OLUFUNKE DAMILOLA ISICHEI

How I help mentees

Drawing from my over 23 years of cross‑functional leadership experience across Customer Experience, Strategy, Retail and Wealth Banking, Operations, Learning & Development, and Internal Control, I believe I can provide value in several impactful ways:
1. Strengthening Customer‑Centricity and Service Culture
My background in building and leading customer experience functions positions me to design and implement frameworks that elevate service quality, reduce friction, and enhance customer satisfaction. I have repeatedly set up and institutionalized service measurement and improvement mechanisms that drive sustainable business growth.
2. Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Control Discipline
Having led key operational hubs including Corporate & Investment Banking Operations and the Group Internal Control function—I bring practical expertise in optimizing processes, improving compliance, embedding strong control environments, and proactively mitigating risks across the enterprise.
3. Driving Strategic Execution and Business Growth
My time overseeing Established Markets and leading diverse retail segments has equipped me with the ability to translate strategy into actionable business outcomes. I create alignment across teams, refine value propositions, and ensure rigorous execution.
4. Building High‑Performing Teams and Developing Talent
Talent development is one of my strongest value areas. With over 16 years of mentorship and extensive facilitation experience, I excel at grooming future leaders, enhancing managerial capability, and shaping organizational culture. I am intentional about helping teams unlock their potential and achieve exceptional results.
5. Providing Thought Leadership and Change Enablement
Across all my roles from customer experience to operations to internal control, I have helped organizations navigate transformation, strengthen governance, and embed positive behavioral change. My broad exposure enables me to contribute meaningfully to strategic discussions and cross‑functional initiatives.
Overall, I provide value by combining strategic clarity, operational depth, a strong control mindset, and a passion for developing people, ensuring that teams deliver sustainably and organizations remain future‑ready.

Key accomplishments

Isichei Olufunke Damilola is an accomplished, multi‑disciplinary leader with over 23 years of corporate experience spanning Assurance, Strategy, Customer Experience, Retail and Wealth Banking, Operations, Product Development, and Learning & Development.
She began her career at Airtel Nigeria in 2001, becoming a pioneer Quality Assurance Specialist within two years. In 2007, she joined First City Monument Bank (FCMB) to establish the Service Measurement and Improvement team. Olufunke moved to Stanbic IBTC in 2010 as Head of Customer Experience and Complaint Management and has since held several strategic leadership roles, including:

Head, Private & Executive Banking
Branch Manager, Idejo Branch
Regional Manager, Lagos Island 2
Head, Corporate & Investment Banking Operations
Head, Established Markets (Strategy, Products, Workplace Banking, Customer Entrenchment, and Value Chain Propositions)

She currently serves as Head, Group Internal Control, overseeing the bank’s enterprise‑wide control framework, and is a Non‑Executive Director at Zest, the fintech subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC.
Olufunke is a respected facilitator and speaker across industries, delivering sessions on Customer Experience, Financial Planning, Leadership, Organizational Culture, Ethics, Governance, Sales, and Soft Skills. She has mentored professionals for over 16 years, including within WISCAR for more than 8 years, and is known for building strong talent pipelines across the organizations she has served.
She is a Certified John Maxwell Coach, Certified Trainer, ICMCI Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (FITD), Specialist of the SLDNI, ISOC‑certified Communicator, and an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (HCIB).
Widely regarded as a “mentor’s mentor,” Olufunke is celebrated for her commitment to developing leaders and leaving lasting impact wherever she serves.