Uloma Odevbouma: Pioneering Excellence In Energy & Human Capital Leadership

In the heart of bustling Nigerian cities, where the hum of commerce meets the pulse of ambition, generations of women have silently rewritten the rules of leadership. Their stories are woven into the very fabric of marketplaces, courtrooms, boardrooms, and oil fields, stories of resilience, intelligence, and defiance against the odds. It is within this lineage of strength that Uloma Odevbouma, Group Chief Operating Officer of Hallmark Global Petroleum, found her path.

Growing up in a household where women were not just encouraged but expected to excel, Uloma witnessed firsthand the power of tenacity. Her mother, raising six daughters and a son, ensured that education was non-negotiable, shaping young minds with discipline and ambition. Her grandmother’s unconventional wisdom, paired with her mother’s relentless drive, instilled in her an unshakable belief, that there are no limits, only possibilities. Today, as a leader in the energy sector, she carries forward that legacy, proving that Nigerian women are not just part of the story but the ones writing it.

In a close interview with us, she shared her inspiring journey and her biggest wins in the industry.

Can you share insights into your extensive professional journey in the Human Capital field? What are the key areas of expertise you bring to the industry?

Working with cross-functional teams, expatriates, and international partners early in my career exposed me to a global perspective due to the dynamics of the aviation business. I obtained practical experience overseeing teams, training programs, and diverse stakeholders, which improved my flexibility, per­sistence, and inclusion. This paved the way for my fif­teen-year career in human capital, where I advanced from operational implementation to consulting be­fore joining Deloitte to broaden my horizons. I used my skills while at Deloitte, to develop successful HR frameworks and played a significant role in Human Capital establishment and transformation across different sectors of the economy. I am a well-rounded professional in the human capital industry, with ex­perience in HR Strategy development and implemen­tation with deep understanding of every stage of the employee lifecycle, from talent acquisition, onboard­ing, talent development performance management to offboarding.

Tell us about Hallmark Global Petroleum. As Group Chief Operating Officer, what are your key responsibilities in the organization?

The Hallmark Group is a corporation that has sever­al companies, such as Hallmark Global Petroleum, Hallmark Natural Gas, and Hallmark Exclusive Homes among others. As the Group's Chief Operat­ing Officer, I develop and execute operational strat­egies promoting innovation, operational excellence and optimization, sustaining business growth and profitability. My responsibilities include promoting flexibility in a market that is dynamic, ensuring that decisions are well-informed, and coordinating short-term and long-term objectives. Team building, tal­ent upskilling, and sustaining a positive workplace culture are major priorities. At Hallmark, quality, efficiency, and state-of-the-art technology are para­mount to maintaining our position as industry lead­ers. Hallmark Global Petroleum is an expert in asset integrity management for the oil & gas industry, and we are gradually transitioning into robotic opera­tions. Our services include pipeline maintenance, blasting and painting, composite repairs, rope ac­cess, fireproofing, scaffolding, fabrication and weld­ing. To strengthen both internal and external talent pools and close skill shortages in the sector, we also invest in skilled worker training. We continue to in­novate and influence the direction of the gas and en­ergy industry through strategic initiatives and part­nerships with key stakeholders.

"Helping People Who Struggle In The Workplace To Discover Their Path And Thrive Has Been One Of My Most Fulfilling Experiences"

What do you believe are the key principles of effective human capital management for driving organizational success?

I base my approach to human capital on a tenet I picked up early in my career which states that without action, a visionary leader's ideas stay theoretical, and human capital is a vital tool for its actualization. The foundation of effective human capital management starts from the initial connection with a potential hire. Hiring the right fit for the company's culture and long-term objectives requires a deliberate recruitment approach. Onboarding is essential for establishing expectations, assimilating new hires into the corporate culture, and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. To drive organizational success, it is imperative to focus on the core practices that foster a positive work culture that attracts, develops and retains top talent such as strategic recruitment, onboarding, continuous learning and development, great work-life balance, continuous employee engagement, transparent and agile performance management system, linking performance outcome to succession planning, leadership development, creating clear career paths and competitive compensation. Ultimately, a well-planned human capital strategy guarantees that employees will grow with the business, resulting in excellence and long-term sustainability.

What challenges do you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?

Talent acquisition and retention are still a top concern, particularly for specialized service providers in the sector which necessitates expensive training and competitive retention strategies to curb attrition. Funding is a significant obstacle as, even with a compelling vision, it can be challenging to obtain reasonably priced Capex and Opex. Security, regulatory hurdles and market volatility also make it more difficult to maintain growth, sustainable supply and effective pricing. Strategic planning, continuous personnel development, and flexibility in response to changing market conditions are necessary to overcome these obstacles.

What are the most significant achievements in your professional journey so far? As a leader, what guiding principles or success mantra do you follow?

Investing in people has been my greatest accomplishment. With over 19 years of experience, I firmly think that the secret to sustainability is continuous learning and growth. My top priorities have always been coaching others, honing my skills and e xpanding m y c apabilities. M ore m eaningful than any monetary benefit is witnessing the success of people I have coached and their expressions of gratitude. I believe impacting others with the knowledge I have acquired opens me further to learning and building greater confidence.

Uloma Odevbouma, Group Chief Operating Officer, Hallmark Global Petroleum

Uloma Odevbouma is an accomplished business executive with knowledge of corporate strategy, operational leadership, and human capital management. With almost twenty years of expertise, she has been instrumental in promoting industry innovation, worker development, and organizational success.