In 1999, amidst the dawn of a new era for Heidelberg Nigeria, Sir John Onuegbulem, a visionary leader with an adventurous spirit, joined Heidelberg Nigeria, thereby embracing the challenges of pioneering a new chapter in the company’s history. As the National Sales Manager, every day presented a fresh hurdle to overcome according to him, but with tenacity and ingenuity, he swiftly established Heidelberg as a formidable force in the Nigerian printing industry.
Reflecting on his 24 years illustrious career, Sir Onuegbulem takes pride in the freedom he enjoyed at Heidelberg, where innovation was not just encouraged but celebrated. Every challenge was an opportunity to innovate, he reminisces, highlighting his passion for adventure and problem-solving.
Some excerpts from the interview
Q: What was your career trajectory like at Heidelberg Nigeria?
A: Interesting because every day was a new challenge. Heidelberg Nigeria was a new company when I joined in 1999 as a National Sales Manager and working with a new company comes with its own teething challenges but we were able to surmount the challenges within a short time as the company was well positioned and I spent 24years before retirement
Q: Reflecting on your career, what aspect are you most proud of and what are the lessons learnt that you will like to pass to the next generation?
A: I had a lot of freedom at Heidelberg to come up with ideas to aid my work as every day comes with its own new challenge and you must find a solution to surmount such challenge and that to me is interesting as I like adventures.
Q: Could you point out one major challenge and how you surmounted it?
A: In 2008 one significant challenge arose during the global economic meltdown. Despite securing numerous orders for equipment at the drupa exhibition, financial constraints threatened to derail my efforts when we got back, the people that placed the orders could not provide the funding for orders placed, we were able to help about three people find funding but the ones that were not strong enough became a challenge to us. How do you book an order in drupa and everybody celebrated and at the end you were unable to execute the transaction, that was a big challenge for me.
Q: What are your immediate retirement plans?
A: I have done graphics and printing all my life, I intend to focus on print consultancy and mentoring, I am inspired by a desire to nurture the next generation of industry leaders by giving back to share my knowledge and experience with aspiring professionals. Most times, when I visit the department of Printing Technology at Yaba College of Technology and I see their level of development, it is quite appalling and I intend to give back to the younger generation through mentoring
Q: How do you intend to stay connected with emerging trends in the printing and graphics sector?
A: Remaining abreast of emerging trends is paramount. The only way to remain current is by following trends. I belong to many printing organizations both local and at the international level and that keeps me abreast of latest happening in the printing and graphics world.
Q: For someone approaching retirement age, what advice will you give to such a person?
A: Meticulous planning, family stability, prioritizing health, and prudent financial investments are essential for a seamless transition into retirement. Start planning at least five years to your retirement. You have to make sure your home front is stable so that when you retire, you will have a seamless transition from work to home. I advise people as you are working look after your family. Also think about your health and have a personal health insurance and also a hospital where you have a retainer-ship, the third one is to think about how to make extra income, an investment plan to support your retirement benefits
Q: What is your secret for your healthy look at this age?
A: A balanced lifestyle. Reduce your stress level, maintain a healthy diet, regular exercise, and be contented
Q: Are there anything you will like to share with us?
A: Looking at the printing industry, a lot of people have entered the panic mood since 2017 as the industry keeps going down, it’s a global problem not peculiar to the Nigerian printing industry alone. My advice to people is that it has happened before, printing industry is going through reformation, it happened between 1982 and lasted to 1984, but the industry will bounce back
