Here, our Market Insights Analyst colleague, Oyinda Asani, shares her professional experiences and why she believes this is one of the most important dates in the calendar.

1. Can you tell us a little about your role as Market Insights Analyst and what you like most about it?

My job involves keeping a close eye on what’s happening with market trends, customer behaviors, and the competitive landscape, and sharing insights within our business. What I love about my role is that I get to act as a bridge between what's happening in the world outside and then connecting the dots with what's going on inside the business.

2. Could you tell us a little about your career journey so far?

I got my Bachelor's degree in Nigeria, which is where I'm from. Straight after that, I had the opportunity to be a Maths teacher. This was a hugely valuable experience, and I learned so much about myself, including that I really enjoy helping people understand things with more clarity in accessible ways.

From there, I moved to France to do my Master’s in Business Analytics. This really broadened my horizons and opened the door to becoming a Project Manager. I then got the chance to work as a Strategy Analyst for a travel management company, and I loved the variety of getting involved with lots of different kinds of projects. I particularly enjoyed organizing creative planning sessions with product and technology teams to help figure out new product features. From there to here, where I now work as a fully-fledged Market Insights Analyst.

3. How would your colleagues describe you in three words?

I’d like to think my colleagues would call me ‘creative’. I think they would also say that I'm ‘passionate’ about what I do and I'm ‘reliable’ – a safe pair of hands.

4. What does International Women’s Day (and #InspireInclusion) mean to you?

I’m going to answer that question in two parts. So, for me, International Women's Day represents one step closer to the dream of women being equal. It's a day that encourages conversation and it gives people time to pause and reflect. I always look forward to International Women's Day because I get to listen to amazing women talking about their inspiring experiences. What I take from that is it’s good to dream big. And it’s great seeing other people achieving their dreams. For me, it means that my ambitions as a woman from Nigeria who now lives here in France, or however I choose to identify myself, are achievable.

In terms of inclusion, we are still on that very long journey with a long way to go. So that's why it's interesting that we’re having this conversation. It makes us think about our own sense of inclusion, as well as how we can help others feel included.

6. Finish this sentence, when you are not at home, we’re likely to find you…

… at a concert or a theatre production somewhere. My last trip to the theatre was to see the Tina Turner musical, and the last concert I went to featured James Arthur. I love belting out all my favourite Karaoke songs whenever I get the chance! I also love music, and although I can’t play an instrument, I would love to play the piano.