C.M. Okonkwo's Blog: Everything Literature

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 4 of the Closed Door Series   

#Friday #November #TGIF   

Evidence Over Assumption

The detectives don't rush to judgment. They observe, listen, gather proof, ask hard questions, and test theories. Bias, emotion, and assumption are dangerous in truth-seeking, and one wrong accusation can ruin lives.

In leadership and HR, it's the same. Making decisions based on rumours, personality preference, first impressions, or past stories is not leadership, it's negligence. Are there performance issues? Please investigate. Are there conflicts? Please hear both sides. Is it misconduct? Please document, verify, and act fairly.

👉 HR Lesson: Fairness isn't a feeling. It's a process. Facts first. Judgment later. That is how trust, and justice, are built.

📅 Join me next Friday for our next fiction-meets-function feature! The Series will be revealed on 1st December. Stay tuned! 

#People. #Culture. #Strategy.   
#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.   

Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo
#Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Dear readers,

#Because it just keeps getting better!   

#Wednesday #NewBook #ComingSoon

After four long years, my second poetry book arrives this Sunday, 30th November 2025, to close the month on a delicious note. Yay!   

Titled 'When Bodies Merge', it continues the theme I’ve explored throughout the year — #Erotic. And since this has been my season of bold creative expression… #WeReadWeDontJudge 😁   

Description: 
A story of love and happy beginnings 
Soon becomes one of secret longings; 
A desire to explore a path of no return, 
Where forbidden pleasure is born.   

I’m also delighted that, for the second time, the brilliant author and poet Toki Mabogunje has graced the book with a beautiful foreword.   


You can read it here: https://tinyurl.com/WBMerge — along with a free sample of the collection.   

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 3 of the Closed Door Series   

#Friday #November #TGIF   

The Quiet Collapse Before the Loud Event

In Closed Door, the tragedy doesn’t appear suddenly, it brews quietly. Behaviour shifts, tension grows, and silence stretches. Little signs whisper long before the door finally opens to reveal the truth. But quiet signals are easy to ignore… until they erupt.

In our workplaces too, not every struggle is dramatic. Some employees don’t argue, they simply withdraw. Some don’t shout, they just shut down. While others don’t break visibly, they crumble softly.

And leaders who only react to noise miss the quiet crises brewing under polite smiles and routine output.

👉 HR Lesson: Pay attention to subtle human signals. Check in genuinely. Look beyond performance metrics. Notice fatigue. Notice changes. Sometimes the real question isn't “How is work?” but “How are you?” 

#People. #Culture. #Strategy.   
#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.   

Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo
#Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 2 of the Closed Door Series   

#Friday #November #TGIF   

When Family Emotion Meets Formal Process

Detectives Slaughter and Pruitt step into a case tangled with family tension. People are hurting, protecting each other, accusing each other, remembering things differently, and acting from wounded places. Emotions aren’t just present; they drive behaviour.
And yet the investigation must remain clear-headed. The detectives cannot take sides based on sympathy or history; they must hold facts and feelings simultaneously.  
Some workplaces mirror this. Employees don’t leave emotions at home. Their lives walk through the office doors with them: stress, grief, ego, insecurity, fear, pride, love, loyalty.  
Great HR professionals don’t ignore emotion. They manage it, honour it, and still demand fairness.  
👉 HR Lesson: Empathy is not the opposite of accountability; it is the foundation of it. Care deeply, decide clearly, and lead with balance.  

#People. #Culture. #Strategy.   
#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.   

Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo
#Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Dear readers,
#Because it's Week 1 of the Closed Door Series   

#Friday #November #TGIF   

When Secrets Live Behind Closed Doors

In Closed Door, Angela stumbles on something she was never meant to see — a truth hidden in plain sight, tucked behind domestic routine and polite smiles. One moment of curiosity opens a world of secrets, and life never returns to normal.   

That’s the thing about secrecy — it festers. What looks calm may be chaos waiting for air. What seems “fine” may be quietly breaking. And when truth finally escapes, the damage is far harder to control.   

In organisations, hidden problems behave the same way.   
Silent stress. Quiet conflict. Unspoken resentment. 
Not every cry for help is loud — some are locked behind emotional doors.   

👉 HR Lesson: Build cultures where truth feels safe, not dangerous.
When employees can speak early, leaders don’t have to clean up explosions later.   

#People. #Culture. #Strategy.   
#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.   

Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo
#Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Dear readers,

#Because it’s a 3-in-1 announcement!   

#BookRelease #BookSeries #BookTravel   

-My Author’s Guide drops today
If you’re a self-publi
shed or aspiring author, this guide is for you. Don’t end the year without sharpening your s
kills and preparing your marketing plan. There are opportunities everywhere — you just need to know where to look. The price goes back to full soon. The value? Easily 10x more. Don’t miss it.   

-Up next… November in the 5 Series Campaign 
The Closed Door Series is our November feature. This was my very first series, born unexpectedly during a trip to the US. My older sister would lock herself in the bathroom for what felt like hours, and while waiting one evening, I wrote a short story. That moment became a novella… which eventually grew into a 5-book series.   

Series Description: 
When Angela Hunter stumbles upon a disturbing scene behind a closed door, she unknowingly triggers a chain of events more sinister than she could have imagined.   

Detectives Slaughter and Pruitt must navigate a maze of secrets, bodies, and locked-door mysteries as a ruthless mastermind orchestrates a deadly game. 

Nothing is what it seems — and the truth is far more terrifying than they ever expected.   

November is for Family Drama, and HR. Each Friday, I’ll be sharing real-world lessons from Closed Door, the first book in the series, as Fiction Meets Function.   

Grab a free copy of Closed Door HERE and join me as Fiction meets Function next Friday.   

-And finally... Book Travel Returns! 
Ten years ago, I launched a book-travel experiment: I dropped copies of my book in 4 countries and at the Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF), then let them journey freely into the world. I have no idea where those copies are today, and that’s the magic. This year, 4 more books have travelled and met new readers. As the spirit moves, I’ll continue sending books out. If a book finds you, read it, enjoy it, and pass it on. Let’s see how far stories can go.   

#People. #Culture. #Strategy. 
#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.   

Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo

#Like #Comment #Share

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Dear readers,

#Because I’m still soaking in the experience...

#Friday #TGIF #NextDay 

...the energy, the connections, the learning, and the powerful insights from #CIPM #ICE2025. The atmosphere was inspiring, refreshing, and exactly what many of us in HR need once in a while. Sometimes, stepping back to breathe, learn, and reconnect is the best gift we can give ourselves, and that’s exactly how I felt. You can see photos HERE.

A big thank you to my CEO for giving me the opportunity to attend, especially at such a busy time in the year with so much going on. 

While in Abuja, I also made time to meet with our Abuja team — all 93 of them — for an engaging and fulfilling session. The energy, openness, and teamwork were amazing, and I’m grateful for moments like these that remind me why people are at the heart of everything we do. 

And a pleasant surprise — I even received a thoughtful gift from the HR Coordinator, Queen Victoria! For a moment I felt like an invited guest… then quickly remembered: I’m one of them. Truly, to the best team — thank you for making it special. 

Here’s to more growth, collaboration, and moments that remind us why we love HR and the work we do. 

#BurgerKingNg #Kinglace #BestTeams

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#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 5 of the Nigerian Assassin Series

#Friday #October #TGIF
Halloween Special – Choices and Consequences
Kiki chooses to spare Mekus Money, breaking the code of the Mirror People. It’s an act of mercy, but it triggers a chain reaction of betrayal, exposure, and bloodshed. Her choice, no matter how noble, reshapes her fate.

In organizations, too, every choice has a consequence. Breaking protocol, overlooking misconduct, or ignoring red flags — even with good intentions — can erode trust and destabilise culture. People must understand that freedom of choice is always tied to responsibility.

👉 HR Lesson: Every action has a ripple effect. Rule-breaking, however well-intentioned, carries consequences that affect trust, culture, and long-term success.

📅 Join me next Friday for our next fiction-meets-function feature! The Series will be revealed on 1st November. Stay tuned!

#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.
Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo
#Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Dear readers,

#Because Day 3 was also loaded!

#CIPM #ICE2025 #DAY3 

The best was truly saved for last. The sessions explored Thriving in the New World of Work – Resilience & Wellbeing, Leveraging Human Potential to Navigate the AI Era, and a National Outlook on Reimagining the Future of Work, delivered by former Nigerian Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

My Key Takeaways:

-Resilience remains constant through every transition and evolution. It isn’t just a skill – it’s a behaviour and a mindset. One speaker, Dr. Gbenga Adebayo, MPH, noted that there are three types of people: those about to get into trouble, those currently in trouble, and those who just came out of trouble. In today’s rapidly changing work landscape, this perfectly underscores the need for resilience: no matter where you are, challenges are inevitable, and preparation, grit, and the right support systems make all the difference.

-Wellbeing starts with you. HR is often placed at the centre, expected to support employees while also managing leadership expectations. But HR professionals are employees too. Who supports them? As HR works to build safe spaces and wellbeing programs for others, it is essential to also find a personal “HR”; a safe outlet and support network for balance and mental health.

-Burnout is real – prevention must be strategic. HR must rethink how to support the workforce by establishing soft boundaries around communication (emails, calls, response expectations) and defining “safe hours” for work-life balance. Employee Assistance Programs should be tailored to real needs: nothing for us without us. Ask, listen, and design support systems with employees, not just for them.

-AI is not replacing humans – it is empowering them. AI and technology cannot function without people. In Esther Indurkar's words, "Think Tony Stark and Iron Man – one is the genius, the other is the tool that amplifies capacity". AI is only as effective as the humans who use it. HR’s biggest assignment is preparing the workforce with the right skills, mindset, and continuous learning culture. We may not predict every change, but we must be ready to analyse, understand, and adapt when it arrives.

-Jobs will evolve, so must we. Yes, certain roles, especially routine ones, may disappear, but new opportunities will emerge. The responsibility lies in reskilling and learning quickly enough to grow with the change, both as individuals and organizations.

To wrap it up, Dr. Maymunah Y. Kadiri reminded us that HR needs G.R.A.C.E. to succeed:

Grounded – stay rooted in purpose
Recognise your emotions before supporting others
Acknowledge, don’t attack
Create safe spaces through compassion
Empathy – leadership in action

Beyond learning, I am leaving with clear action steps to elevate my HR team and organization through the rest of 2025 and into 2026. 

#DearHR, the time to act is now. Wishing you grace, strength, and clarity as you navigate these rapidly changing times.

#Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Dear readers,

#Because Day 2 was even better!

#CIPM #ICE2025 #DAY2 

Today delivered even more value! The sessions were broad yet highly relevant, from the application of standards (with insights from ITF, NSITF, ILO, etc.) to the reimagined role of HR and Business Leaders, promoting people management standards, effective performance management, and more.

My key takeaways from all the “brain food” we were served: 

•ILO policies can’t be applied in Nigeria until ratified by the Nigerian Government — but it’s up to us to act responsibly regardless and keep pushing the government as best as we can. 

•Companies must have Learning & Development (L&D) departments with an annual training plan for their people. Because if you don’t train them, don’t blame them. 

•HR now has a seat at the table — it’s time to make impact, not just administer policies. 

•Think flexibility and agility in policies and ways of working to attract and retain the right people, especially creatives. 

•People don’t burn out from work; they burn out from the lack of C.A.R.E. — 
Clarity (of what/how to do things), 
Autonomy (ownership and accountability), 
Recognition (praise boosts dopamine and motivation), and 
Enablement (the right environment and tools).  — Shared by the amazing ‘Toun Akinsunmi, Chief of Staff at SeamlessHR, and it stuck like glue! 

•Three things every leader must show in employee wellbeing: Empathy, Transparency, and Swift Action — beautifully shared by the delectable Shamim Walusimbi. 

•Finally, performance appraisal shouldn’t be a routine activity but a tool for continuous improvement. Three things matter here: People. System. Data. Not KPIs — those should be a thing of the past.    

This reminded me of the goals I once set for my HR team:  Zero complaints (from employees),  Zero delays (in response and execution), and  Zero errors (in output and results).    

At the time, I didn’t realise how useful this was as an HR team dashboard — getting direct feedback from people to gauge performance and identify areas for improvement. As we head into appraisal season, it’s definitely something I’ll be revisiting.    

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#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.