This week on our Comms Spotlight, we’re meeting a dynamic Marketing Leader who’s passionate about driving brand growth and digital engagement. Joshua Nweze started his career as a Marketing Assistant during NYSC. He took deliberate steps to grow as a professional, and today, he leads Marketing initiatives as the Marketing Team Lead at The GIG Group.
Can you tell us what you do as the Marketing Team Lead at The GIG Group?
As the Marketing Team Lead, my role focuses on brand management, marketing strategy, communication and business growth. I am responsible for planning, developing, and executing marketing initiatives across The GIG Group. This includes creating and implementing short- and long-term marketing plans, managing budgets and evaluating performance.
A key part of my role involves driving digital engagement — leading the team that improved engagement by 70% across platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook; and increasing followership by 120% within three months. I also spearheaded efforts to increase app downloads by 80% within my first three months.
Additionally, I manage both organic and paid acquisition channels, SEO optimisation, and video content strategy, including being the face of the ‘Joshing Around’ series by Stellas Bank, which consistently grows engagement.
Through these efforts, we increased brand awareness by 45% in four months and improved app adoption, activation, and retention, significantly boosting Stellas Bank’s monthly ROI by 50%.
How did you begin your career journey and what are some deliberate steps you took to develop yourself professionally?
I started my career as a Marketing Assistant during my NYSC service, where I gained practical marketing experience. From there, I committed to continuous learning and development through specialised courses and certifications.
Some notable programs I completed include:
– Data Analytics (SQL, Python, Power BI) by Utiva
– Integrated Marketing Communications, Product Management, and CRM
– Fundamentals of Digital Marketing by Google
– Data-Driven Decision Making by PWC
– Enterprise Design Thinking by IBM
I am also currently running my MBA in International Business at Nexford University. These courses equipped me with the technical skills and strategic insight needed for roles that span marketing, communication, and product management.
I have also invested in networking and hands-on experiences to expand my understanding of brand identity and customer engagement.
What do you love the most about your job?
I enjoy both the creative and analytical aspects of marketing. There’s a thrill in uncovering customer insights and translating them into impactful campaigns. Brainstorming sessions with my team are particularly enjoyable — they’re where great ideas emerge and are refined into actionable strategies.
One of the most fulfilling moments in my career was working on a unique campaign for a global brand during my agency days. The campaign’s success led to a personal recommendation from the client, which was both a significant validation of my skills and a motivator to aim higher.
Can you share one significant career advice or tip you’ve ever received from a mentor or peer?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received is to ‘Know your craft and always stay curious.’ My mentor emphasised the importance of asking questions to spark creativity and inspire innovation. He also stressed that work ethic plays a vital role — it’s the secret ingredient that enhances results and sets you apart from your peers.
Another memorable tip was: ‘Break problems into smaller, manageable parts.’ This approach simplifies problem-solving, helping you stay focused and find solutions more effectively.
He also gave invaluable advice on work-life balance: ‘Protect your personal time — it’s not about working harder but working smarter. Recharge, and your creativity and effectiveness will soar.’
How can Communications professionals position themselves to add value to the organisation they work with?
To add meaningful value, Communications professionals must align their work with the organisation’s strategic goals. This requires:
– Understanding the business strategy to ensure campaigns contribute to long-term objectives.
– Leveraging data-driven insights to make informed decisions and tailor campaigns for maximum impact.
– Adopting a customer-centric approach that fosters trust and builds loyalty.
– Ensuring integrated marketing communication across multiple channels for consistent brand messaging.
– Collaborating across departments to align strategies and create synergy.
– Setting clear metrics and KPIs to measure success and drive sustainable growth.
The most essential skills for adding value include storytelling, brand insights, and the ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic environment.
What advice will you give younger professionals who want to follow your path?
My advice to young professionals in Marketing and Communications is to adopt a curious and resilient mindset. Stay updated with industry trends and embrace continuous learning.
Hands-on experience is crucial, so focus on building a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and creativity. It’s also essential to understand your audience and learn how to create content that resonates with them. Networking is invaluable — connect with peers and mentors to exchange insights and open up new opportunities.
I highly recommend resources like ‘Contagious’ by Jonah Berger, HubSpot Academy courses, and Neil Patel’s blog to stay ahead. With passion, perseverance, and strategic thinking, you can build a thriving career.
