Imagine waking up expecting a routine workday, only to be handed the highest leadership position in your company. For most people, this would sound like a scene from a movie, but for Abdulrazaq Abeeb, an accounting intern, it became his reality.

In September 2025, an unexpected shift happened at Iwelabi Consulting Limited (ICL). The Principal Partner, Mr. AbdulQudus Adebowale, temporarily stepped away from his role and rather than choosing a senior manager appointed a young team member to take his place for one week.

We sat with him to learn more about what it was like to lead the firm, make major decisions, and sit (even briefly) in the top seat.

Interview

Hello Abeeb, how are you doing today?
I’m doing great, and you?

Very well, thank you. Can you briefly introduce yourself and share your main role at Iwelabi Consulting?
Thank you for the opportunity. My name is Abdulrazaq Abeeb. I’m a First-Class Accounting graduate from Federal University Oye-Ekiti, an Associate Accounting Technician, and a qualified Chartered Accountant. Over the years, I’ve gained experience in corporate reporting, tax audit engagements, and financial analysis, working with both Nigerian and UK clients.

At Iwelabi Consulting Ltd, I currently serve as an Accounting Intern. I support the preparation of monthly and quarterly financial statements, collaborate with senior tax managers during tax audits, and work as part of the ICL Reconciliator Support Team.

Before you were appointed as Acting Principal Partner, what were your initial thoughts about the position?
I saw the role as one tied to a lot of responsibilities and requiring a high level of expertise and capability.

How did you feel when Mr. AbdulQudus handed you the role?
When he gave me the role of Acting Principal Partner, I felt deeply honoured and a bit surprised. It was something I thought I’d experience much later in my career. The trust he placed in me boosted my confidence but also reminded me of the weight of leadership. That mix of excitement and responsibility made me take the role very seriously.

What was your general experience serving as the Principal Partner for one week?
My week as Acting Principal Partner was intense and rewarding. I was involved in client engagements, partnership discussions, product strategy meetings, and difficult decisions,  like resolving client misunderstandings and managing salary payments under foreign exchange risks.

Beyond the technical work, I learned a lot about leadership, active listening, communication, managing emotions, and making timely decisions. The experience reshaped how I see responsibility and gave me the confidence that I can lead even under pressure.

How did it feel stepping into Mr. AbdulQudus’s shoes?
It was both humbling and stretching. I began to understand the weight of leadership, guiding the team, making tough calls, and representing the firm. At first it felt overwhelming, but as the days went by, I grew more confident. I realised leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about listening, learning fast, and making decisions that move the firm forward.

Were there any major challenges during that period?
Yes. At the beginning, I struggled a bit transitioning from taking instructions from senior management to being the one giving directions.

What key lessons did you learn from serving as Acting Principal Partner?

• Leadership is about service, responsibility, and accountability, not titles.
• Effective communication and emotional intelligence matter a lot, especially with clients and sensitive issues.
• Team collaboration multiplies results. I achieved more because my colleagues worked closely with me.
• When trust is given, you must honour it with diligence and wise decisions.
  

How has this experience influenced your perspective on leadership and management?
It changed my understanding completely. I now see that leadership is more about creating clarity, listening, and making decisions that serve both the people and the organisation. Management requires balancing strategy with empathy, whether resolving client issues, guiding a team, or making financial decisions under pressure. True leadership means taking responsibility while empowering others to perform at their best.

Would you like to take on more leadership opportunities at ICL in the future?
Yes, I would love to.

If you were given the Principal Partner role permanently, how would you respond and approach it?
I’d feel deeply honoured by the trust, but I would approach it with humility, responsibility, and a sense of ownership. My first step would be to listen and learn even more from the team and clients because leadership is about understanding before acting.

I would then focus on sustainable strategies, expanding our client base, strengthening the ICL Reconciliator, and enhancing our culture of collaboration and excellence. My approach would be guided by service, accountability, and a drive to make a measurable impact.

Finally, what motivational words do you have for young professionals aiming for big roles in an organisation?
My advice to young professionals is to prepare before the opportunity comes. Build your skills, be consistent, be visible, and take every small responsibility seriously because that’s what earns trust. Don’t be afraid of big roles when they come; see them as platforms to learn and serve, not just titles. And remember, true leadership is about humility, accountability, and the courage to keep growing, no matter the challenge.

It was great having a chat with you and getting firsthand insight into your experience as the Acting Principal Partner at ICL.

Thank you for having me.