How Young Professionals Can Thrive in Today's Workplace
- Feb 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 26
A Conversation with Dr. Nkem Femi-James
In a world where everyone is clamoring for productivity and more emphasis is placed on speed and output, we need to rethink how we define work in the workplace. In this interview, Hesed World sat down with Dr. Nkem Femi-James, medical doctor and CEO of Preston Associates International Development, to discuss what it means to prepare and thrive in a competitive environment.
Who Is Dr. Nkem?
Dr. Nkem Femi-James is the Chief Executive Officer of Preston Associates International Development, Ltd, which is headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, with additional offices in London and New York. She is a medical doctor and a graduate of the Gillings School of Public Health at Columbia University, New York, USA. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, American Association of Public Health Leadership, the Royal Society of Public Health, UK, as well as the West African Institute of Public Health.
Over the last 25 years, she has led over 50 project teams across 3 continents in development sector formative research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, Accountability mechanisms, Program and Impact Level Evaluations, Quality of Care Assessments, Political Economy Analyses, Health Program Costing, Organizational Performance Management and Governance Systems. She has also published several peer-reviewed public health articles and consults for the World Health Organization, UNICEF, World Bank, Gates Foundation, Mastercard Foundation, among many others.
What We Discussed
With over two decades of experience leading teams across continents, Dr. Nkem offers a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in today's competitive workplace. In this conversation, we explored topics that matter most to young professionals navigating their careers.
We talked about the tension between working fast and working with depth. We discussed whether juggling multiple jobs affects the quality of your work and team trust. Dr. Nkem shared the three work ethic traits that help young professionals stand out, and what gives her hope about the next generation despite the challenges.
We also addressed some of the biggest pressures young people face today—from social media narratives about fast success to the debate about whether education still matters. Dr. Nkem shared her thoughts on building a meaningful career in an age where everyone wants instant results, and why embracing the process matters more than rushing to the destination.
For those considering opportunities abroad because they feel limited at home, Dr. Nkem offered a fresh perspective on how to think about your options. And for anyone wondering about the role of mentorship in a world of busy professionals, she shared how she approaches mentoring in today's fast-paced environment.
Why This Interview Matters
Whether you're entering the workplace for the first time, feeling stuck in your current role, or trying to figure out what success looks like in a world obsessed with speed, this interview offers practical wisdom from someone who has spent decades developing leaders and building high-performing teams.
Watch the full interview with Dr. Nkem discussing skills, mentorship, teamwork, and what it really takes to thrive in today's workplace.
This conversation is part of the Hesed World Interview Series, which features thoughtful discussions with leaders and experts on issues shaping the paths of young professionals.
