Samuel Ajayi-Obe CA
Samuel Ajayi-Obe CA has a passion for helping businesses and used his CA experience to grow a network of likeminded peers.
I work in the Special Situations group within the Deal Advisory practice at KPMG. After joining, I undertook my training contract and qualified as a Chartered Accountant and now work with under-performing or distressed businesses to improve performance.
Why did you become a CA?
Both my parents trained as accountants, so I knew the length and breadth of career opportunities available, but also the level of work it takes to become one.
Any advice for potential trainees?
Be prepared to work hard and be pushed outside your comfort zone. This is where growth and personal development occurs.
What makes you proud to be a CA?
It’s a globally recognised qualification. It shows you’re hardworking, smart, ambitious and intelligent. And it introduces you to a wide network the moment you sign up with many events organised throughout the year. I attended a lot of these to build and develop my network – I’m still in contact with some of those people today.
Ultimate career goal?
To be a trusted business advisor to private equity and venture capital firms and their portfolio companies. It’s a really fascinating field, some of the problems they’re trying to solve are really interesting – big problems that could have a significant impact on the world.
What do you do to look after your well-being?
Keeping fit and staying healthy. I’ve also started to have “Slow Time” where I take time out of my day to meditate, to listen music without any other stimulants or go for a walk without my phone or any other devices.