International HR Day Spotlight: Mimi Ikeneku

For Mimi Ikeneku, HR is not just a profession, it is an opportunity to restore trust, support people, and create meaningful impact. In this International HR Day feature, she reflects on her career journey, the importance of empathy in HR, and what empowerment truly looks like in everyday work at Interswitch.

Q. What first drew you to a career in HR, and was there a defining moment that made you realize this was the path for you?

A. I started my career in marketing during my NYSC year, but I quickly noticed that people naturally came to me with their concerns, seeking advice, guidance, or simply someone to listen. A colleague once told me, “You’re really good with people,” and suggested I explore HR. That conversation changed everything.

What drew me in was realizing that beyond processes and policies, HR is fundamentally about people, trust, and impact. I found purpose in helping people feel heard and supported through their challenges.

A defining moment came when I supported an employee who felt misunderstood and was hesitant to speak up. I encouraged him to raise the concern and stayed involved throughout the process because I believed that’s what an HR expert should do.

Afterwards, he told me this, “All my life, I never trusted HR, but for the first time, you made me believe in the system.” That moment reminded me that HR is about restoring trust and dignity, not just managing processes.

Q. What does empowering people to lead change look like in everyday HR work at Interswitch?

A. For me, empowerment starts with consistency, transparency, and communication. Information empowers people.

Whether it is clarifying policies, supporting employee relations, or reinforcing values in daily interactions, every touchpoint matters. When people understand the “why” behind decisions and feel informed, they are better positioned to contribute and drive change.

Q. What personal value strongly influences how you work with people?

A. Empathy.

I often say HR is a bit like being a judge because the decisions we make can directly impact someone’s career journey, from hiring to performance, disciplinary actions, and growth opportunities.

That is why I approach every decision with fairness and care, ensuring all options are considered: policy, best practice, equity, and context. It is important that people feel respected, even in difficult situations.

At the end of the day, being able to stand by my decisions with integrity matters deeply to me.

Q. What misconception about HR would you like to clear up?

A. A common misconception is that HR does not take employee feedback seriously, or that confidentiality is not respected. Another is that HR only serves the organisation. I do not believe that is true.

HR exists to create balance between organisational goals and employee wellbeing. The strongest HR teams protect both people and the business while building trust on both sides.

Q. What makes a workplace truly empowering?

A. Trust and clarity.

When expectations are clear, communication is open, and leadership actions align with values, people feel safe to contribute and grow. Without trust, empowerment simply becomes a buzzword.

Q. What is the most fulfilling part of being an HR practitioner at The Switch?

A. Working in an organisation that listens and genuinely puts employees first.

When a company keeps people at the center of decisions, HR becomes more meaningful. It creates a culture that is not just spoken about, but experienced.

Q. What might people be surprised to learn about you?

A. I’m an otaku. I read manga, play video games, and I’m a huge fan of anime, especially the Big 3 and Japanese pop culture. It’s my space to unwind, and I enjoy the storytelling, creativity, and life lessons embedded in many anime series.

From championing transparency to creating space for people to feel heard, Mimi exemplifies the people-centered spirit of HR. And beyond the workplace, her love for anime, gaming, and storytelling reveals the creativity and curiosity she brings into every part of her world.