Join us as we delve into the entrepreneurship journey of Jennifer Thompson, a certified Human Resource professional with a passion for enhancing brand experiences. With a successful background in manufacturing and retail, Jennifer brings a unique blend of industry expertise and strategic thinking to her role as the Founder and Head of Brand Experience Consulting at Presi JExperiential. In this article, she shares her journey, challenges, and tips for success in the startup world.
The Start of an Entrepreneurial Journey
Jennifer Thompson's journey from fashion school to discovering her passion for branding and leadership.
Jennifer Thompson's entrepreneurial journey began almost a decade ago, right after her graduation from the University of Lagos. She started by attending a fashion school and gaining valuable experience through internships and various roles in the industry.
During her time at Atafo (formerly called Mai Atafo), Jennifer discovered her true passion for branding, leadership, and working with people. This experience laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
Her curiosity led her to join Deola Sagoe Ltd, where she not only excelled in sales and customer service but also developed a keen interest in understanding how different parts of a company work together. Jennifer's ideas for improving sales and overall customer experiences were appreciated by her bosses, further fueling her desire to make a positive impact.
In 2019, Jennifer noticed a negative trend in retail companies providing poor customer experiences due to toxic work environments and a lack of workforce empowerment. Determined to make a difference, she decided to use her HR and customer experience background to help Nigerian companies address these issues and enhance their brand experiences.
Her journey continued with a special opportunity at Adjoaa, a UK-based company, where she coordinated their Operations Unit and shared her brand expertise on a larger scale. This experience further solidified her passion for improving brand experiences.
Now, as the Founder and Head of Brand Experience Consulting at Presi JExperiential, Jennifer Thompson is committed to helping startups enhance their brand experiences and make a lasting impact.
Empowering Startups through Brand Experience
Why startups often overlook brand experience and how Jennifer Thompson's company, Presi JExperiential, helps bridge this gap.
Startups are known for their innovation and passion for exceptional products, but they often prioritize other aspects over brand experience. Jennifer Thompson and her team at Presi JExperiential have observed this trend and aim to help startups craft strategies and processes that prioritize brand experience as they grow.
Many business leaders and CEOs in Africa overlook the critical aspect of brand experience, focusing more on brand identity and neglecting brand culture. This can lead to underperformance and dissatisfied customers, as employees may not fully understand the brand's vision.
To bridge this gap, Presi JExperiential revamps customer and employee experiences, aligning them with the brand's vision and promise. Their tailored framework offers well-designed strategies and streamlined processes to ensure exceptional brand journeys for all stakeholders.
Presi JExperiential believes that a well-defined brand culture is vital to fulfilling promises to consumers and employees. By improving brand experiences, they help startups meet global standards and create transformative experiences throughout the customer journey.
Tips for Building Competitive and Successful Brands
Key strategies for brands to stay competitive, deliver exceptional experiences, and achieve long-term success.
To stay competitive and successful, brands must prioritize their brand culture and ensure that employees understand and embody the brand's vision. Effective training and efficient service systems can turn employees into brand advocates.
Brands should proactively shape consumer experiences both in-person and digitally, consistently delivering on brand promises. It's essential to compete globally while catering to local preferences and prioritize employee experiences for long-term success and customer satisfaction.
Developing strategies and documented processes that serve both employees and end-users effectively is crucial. However, proper execution is equally important. Brands must have monitoring policies in place to ensure that all initiatives are implemented and adhered to.
By following these tips, brands can build a strong competitive edge and create exceptional brand experiences that resonate with their target audience.
Challenges and Solutions in Branding
The challenges Jennifer Thompson faces in her role and how Presi JExperiential tackles them with tailored solutions.
Leading Presi JExperiential comes with its own set of challenges. CEOs often have a limited understanding of brand experience, client budgets can be tight, and there may be resistance to change in evolving market dynamics.
However, Jennifer Thompson and her team tackle these hurdles head-on by providing tailored solutions, effective communication, talent development, and market readiness. Despite the obstacles, they see great opportunities to enhance brand experiences and drive business growth in Africa.
Presi JExperiential is committed to continuously adapting and finding innovative ways to address the challenges faced by startups and help them thrive in the competitive business landscape.
Empowering Women in Their Careers
Valuable tips for young women to take control of their career journeys and overcome challenges.
Jennifer Thompson believes that young women can take control of their career journeys by researching top companies for experiences and mentorship. Embracing a mission-driven mindset and defining their career mission is crucial for success.
She encourages young women to consider impactful startup opportunities, prioritize continuous learning, and stay updated with industry trends and technology. Challenges may arise along the way, but self-belief, confidence, and a willingness to take risks can lead to success.
When women succeed, it creates more opportunities for others to believe in themselves and achieve their own goals. Jennifer Thompson's journey is a testament to the power of determination and empowerment.
Life Philosophy: Investing in Personal Development
Jennifer Thompson's life philosophy and her commitment to personal development.
Jennifer Thompson's life philosophy can be summed up in the phrase "Life is Business." She believes that just as investing in resources leads to profit in business, investing in personal development leads to personal growth and success.
She applies this philosophy by continuously investing in herself and becoming the best version of who she can be. Jennifer sees personal development as her most valued asset and believes that it is the key to unlocking her full potential.
Her commitment to personal development fuels her passion for helping others and making a positive impact in the world.
