketing, demonstrating her adaptability and willingness to grow.
Today, Kingsmike is a product marketing associate at PiggyVest, where she has found a company that aligns with her values and provides opportunities for growth. She credits her research on the company, which showed that many mid- and high-level employees started as interns, as a key factor in her decision to join. Kingsmike believes that this growth trajectory is a signal of a company's ambition and its ability to provide opportunities for its staff.
Despite the challenges that come with working in fintech, Kingsmike is passionate about her work and acknowledges the privilege of finding a company that fosters an environment where high-performing people thrive. She emphasizes the importance of taking breaks, pacing oneself, and caring for mental health in high-stress situations. Kingsmike's story serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking to build a long-term career in Nigeria's fintech ecosystem, where job-hopping is often seen as a means of survival.
As Kingsmike looks to the future, she is committed to growing within PiggyVest, citing the example of a Microsoft employee who has held 15 roles within the company over two decades. Her experience is a testament to the value of finding a good company and sticking with it, rather than constantly switching jobs. As the fintech industry continues to evolve, Kingsmike's story serves as a reminder of the importance of company culture, growth opportunities, and employee retention.
In a industry where high churn is common, driven by layoffs, shutdowns, toxic work culture, and more, Kingsmike's commitment to PiggyVest is a breath of fresh air. Her story is a powerful reminder that it is possible to build a long-term career in fintech, and that the right company culture can make all the difference.