Subomi Plumptre is a creative strategist, investor, and a self-described social media denizen. She’s currently the Executive Director at Alder Consulting where she oversees corporate and brand strategy. Over the years, she has won several awards and gained recognition for her expertise in crypto investment, writing, leadership, and even music.
On this week's How I Work, we talk to her about her career, work habits, and favourite hacks, among other things.
Current role: Executive Director, Alder Consulting
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Current computer: HP Laptop
Current mobile device: Samsung Galaxy Note
Describe how you work in one word: Orderly
Tell us briefly how you started out and how you got where you are today
I started out as a creative -- a music writer and singer to be exact. Then I became a research analyst, a brand consultant, a social media strategist, a business and product development strategist, and finally an investment educator.
In my current role as Executive Director of Alder Consulting, I have oversight over the strategy, social media and HR functions. I also manage the company's investment portfolio.
If I am to summarise how I got here, I would say I deployed my analytical and creative gifts in an unusual way. I didn't discard my creative gifts. Instead, I used them to innovate unusual solutions that many hard-nosed business types would rarely imagine.
Walk us through a typical workday
I joke with my friends that I rarely become fully awake until 10 a.m. I spend the first two hours exercising, drinking coffee, meditating, and reading. Then, I plan my day and structure my thoughts in the shower.
By the time I get to work, I am simply executing the solutions I've already created while meditating or while in the shower. I rarely "work" at work. Most of my time at work is spent either executing the work I've already done at home or managing my team.
I also attend team brainstorm sessions or client meetings when I'm at work. When I return home, I do another round of reading and meditating. I also check in with friends and try to squeeze in an episode of whatever I'm watching on Netflix.
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What apps, gadgets, or tools can’t you do without?
Evernote, Google Keep, Deezer, Kindle, AndroMoney, and Calculator.
What’s your favourite shortcut or hack?
I create the structure for a lot of projects in the church. Perhaps I'm inspired there. I do a lot of work while being driven and read a lot of intense material on planes where I know I won't be interrupted.
What task(s) do you dislike but still do?
Anything that can be designated a domestic duty. I also hate doing quality control for reports.
How do you keep track of what you have to do?
I use the calendar/task app on my phone. But interestingly, every morning, I still prioritise my to-do lists on paper.
How do you recharge or take a break?
I take walks during the day. I also travel a lot to find peace, order, and beauty.
Besides work, what do you spend time doing? What do you enjoy?
I love hanging out with close friends over a meal, I enjoy action & sci-fi movies, and I love live music concerts.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to? What do you recommend?
I am reading Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" a third time, I'm watching Star Trek: Voyager reruns, and I'm listening to a streaming station I created from Dan + Shay's Tequila.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Subomi, do what you need to do so you can afford to do what you want to do.
What’s a problem you’re still trying to solve?
The "Nigeria" problem, why we refuse to make progress.
Who would you like to see answer these questions?
My generation, hopefully.
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