BOOK TITLE: THE GATEKEEPERS : THREE DECADES OF EFFECTIVE STRATEGIC PLANNING AND SECRETS TO EXCEL AS A SECRETARY
AUTHOR: FUNMI ADEMOLA
NO. OF PAGES: 140
REVIEWER: DR. WOLE OLARINDE (Publisher, Christian Benefits magazine)
COVER PRICE/BULK PURCHASE: Contact the Author @ +2318033033214)
In the corridor of any orgnisation and the world of corporate dynamics, where power moves behind closed doors and decisions shape the future of businesses, there exists a role that, while often unnoticed, holds tremendous influence and is crucial to the smooth functioning and success of the entire operation; the role of the secretary.
Sitting behind a desk, filling and checking a calender, arranging files, welcoming people to the office, managing the boss’s canlender, writing down meeting notes, answering office calls, and reporting to the boss, that’s the general perception of the role of a secretary. Many people hold misconceptions about secretaries. They often think that secretaries are just assistants to the executives, only handle basic adminsitrative tasks, are just assistants to the executiives, or that the role is only for women.
There’s also a belief that secretaries don’t require technical skills and that the job is a low-level position with little opportunities for advancement.
Sonm even see the the job as being solely about managing documents, without recognising the diverse responsibilities and skills involved.
It sounds like an easy job. It can be easy if you view it that way, and are committed to doing what it takes, and are ready to learn. Yes, you can learn a lot from this job.
The role of the secretary can be likened to that of the gatekeeper, the first point contact and the unseen custodians who hold the keys to the organisation’s inner workings.
In this book, using antidotes, personal experiences, and case strudies, you will explore the true essence of what it means to be a secretary, the challenges, the triumps, and the invaluable lessons learnt by the author, Funmi Ademola, over a 30-year career. It’s a useful resource for aspiring secretaries, seasoned professionals, or simply individuals interested in the dynamics of the corporate world. The Gatekeepers will offer insights into the vital role secretaries play and how to excel in it.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Gatekeepers unveils the powerful, often underappreciated role of the secretary, reframing it as a position of leadership, influence, and integrity. With over 30 years of real-life experience, Funmilayo Adebisi Ademola takes readers behind the scenes of the executive office, revealing the skills, resilience, and dedication required to thrive as a gatekeeper in an organisation.
More than a manual, this book is an exploration of what it means to balance professionalism with personal values, manage relationships with tact and empathy, and handle high-stakes responsibilities with composure. Each chapter gives insight into the traits that define an effective secretary: loyalty, discretion, adaptability, and foresight.
Funmilayo demonstrates how secretaries can shape the culture and efficiency of an organisation, proving themselves to be indispensable allies in any professional setting.
The Gatekeepers is both a tribute to the profession and a call to action. Funmilayo encourages secretaries, assistants, and all office administrators to embrace their roles fully, lead by example, and to understand their critical position at the heart of their organisations.
Prepare to be inspired by the journey of a secretary who saw her role as a calling and rose to become a trusted gatekeeper.
The Gatekeepers is an 11-chapter book written in fluidility, simplicity and readers’-friendly words with the following topics:
1 Chapter 1- Driven by Excellence: The Self Motivated Secretary
2. Chapter 2 – More Than Meetings: Leadership from Behind the Desk
3. Chapter 3 – Beyond the Calender: The Art of Planning and Precision
4. Chapter 4 – Think Ahead; Plan Ahead: The Ever-Ready Secretary
5. Chapter 5 – The Fixer: The Problem-Solving Secretary’s Blueprint
6. Chapter 6 – Polished and Professional: Office Ettiquette
7. Chapter 7 – Cracking the Nut: A Secretary’s Secret to Work-Life Balance
8. Chapter 8 – Building Bridges: Nurturing Positive Relationships in the Office
9. Chapter 9 – Rising Above Adversity: Overcoming Obstancles and Building Resilience
10. Chapter 10 – Guided By Grac: The God-Centred Secretary
11. Chapter 11 – The Evolving Gatekeeper: Enhancing Change, Growth, and Opportunity
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Funmilayo Adebisi Ademola was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, and pursued her education at Queens of Apostles Primary and Secondary Schools. She earned her Ordinary and Higher National Diplomas in Secretarial Studies from Kwara State Polytechnic and later obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos.
Driven by her passion for building a successful career in administration, Funmilayo pursued further professional development by attending management courses for secretaries and personal assistants at two prestigious institutions: Michael Stevens & Associates School of Organisation & Business Studies and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
She is a certified Associate of the Chartered Institute of Administration (ACIA) and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered). Additionally, Funmilayo completed her Basic and Advanced Leadership Training at Daystar Academy and obtained a diploma in Computer Operations from Universal Computer Training Institute, enhancing her IT skills.
Her quest for excellence also led her to London Training for Excellence, where she earned an Advanced Certificate in Advanced Office Management and e-Secretariat from the United Kingdom (UK).
Funmilayo began her career as a Confidential Secretary at Commerce Bank Plc before moving to IPWA Plc, where she served as the Confidential Secretary to the Managing Director/CEO until 2002. Since 2003, Funmilayo has held the position of Senior Secretary to the Senior Pastor of Christ Livingspring Apostolic Ministry (CLAM) in Omole, Lagos.
In addition to her administrative career, Funmilayo is the Managing Director and CEO of FM Special Events, an organisation specializing in training event planners and managing party drinks. She is also a certified etiquette manager, having completed a Professional Business and Corporate Etiquette Training Course with Wellbred Concepts School of Etiquette.
Funmilayo is happily married to Abayomi Ademola-Salami, and they are blessed with three children.
TESTIMONIAL
Congratulations to a very talented gatekeeper who is so dedicated and diligent.
Funmi Ademola has been serving under my watch for over two decades faithfully.
A forthright time –keeper, courteous, observant and curious, she handles the gate prayerfully and dedicatedly.
She is very prolific in crisis management, promptness, exceeding expectations beyond measures.
Kudos to your husband, Mr. Abayomi Ademola, who has seeded you completely for this kingdom assignment. May God reward you and your family exceedingly in Jesus name. Ruth 2:12
THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO
Cheers
Pastor Wole Oladiyun
Senior Pastor
CLAM
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