"Growth isn’t about becoming someone new." — Glory Essien | Proof Of Life, Episode 23.
Rediscovering yourself through faith, family, and the gentle rhythm of becoming.
God, Career, Family,... and a Bit of Arsenal
These four anchors shape the 23rd guest on our Proof of Life letters: Glory Essien, a woman gracefully navigating the familiar crossroads of career, purpose, and faith.
Our conversation drifts through love, work, family, and the subtle pressure that comes when a younger sibling marries first. But more than that, it’s a reflection on what it truly means to be present, to live deeply, not just busily.
If you care for stories of grace, growth, and the quiet beauty of staying rooted, this one’s for you.
Enjoy Proof of Life.
What does “Proof of Life” mean to you right now, as a business analyst, executive assistant, project manager, and sister navigating this phase of life?
Wow! For me, it means the EVIDENCE OF PRESENCE. It is not just existing but being engaging and also impacting everything and everyone around me.
As a business analyst, it’s the satisfaction of knowing that the work I do shapes direction and progress.
As an executive assistant, it is in the harmony I create by turning chaos into order, plans into motion, and support into success.
As a project manager, it’s seeing dreams become realities, leading with resilience, adapting to change, and staying steady even when things don’t go as planned.
And as a sister, it’s the love and connection that anchors me: showing up for my family, laughing through the highs, and holding space through the lows. Here, proof of life for me is the constant reminder that beyond roles and goals, relationships are where life truly breathes.
If you could go back and give 18-year-old Glory one piece of advice, what would it be?
Hahaha, my 18-year-old self.
Hmmm, it will be; JUST START IT.
No matter how small you think your ideas are, start it.
I think I will also tell her not to limit her standards to please anyone because she is ENOUGH!
You’ve worn multiple hats — executive assistant, project manager, business analyst. What was your biggest learning curve or funniest story from those years of juggling?
I think my biggest learning curve will be how to show up fully in each role and not also losing who I am as an individual.
You know it is easy to just lose sight of who you are while trying to climb the career ladder. For someone who is often in the spotlight, being an EA made me realize that I had to be the quiet force behind a person’s success, etc.
As a PM, I learnt leadership is not about control but communication.
Generally, I would say that this experience has made me realize that ‘growth’ is not glamorous, it is learning on the go, making mistakes,fixing them and showing up everyday.
What’s your unpopular opinion about Nigeria-whether it’s about work, people, or just living here?
Ah, this will be that Nigeria doesn’t lack talents, we only lack structure for these talents.
We really don’t lack potential but we just don’t have that system that allows us to thrive. And this can be very frustrating.
You recently celebrated your sister’s wedding — congrats again! How did that season feel, especially with Nigeria’s obsession with marriage timelines?.
Hahaha, thank you so much. It’s already been one month.
Honestly, that time was hectic—from planning right up to the execution—especially since we had to travel all the way to Akwa Ibom. Still, it was a sweet experience too.
Well, thankfully, Nigeria’s obsession with the marriage timeline had little or no effect, mainly because of the parents of both families. At some point, money was the only constraint.
You’re an Arsenal fan — why this loyalty despite all the heartbreak and near-misses?
Hahaha, this wasn’t expected at all.
Well, it is not just football for me; it’s faith, patience, and hope all rolled into one.
Supporting Arsenal has taught me that loyalty isn’t about loving only when things are perfect — it’s about believing in potential, even when the results don’t always reflect it.
After long workdays and project deadlines, what’s your go-to way to unwind?
So it is either of these: taking myself out to the beach and basking in the silence and freshness of the sea while the water washes over my feet; watching a movie while stuck in bed; or maybe just lying in the arms of either my man or my mum.
What kind of music defines this season of your life right now?
It will be a mixture of soulful, calm and motivational songs that reminds me that I am evolving even when I don’t feel like it. A blend of Afro-soul, soft R&B, and acoustic sounds — the ones that speak peace but still carry purpose.
Share a story about a moment in your life, you will forever cherish?
One moment I’ll never forget was when my elder brother, who never really saw me as the “serious” one, looked at me and said, “I’m proud of you and what you’re doing. I love you.”
Those words meant everything. It felt like he finally saw the person I’d been growing into all along. Since then, we’ve even started working on projects together-something I never imagined years ago.
That moment wasn’t just about validation; it was about connection, growth, and love coming full circle. ❤️
Finally, drop one random, funny, or profound thought that’s been living rent-free in your head lately.
I have two actually; so I will just say them here as the thoughts come:
“Maybe growth isn’t about becoming someone new — it’s about remembering who you were before the world told you otherwise.
“Adulthood is basically figuring things out while pretending you already have.” 😂.This for me is a mixture of confidence and quiet confusion.
What I have been watching…
From one Instagram reel to rediscovering that Spartacus had been added to Netflix, I have found myself binge-watching one of my favorite series of all time.
My favorite not because of the eye candy—even though you can’t turn from it.
It’s my favorite because of the quality of dialogue. I dare say Spartacus stands above all series when it comes to dialogue (Game of Thrones is a close second).
Absent my desires to be called Dominus by my peers...lol, here are some quotables from the series. Tell me if they don’t cause a stirring within you.
Batiatus: “Not every endeavor ends in climax.”
Lucretia: “A fact well known to many women.”
“A man must accept his fate or be destroyed by it.”~~ Batiatus to Spartacus
“That man has fingers in all the proper assholes. He wiggles them, and every one of them shits gold.” ~~ Batiatus
Gannicus: “My attentions were called by pressing matters.”
Spartacus: “Of women... and drink...?”
Gannicus: “Are there any more so?”
“We shall see Roman blood upon fucking snow! Or our own, in glorious death!...We have shown that a trembling hand can become a fist!”--Crixus
“Break word of this and I shall devote fortune to your end.” -- Crassus
“Wine, coin, and cunt — the trinity that moves men to greatness or ruin.
I merely choose to profit from all three.” —Batiatus
What I have been listening to
Anyone who knows me knows how much of a Dave fan I am.
And for the 3rd time in a row, our boy has birthed a masterpiece.
I won’t say much, just listen to it.
The weekend begins here.
POL ASUANA!
EKA YE OBONG!
Arsenal fans are the best motivational speakers.
They'll do better than Hormozi and co😭😂