This monthly series gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a Comms professional.
Meet Dozie Anyaegbunam, a Nigerian-based Canadian communications and content strategist. He has worked with global brands like Diageo and led communications for the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business project. He joined UserGems as their first content marketing hire, building and scaling the content engine through the company’s seed to Series A growth. Today, he is Managing Editor and podcast host at The Newcomers, a media publication exploring the human side of the immigrant experience through stories, guides, and episodes that foster empathy and connection.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
My typical day is a mix of hands-on tasks and strategic thinking. I start by asking myself what tactical tasks need my attention and then work at getting them done. This could involve creating content, coordinating with the contractors I work with, or managing ongoing projects.
While I’m in the details, I also step back to focus on strategy, thinking about the stories we need to tell, how to tell them, and the sort of impact they could have on the audience.
Throughout the day, I switch between these two modes, executing tasks and ensuring that our communications align with our broader goals. Some days are more hands-on, tackling urgent requests or problem-solving, while other times are dedicated to planning and shaping narratives that guide our work. It is a constant balancing act, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks while maintaining a clear view of the bigger picture.
Do you have any specific routines or habits that help you prepare for work?
I have a master to-do list where I dump everything I want to get done. Whenever something comes up, I just add it there. Every evening, around 8 pm, I review the list and move tasks into what I call my “must-do” list for the next day.
I focus on the tasks I need to tackle during my most productive hours, which for me are usually between 9 am and 1 pm. I typically pick four or five key items and make sure they get done. It could be a client meeting, an interview, or an important project, whatever requires my attention.
Coffee is a major part of my routine, so I make sure to brew two cups that fuel me throughout the morning. Beyond this, I have a mental habit that does not appear on a formal to-do list but is an essential part of my routine. I am always scanning my environment for ideas I can use, stories I can tell, or issues that might concern my audience.
It is about staying aware, noticing what is happening in the world, and understanding how it affects the people I serve. Even if I work for a brand, my role is ultimately about serving an audience, keeping them informed, and weaving the brand into their conversations.
Overall, my routine is a mix of tactical and strategic work. Tactically, I dive into the day-to-day details, making sure everything gets done. Strategically, I think about the bigger picture, how to make sure the publication or project succeeds, grows, and delivers value to the audience. It is about balancing execution with foresight, making sure nothing slips through the cracks while keeping sight of what really matters.
What tools or apps do you use most often in your job, and why?
AI is a big part of my workflow. One of my main tools is Lex Page, which is almost like an editing and document tool that lets me build workflows and access different AI models. I can switch between ChatGPT, Gemini, and others while I write, and it feels like having a chatbot beside me to ask questions as I work.
I also use ChatGPT and Gemini separately, and these days I rely on Gemini a lot because it does a great job searching the internet and giving me useful answers. I think of AI as a search engine I can talk to, which is really helpful when I’m researching or analysing content.
When I work on podcast episodes or other content, I often take transcripts and run them through Lex, ChatGPT, or Gemini to identify key themes. This helps me figure out which topics to focus on.
However, AI only works well if you understand your domain. I’ve spent years working on immigration stories, so I’ve built a deep knowledge base. That way, when AI identifies themes, it aligns with my expertise rather than making assumptions. Understanding your domain is crucial if you want to use AI effectively.
For social listening, I mostly scan my feed rather than reading everything in detail. I also check Substack and the dozens of newsletters I am subscribed to, you would be surprised at the ideas you can repurpose from reading a Telegraph email on gut health, for instance.
Other tools I use include Canva, which I rely on for creating images and carousels for social media. I also use a tool called Slice, developed by my Co-founder Jolaade Taiwo, for designing social images and guest research. For analytics, I use Substack to track engagement, open rates, and subscriber numbers.
If you weren’t in Communications, what career path would you explore?
If I weren’t in Communications, I’d probably be involved in soccer in some way. I still play casually as a hobby, just for fun, but I’m too old to try to play professionally.
Maybe I’d go into coaching, though I’m not entirely sure. Coaching would give me a chance to share my knowledge and experience with younger players, helping them develop their skills. I also enjoy teaching, so this would combine my love for mentoring with staying connected to a sport I enjoy. It wouldn’t be about competing at a professional level anymore but about guiding and supporting others while staying active and engaged.
What’s your favourite way to relax after work?
After work, I like to do things that help me clear my head and recharge. I enjoy going for walks or riding my bike just to relax and reflect.
I also love reading fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, anything that captures my interest. Spending time with my two boys is another way I unwind. They are full of energy, and playing with them is both fun and tiring in a good way.
Sometimes I play soccer with friends, though not as often as I would like. I also enjoy catching up with friends over coffee or just having a chat. One thing I have made a habit of is taking Mondays slow so that I can give myself space to reset for the week ahead.
