My Office: Segun Oni

My Office provides you with a unique window into a host of careers which our alumni have entered - perhaps a little insight and inspiration to follow in their footsteps too!

Our latest takes us to Lagos in Nigeria, where Segun Oni (Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 1999) is CEO and founder of The Children's Art Gallery - founded in 2022, the gallery is a social enterprise that encourages young people in the arts, especially those from low-income families.

What’s your job now and can you describe your office?

I am Founder and CEO at The Children’s Art Gallery. The gallery offers a blend of playful, creative and professional elements. The gallery is open plan, on two floors with decent wall space and offices on the upper floors.

There are speakers wired into the ceiling, playing gentle uplifting music with something to drink and light snacks available all the time. We have a meeting area for discussions with artists and clients, and storage space for documents and art catalogs. It is a great place to work and the decor reflects the gallery's artistic vision, creating a space that is both functional and inspiring!

Was there one career-defining moment which enabled you to pursue this path?

The Covid-19 pandemic was the one defining moment that made me pursue this path. I had a long-varied career in technology consulting and was travelling a lot. I decided to be more present with my family and nurturing their interests more intentionally.

I was inspired by my son’s love for art. He started to paint a lot and I wanted to encourage him. Very few galleries were interested in carrying work by children artists and so we decided to start one. It has made all the difference to him and more children around the world.

What are the key characteristics you need to run an art gallery?

Having visionary leadership, business acumen and negotiation skills, networking, communication, innovative thinking, problem-solving and good team management.

How would your colleagues describe you?

I think my colleagues will describe me as innovative.

What’s the one thing about your office which you most love?

I love the “Positive Work Culture” which in turn delivers a supportive and inclusive environment where teamwork, respect, and collaboration are nurtured.

And is there anything you could not live without in your office?

Work-life balance. It is important to me to have policies and practices that support a healthy balance between work and personal life, including flexible hours and remote work options.

What’s been the best moment working in your office?

The best moment has been when we received external recognition and appreciation for the work that we do. We all received the award as a team when we won Art Gallery of the Year in Africa at the AFAA Awards in December 2023.

And the most difficult?

Handling financial constraints and navigating financial difficulties, such as budget cuts, fundraising shortfalls, or unexpected expenses, while still trying to maintain the gallery's programs and exhibitions.

Do you have one piece of advice for someone who wants to work in an office like yours?

Network actively. You have to focus on building relationships with artists, collectors, patrons, and other professionals in the business vertical. Networking can open doors to opportunities and collaborations.