From finance manager to banking leader
Yemi joined ISS in 2018 as a Commercial Manager on the Heathrow account, overseeing Terminals 2, 3, and 4. Her career since then has been marked by a series of promotions, each one building on her strengths and curiosity. After a successful period in ISS’s in-house finance team, she transitioned back into customer-side operations, a move she attributes to her mindset that sees beyond job titles.
Yemi says: “I’ve always seen myself as a business leader with an expertise in finance. That perspective allowed me to challenge assumptions, build relationships across the business, and ultimately step into new opportunities.”
A culture of support and growth
Yemi speaks passionately about the people who have shaped her journey. “I’m a product of the generosity of family, community, and managers who have invested in me,” she says. At ISS, she found a culture that nurtured her aspirations, with mentors — formal and informal — who offered guidance, feedback, and advocacy.
In just seven years, Yemi has progressed through five different roles, each one stretching her capabilities and allowing her to bloom and grow. She credits this rapid progression to both her own professional drive and the supportive of managers and colleagues at ISS, who believed in her potential.
Ambition with impact
Yemi’s aspirations for the future are bold and she has her sights set on progressing even further in the business, with an ultimate ambition to reach the C-suite. However, she notes that her motivation is deeply rooted in a desire to leave a positive legacy and impact, opening doors for others, and in particular, those who may not see themselves represented in leadership today: “My career journey is not just about my own personal success, but about showing others what’s possible when you lead with purpose.”
Lessons in leadership and championing diversity
As part of a diverse leadership team, Yemi sees first hand the value of different perspectives. “Diversity of thought leads to more robust outcomes,” she says. “It’s about asking the right questions and being open to different ways of thinking.”
What next for Yemi? She looks forward to helping ISS continue to invest in its people, not just through tools and processes, but by helping individuals connect with their purpose. She advocates for more visibility around career paths, providing more mentorship opportunities, and telling people stories that inspire others to reach their full potential. storytelling that inspires.
People like Yemi are not only shaping their own futures but contributing to ISS’ reputation as a people-first organisation that helps to transform businesses through its talent and communities.
