Esther's Journey with Funzi: From Reserved to Confident Customer Service Professional

Esther Nkechi Ukekwe, a Customer Service Officer in the hospitality industry hailing from Abia State, Nigeria, has not only progressed in her career, but also assumed additional responsibilities, including the new role of a kitchen supervisor. She shares her ambition to one day become a CEO at a five-star hotel and how Funzi has influenced her career development.

A Transformative Experience

Esther's career development is nothing short of transformative. As a Customer Service Officer, her responsibilities include engaging with guests, resolving their concerns, and ensuring their departure from the hotel with beaming smiles and complete satisfaction. However, prior to her discovery of Funzi, she grappled with challenges in establishing rapport with clientele. She described herself as reserved, timid, and anxious when it came to conversing with guests.

Funzi's courses have served as one of the catalysts for change in Esther's life. She embarked on the Funzi course on customer service* which empowered her to grow into a brilliant Customer Relations Officer. This course has not only imparted her with the competencies for her role but also increased her confidence, poise, and intelligence. She shares that she can now effortlessly engage with the customers, resolve their concerns, and leave them with smiles and satisfaction.

Rising Through the Ranks

Esther's growth extends beyond her interactions with guests; it encompasses her career growth as well. Her dedication and newfound confidence did not go unnoticed, as her CEO appointed her as the kitchen supervisor. In this capacity, the Funzi course Food Safety played an instrumental role. With her newfound knowledge, she educated the kitchen staff on hazard prevention and eradication, hygiene maintenance, and food storage.

Yet, Funzi's influence did not stop there. Esther also learned copywriting through Funzi, a skill that has revolutionised her approach to crafting her monthly reports at work. The Funzi course “Powerful Marketing: Become a Brilliant Copywriter” transformed a task that was once arduous to become effortless and devoid of hassles. She can now compile her monthly reports with ease, showcasing her newfound skills.

Aspiring to New Heights

Esther's voyage with Funzi is not solely about her current role; it is also about equipping her for the realisation of her dream — to become the CEO of a five-star hotel. One of her desires was to acquire knowledge in Project Management. She delved into the Funzi course “Become a Brilliant Project Manager” learning project planning, execution, resource optimisation, and effective risk management. This knowledge will be invaluable as she strides towards her aspiration of leading a prestigious hotel.

Esther's unwavering ardour for the hospitality industry remains intact. She yearns for further studies in the realm of hospitality and hopes that Funzi will introduce additional courses in this field. 

A Message of Hope

Esther's story serves as a beacon of hope for individuals facing career-related challenges or personal growth obstacles. Her advice to those who may be struggling is: "If you find yourself adrift and bewildered, register with Funzi, select a course that ignites your passion, and you will not regret it." Esther intends to continue her learning journey with Funzi, with courses in public relations and crafting CVs.

In Esther's case, her transformation from shyness to confidence, her growth as a Customer Service Officer and now also a kitchen supervisor, and her aspirations of becoming a CEO all began with the straightforward decision to explore the world of skills, knowledge and personal growth with Funzi. Her affection for Funzi is palpable in her words: "My success story will remain incomplete without you. Thank you for your contribution to mankind."

We celebrate Esther’s triumphs so far and look forward to learning more about the impact she is determined to make in the hospitality industry and her community through her journey.

Her resolve and perseverance in the pursuit of excellence and professional growth, together with Funzi’s support and resources, have laid the foundation for success. Esther’s story is an example of how drive and determination with the help of the right tools can make dreams, no matter their size, a longstanding reality.

* Esther’s Funzi courses:

• Become a Brilliant Project Manager 

• Become a Customer Service Professional

• Food Safety

• Powerful Marketing: Become a Brilliant Copywriter