Q: Eno, you have made a remarkable impact as an immigrant professional and entrepreneur in Canada. Can you share some of the key challenges that you faced when you first arrived in Calgary and how you overcame them to build your successful career?
EE: When I first arrived in Calgary, one of the primary challenges I faced was adapting to a new cultural and professional environment. As an immigrant, navigating a different job market and understanding the nuances of Canadian business practices was daunting. Additionally, building a professional network from scratch and securing opportunities in a competitive market were significant hurdles.

To overcome these challenges, I focused on leveraging my existing skills and experiences while actively seeking out mentorship and networking opportunities. I joined local professional organizations and engaged with community groups, which helped me gain valuable insights and connections. Persistence and a willingness to adapt were key to turning these challenges into opportunities for growth.

Q: Your journey from Nigeria to becoming a renowned business analyst and consultant is truly inspiring. What motivated you to focus on coaching professionals in starting their consulting businesses and building thought leadership?
EE: My motivation to focus on coaching professionals is rooted in personal experience. Having successfully transitioned from accounting to business analysis, I've witnessed firsthand the power of effective career guidance. This journey ignited a desire to help others achieve similar transformations.

Through coaching, I share the strategies and insights that propelled my own success, enabling others to build thriving consulting businesses and establish themselves as thought leaders. I'm driven by the belief that structured support and actionable advice can accelerate professional growth, helping individuals unlock their potential and reach their career aspirations more efficiently.

Q: In your book, "The Six-Figure Business Analyst," you outline a roadmap for achieving success in business analysis. What inspired you to write this book, and how does it specifically address the needs of professionals looking to transition into this field?
EE: The inspiration for "The Six-Figure Business Analyst" came from noticing a common misconception that a tech degree was necessary to secure high-paying roles in business analysis. My goal with the book was to dispel this myth and provide a clear, actionable roadmap for those looking to break into the field without traditional tech credentials. The book addresses the needs of professionals by offering a step-by-step guide that leverages existing skills, provides practical strategies and empowers professionals to navigate their career transitions successfully.

Q: You describe a 12-step process in your book that guides readers toward becoming successful business analysts. Could you highlight one or two of these steps that are particularly important for those starting out and explain why they are crucial?
EE: One crucial step in the 12-step process is identifying and leveraging transferable skills. Many professionals come from diverse backgrounds with valuable skills that can be applied to business analysis. Recognizing and articulating these skills is essential for making a successful transition. Another key step is building a strong professional network. Networking can provide valuable insights, mentorship and opportunities that are critical for career advancement. Both of these steps are fundamental for establishing a foothold in the business analysis field and accelerating career growth.

Q: Your career transition from accounting to business analysis is quite impressive. What were the major challenges you encountered during this transition, and what advice would you give to others facing similar shifts in their careers?
EE: The major challenges I faced during my transition included bridging the gap between my previous knowledge in accounting and the new skills required for business analysis. Additionally, there was the challenge of gaining credibility in a new field and learning how to navigate a different professional landscape. My advice to others undergoing similar transitions is to focus on continuous learning and seek out relevant certifications or training that can enhance their qualifications.

Q: In your career coaching workshops, you emphasize the possibility of securing a six-figure salary within six months. What are some specific strategies or tactics you recommend for professionals to achieve this goal, and how can they adapt these strategies to their unique backgrounds?
EE: To achieve a six-figure salary within six months, professionals should focus on several key strategies. First, it is essential to clearly define their career goals and target roles that align with these objectives. Second, investing in relevant certifications and training can enhance their qualifications and make them more competitive. Networking is also crucial—building relationships with industry professionals can open doors to opportunities. Tailoring these strategies to one's unique background involves highlighting transferable skills and leveraging past experiences to demonstrate value in the new role.

Q: You often stress that a tech degree is not necessary for a successful career in business analysis. How can professionals with diverse educational backgrounds or non-tech skills effectively leverage their existing expertise to excel in business analysis?
EE: Professionals with diverse educational backgrounds or non-tech skills can excel in business analysis by emphasizing their transferable skills and relevant experiences. For example, skills in problem-solving, critical thinking and project management are highly applicable to business analysis. By showcasing how their previous roles involved analyzing data, managing projects or improving processes, they can demonstrate their ability to succeed in business analysis.

Q: Given the competitive nature of business analysis, what skills or attributes do you believe are essential for standing out in this field, especially for those from diverse or non-traditional backgrounds?
EE: To stand out in the competitive field of business analysis, essential skills include strong analytical abilities, effective communication and a keen understanding of business processes. For those from diverse or non-traditional backgrounds, attributes such as adaptability, a willingness to learn and a unique perspective can be particularly valuable. Embracing a growth mindset and continuously updating skills through professional development can also help professionals stay ahead of the competition.

Q: Continuous learning is a key aspect of advancing in business analysis. How do you suggest professionals, especially those new to the field or transitioning from other industries, keep their skills up-to-date and remain competitive?
EE: To remain competitive, professionals should engage in continuous learning by pursuing relevant certifications, attending industry conferences and participating in workshops or webinars. Networking with peers and joining professional organizations can also provide insights into emerging trends and best practices. Additionally, staying informed through industry publications and online resources can help professionals keep their skills current and adapt to evolving market demands.

Q: Can you share a success story of someone who followed your coaching or utilized your book’s strategies to achieve their career goals? How did they apply your guidance, and what was the impact on their professional and personal lives?
EE: One of my students came to me with over a decade of experience in supply chain and logistics. She believed that she needed to return to school to get a degree in order to work as a supply chain business analyst. Through my coaching program, I showed her how she could leverage her existing skills and specialize as a business analyst in the supply chain. Within three months, she landed a high-paying role, without the need for any additional degrees, simply by using the experience she already had.

Q: Looking to the future, what emerging trends in the tech industry should aspiring business analysts be aware of? How can they prepare to stay relevant and leverage these trends in their careers?
EE: Aspiring business analysts should be aware of emerging trends such as the growing importance of data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies are shaping the future of business analysis by providing new tools and methodologies for data-driven decision-making. To stay relevant, professionals should focus on developing skills in these areas and gain experience with advanced analytics tools. Staying informed about industry developments and continuously updating their skill set will enable them to leverage these trends effectively in their careers.

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?
EE: Resilience. In both my career and life, I have encountered countless challenges, but each obstacle has been a steppingstone to my success. Your ability to stay focused and push through adversity is what sets you apart. Never let setbacks define your potential.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?
EE: One of my most memorable moments was when I received the Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 award. It was not just about the recognition—it was a reminder of how far I have come since moving to Canada as a new immigrant in 2018. In that moment, I realized that every step that I had taken, every late night of work and every challenge I overcame was worth it. It validated my mission to help others achieve their own six figure careers and reminded me that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known?
EE: I wish I had known the power of mentorship earlier. While I eventually found incredible coaches and advisors who helped accelerate my career, I spent the early years trying to figure everything out on my own. If I had known that seeking guidance from experienced mentors could significantly fast track my progress, I would have reached certain milestones much sooner.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why?
EE: Oprah Winfrey is someone who has always inspired me. She embodies resilience and the ability to turn pain into purpose. Her journey—from hardship to becoming one of the most influential women in the world—is a testament to what is possible when you align passion, vision and grit. She also demonstrates the importance of giving back, which is a value I hold dearly in my own work with immigrants and professionals seeking career growth.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business?
EE: Just start. Many of us spend too much time waiting for the "perfect moment" or doubting our abilities. But in reality, perfection does not exist, and there is no better time than now to start working towards your dreams. Along the way, surround yourself with people who challenge and support you—mentors, coaches and a community that believes in your vision. Investing in yourself through learning and personal development is key to overcoming obstacles.

Five Things About Eno Eka

1. What's your favorite family tradition?
Christmas

2. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Sleep

3. What’s the most amazing adventure you’ve ever been on?
Ziplining across mountains

4. What’s your favorite international food?
Pasta

5. Favorite Dessert?
Chocolaté cake