On Thursday July 6, 2018 FirstBank launched its Fintech and Innovation lab in Yaba and we are still reeling from the awesome event. Here are some of the things we learnt from the launch event:
1. GET A FORWARD THINKING MANAGEMENT/ENSURE STRONG CEO SUPPORT
Obviously, number one thing to consider before you launch a digital lab is to have support from management. The launch had in attendance top officials like the MD/CEO Dr. Adesola Adeduntan and GbengaShobo, Deputy Management Director demonstrating that leading innovation is at the core of the bank’s strategy. Amongst other top officials present at the launch were Chief Information FirstBank, Akeem Adesina; Group Executive Retail Banking – Tunde Owolabi , Group Executive Technology and Services- Callistus Obetta and Head E-business- Chuma Ezirim. Little wonder the bank has existed for over 124 years.
2. DRESS LIKE BATMAN
In this millennial generation, tech guys are synonymous with action figures. To achieve a perfect launch, make the theme of your launch a “super hero” one. The dress code for the launch was “dress like your favorite super hero” and trust Nigerians to unleash the super hero in them; they really rocked it.
3. GET A WOMAN TO RUN THE SHOW
We know women add a little extra spice to everything. Spearheading the digital lab team is Lola Ekugo. She is an innovative and visionary leader with world-class organizational skills. The bank is sure to get the best out of the lab with her in charge.
4. MAKE OFFICE SPACE COOL
Work-life balance is really important in this age and the digital lab clearly demonstrated this by having sleeping pods, game rooms and creating a perfect environment to boost the imaginations of the young innovators at the lab. They even adapted names from our beloved tv series- Game of Thrones as the names of different sections of the lab. They had names like blue keep, dragon pit, drones, dragon wall. How cool is that?
5. GET A COOL SQUAD TO WORK FOR YOU.
Yes so much has to go into planning the event BUT you still have to get a great squad. Guys of the digital lab were so much fun (shocking right!), we all expected to see them in suits and be anti-social. But guess what, they were well dressed in t-shirts and this set of tech guys were really fun to hang around; playing games, dancing and ensuring guests had a good time at the launch. Feel like working there already?
6. HAVE COOL GADGETS.
With drones, VRs, hoverboards and exciting techy stuffs everywhere, guest experienced the magic of a truly digital world.
If the launch is anything to go by, then Nigeria is about to witness the evolution of FirstBank and her financial industry.
