Starting my career as an HR intern fresh out of school, I had no prior knowledge of HR and wasn't sure where to begin. Meeting Gabriel changed everything. He didn't just become my mentor, he became a friend and guide who patiently walked me through the complexities of the HR world.

One of my earliest memories was how Gabriel entrusted me with the responsibility of onboarding new hires. He guided me step by step, building my confidence and helping me succeed. Over time, he gradually introduced me to more challenging tasks, from managing projects to working directly with senior leaders. Each opportunity pushed me to grow faster than I ever thought possible.

What truly stands out about Gabriel's mentorship are the life-changing lessons he imparted. He taught me the importance of paying attention to detail, putting passion and energy into my work, and always striving for excellence. I vividly remember him saying, “Even if it means burning the midnight oil to achieve perfection, do it!” That philosophy has stayed with me ever since.

Even after leaving Nigerian Breweries, Gabriel's influence what I call the "Gab Effect"—continues to guide me. Today, as a Talent and Learning Advisor with TSL Metroline, I still apply the lessons I learned from him; lead with passion, take ownership, and aim for greatness in everything you do.

Gabriel's mentorship didn't just shape my career; it transformed my mindset. For that, I will always be deeply grateful.

Sena Hundeyin

Talent and Learning Advisor, TSL Metroline

I'm grateful to have had Gabriel's guidance and mentorship throughout my career journey. His support was instrumental in my academic pursuits, particularly during my MBA in Energy and Sustainability. Gabriel's letter of recommendation as a Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) carried significant weight, and I appreciate the time he took to advocate for me.

When I struggled with one of my MBA courses, Gabriel provided valuable insights and guidance on research areas relating to Nigerian Breweries Plc. His expertise and encouragement helped me overcome workplace challenges and successfully transition from a technical role to management.

Gabriel coached me on my career development, which positively impacted my role as a Maintenance Training Manager. His mentorship has been a game-changer in my career, and I appreciate his willingness to pay it forward.

What stands out to me is Gabriel's genuine passion for empowering others. His love for travelling has broadened his understanding of diverse cultures and challenges. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have worked with him and look forward to continuing our professional relationship.

Kevin Okeleke

Process Automation Engineer, Nigerian Breweries Plc (HEINEKEN)

Working with Gabriel Negbenebor was a game-changer for my career. He helped me gain clarity on my long-term goals and provided invaluable guidance on navigating my career path, His insights and encouragement boosted my confidence, and I was able to secure a promotion and take on new challenges that I never thought were possible. I am incredibly grateful for his mentorship and support.

Gabriel has been invaluable in helping me achieve my goals. His guidance and support have been instrumental in my professional growth. He has a unique ability to ask insightful questions that challenge my thinking and help me find innovative solutions. I highly recommend his coaching services.

Gloria Nkemkah

EOE Program Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc (HEINEKEN)

Before working with Gab, I didn't fully grasp the true essence of mentoring and coaching. Gab has an exceptional talent for nurturing growth and development, regardless of your role or organization. He has been a steadfast support through countless work challenges, consistently dedicating time and attention, encouraging me to devise my own solutions. The impact of Gab's mentorship left me feeling empowered and confident, with a newfound sense of potential.

One standout example of his influence was when I joined his team. Initially, I was hesitant about interacting with C-suite stakeholders. However, thanks to Gab's insightful coaching, I soon found myself leading significant projects and presenting to directors regularly. His guidance truly transformed my professional trajectory.

Chidera Dimude

Global Head of Performance & Talent, Wise, United Kingdom

When I joined Nigeria Breweries PLC as a corp member, I was eager but uncertain about how to navigate the corporate world. It was during this time that I met Mr. Gabriel Negbenebor, who was the HRBP at the time. From our very first interaction, his presence was both reassuring and inspiring. He didn't just see a fresh graduate trying to find his footing; he saw potential and was determined to nurture it.

Under his mentorship, I gained more than just professional skills—I developed confidence, clarity, and a deep understanding of how to bring value to an organization. He guided me through challenges, helping me transition from being a corpmember to becoming a full-time employee with a sense of purpose and direction. His approach wasn't just about work; it was about growth, character, and long-term vision.

Today, as I look back on that journey, I realize how pivotal his mentorship has been in my career. Through his guidance, I not only gained relevance in the business world but also the courage to embrace new opportunities. Now, I am proud to say I have transitioned to Johnson & Johnson, where I serve as a Maintenance Specialist. This new chapter in my life is a testament to the solid foundation he helped me build—a foundation of resilience, excellence, and adaptability.

Mr. Gabriel Negbenebor didn't just mentor me; he set me on a path to discover my own greatness. For that, I will always be grateful.

Jonathan Oise Asekhamen

Maintenance Specialist, Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicine, Netherlands

Gabriel's professional guidance over the past three years has been pivotal to my career. In my first six weeks as a new professional, I found myself grappling with a major identity crisis in the workplace—an experience that could have derailed my career before it even began. Gabriel stepped in, providing not just practical tools for personal branding but also a mentoring relationship that instilled confidence and clarity in my professional identity.

Through his mentorship, I've been able to navigate complex workplace dynamics, establish a strong personal brand, and achieve purposeful growth. His ability to truly listen, understand my unique situation, and offer tailored, actionable advice has made all the difference.

Gabriel is more than just a coach or mentor—he's a catalyst for purposeful growth, ensuring follow-through and real results. I wholeheartedly recommend Career-Opt Inc. to anyone seeking transformative career support.

Ogechi Amonu

Process Improvement Specialist, Nigerian Breweries Plc (HEINEKEN)

Gabriel's style was supportive and personally tailored, offering guidance that felt more like coaching than a traditional mentor-mentee relationship. He was instrumental in helping me recognize my strengths—insights that proved invaluable in shaping my career.

One of his most significant contributions was identifying precisely when I needed additional support and thoughtfully matching me with the right mentor who could guide me further. Through this mentorship, I was able to organize my thoughts, refine my plans, and establish a well-structured path toward achieving both my short-term and long-term goals.

The timing and suitability of this mentor were spot-on, reflecting Gabriel's ability to provide personalized, perfectly timed recommendations tailored to individual career needs. Thanks to his intentional leadership and unwavering commitment, I gained the confidence, clarity, and connections necessary to excel in my professional journey.

Akindamola Akinola

Management Consultant, BCG Chicago, USA

Hello Reader,

You are probably reading this because you have decided to take a very crucial and important step in your career — Mentoring/Career consultation.

As a beneficiary of this service, I can tell you that mentoring changed my career/corporate perspective. Let's get into the story.

Back in 2023, I was opportuned to have worked with Gabriel as part of my work experience internship programme. This was my first major corporate job and I didn't know what to expect, but it was definitely getting handed a lot of opportunities to prove myself, which till today, I am grateful for.

I wouldn't say it was all rosy, definitely had my "holy grail" mistake moments, lack of enthusiasm and roadblocks for problem solving — just to name a few.

What kept me going/motivated? Having a boss that did not accept giving up, who constantly pushes and stretches you to give more

I'd stop here so that I don't give away all my sacred tips. But hear this, you are at the right place. Get ready to elevate your mind, prospects and most importantly yourself. Wishing you the best of luck from this end.

Fehintoluwa Soyinka

Forensics (Ethics Operations), KPMG

Gabriel coached me at different times for adjustment into leadership in the corporate world by discussing the different approaches to be used in different scenarios while working at an High Performing Organisation (HPO) like Heineken, especially after coming straight from the oil and gas industry and subsequently, the shop floor; he was instrumental in my blending in.

As a result, I was better able to approach challenges and people in the work place.

Chidobe Akonye

Operations System Support Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc (HEINEKEN)

Gabriel Negbenebor is an exceptional leader who consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to supporting and developing the careers of the people he led while in Nigerian Breweries.

Throughout my time of working with him, I witnessed his remarkable ability to create an environment where individuals feel empowered, valued, and motivated to succeed whether through one-on-one coaching, actionable feedback, or meaningful conversations about career aspirations. His leadership approach is grounded in effective communication and a genuine desire to see his team thrive and reach their full potential.

Gabriel excels as a coach and mentor, tailoring his guidance to everyone's strengths and goals. He takes his time to understand the unique aspirations of his team members, providing constructive feedback and actionable insights to help his team professionally. His coaching style not only builds confidence, but also equips team members with the tools needed to overcome challenges and reach new careers heights.

As a leader, he sets a clear vision and leads by example, inspiring his team to align with shared goals while fostering a culture of collaboration and trust. He celebrates successes, encourages innovative thinking, and always willing to roll up his sleeves to support his team during critical moments.

What sets Gabriel apart is his belief in the potential of others. His focus on development goes beyond immediate tasks, as he actively works to prepare individuals for long-term career growth and success.

It has been a privilege to work with Gabriel, as his leadership has been transformative not only for me, but for everyone fortunate enough to be part of his team. He is a leader that leaves legacy of success, growth, and inspiration wherever he goes.

Yemi Akinloye

HR Business Partner, Nigerian Breweries Plc (HEINEKEN)

I was an intern at a company Gabriel worked at and at the time I was very unsure of the direction my life would take. I was still an undergraduate at the university back then. I had a general idea of what I wanted my life to look like but had yet to learn how to go about it. When I met Gabriel, I was very skeptical of sharing my uncertainties and challenges with him even though I had heard great things from co-workers about his mentoring and expertise with career mentoring. But when I eventually opened up, Gabriel was patient with me and was consistent in following up with me. He was also very empathetic with me but still candid with his feedback. He held my hand through choosing a career path; going over my strengths, as well as where and how they would make a difference. He also constantly followed up with me ensuring I never backed down or gave up on any set goal. Looking back now, I realize that a big part of who I am today is because of Gabriel and I know he is such a valuable asset to this generation.

A valuable ideology I learned from Gabriel is “never stop learning and growing”. The outcome of that principle? I am a food scientist who evolved into the tech space starting as a content writer then a digital marketing specialist and now a UI/UX designer. Wild ride but that is it, I have learned that my life stops blossoming when I stop trying or learning and all this is because of Gabriel's mentoring. He has a way of letting you know that every challenge can be taken on and overcome.

Gladys Chunze-Jatau

UI/UX Designer

Gab has always been an inspiration to me while we were colleagues in my current work place, He was also the first staff I encountered when I resumed as for my industrial attachment program.

He guided me to apply in Sales department since I was already working as a third party sales representative in Unilever.

I have had series of promotional interviews within the company and he guided and advised me on how to handle the journey and they were successful

He encouraged and guided me to attain my current role as Territory Sales Manager.

James Dennis Aigbe

Territory Sales Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc (HEINEKEN)

Over 10 years ago, as an intern, I had the privilege of working with Gabriel, and his mentorship left an indelible mark on my career. His guidance, thoughtful advice, and ability to see potential in others were instrumental in shaping my professional journey. Gabriel's insights helped me navigate challenges, clarify my goals, and build the confidence needed to pursue excellence in my field.

What stands out most is his unwavering belief in growth and the way he balances strategic advice with genuine care for personal development.

Celine Nwokeke

Business Systems Analyst, Contego Group, Canada

I first encountered Mr. Gee, as I fondly call him, in 2017. At that time, I was serving as the Procurement Supervisor and in that role, I worked closely with the HR department. It was not long before Mr. Gee noticed my quick execution skills, and he asked me to join his team as the HR Services Supervisor, a position I gladly accepted.

In 2018, I became the Services Supervisor in HR and began having one-on-one discussions with Mr. Gee about my career ambitions. At the time, I was comfortable with my role. However, after several conversations with him, my perspective on my career began to shift. With his guidance, I started to progress in all areas of my career, and within just eight months, I was promoted to HR Supervisor role.

Eight months later, I was called up for interviews for two different roles (HR Support Manager and Order Operations Manager). I was successful in both interviews, and I chose the role of HR Support Manager due to the career conversations I previously had with Mr. Gee. I truly believe my journey in HR is just beginning, and I owe a huge thank you to Mr. Gee for his significant contribution to my journey so far.

Ikenna Eric Eze

Human Resources Support Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc (HEINEKEN)

I have had the privilege of being mentored by Gabriel for over a decade, starting from my undergraduate years when I was unsure about my career path in IT. I worked with Gabriel as an intern during my undergraduate internship. Back then, I faced challenges balancing academic pressures with building practical skills that could prepare me for the professional world. I realized through Gabriel that soft skills are as important as hard/technical skills which I mainly focused on.

Over the years, Gabriel's guidance didn't stop at just career advice, even now, as I navigate the complexities of modern IT environments, he continues to inspire me to aim higher and approach challenges with confidence. He has consistently been a source of wisdom and encouragement in life generally, as we had discussions about different life ideologies in the past. What sets Gabriel apart is his uniqueness and genuine investment in my personal and professional growth. His ability to listen and provide tailored advice has left a profound impact on my career journey. I'm deeply grateful for his mentorship and proud to share how his guidance has shaped my success.

Ayobami Odunlami

IT Analyst, Pace Technical, Canada

I was "trying my best" at work as I termed it but kept having an average performance rating consecutively for 3 years. After one of the performance ratings, I had a chat with Gabriel and he coached me on how I can make my performance stand out. He taught me the power of visibility and intentionality in simple terms, and when I applied it, I came out with an exceed expectations rating and the ball has not dropped till now.

Gabriel is someone I have followed closely from the background. He is a practical individual who possesses a unique ability to identify and cultivate the strengths of others. I have no doubts that he will continue to inspire and uplift those around him.

Nnenna Jennifer Igu-Idika

Shift Logistics Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc (HEINEKEN)

Ever since I joined Nigerian Breweries PLC., Gabriel have taught me what confidence really looks like, he also believed in me even when I wasn't seeing myself. Initially, I was afraid to escalate issues affecting me and my team negatively because of suspected push backs from top management but he showed up and showed me that I can have real conversations with everyone about anything at all without any form of resentment. Thanks for building such confidence in me and also believing in me enough to recommend me for opportunities. This has really been helpful in my career.

Oluwakorede Abiodun

Line Manager - Packaging, Nigerian Breweries Plc (HEINEKEN)

It is rare and uncommon to encounter an individual of Gabriel's caliber. I am honored to be given the chance to share my experience of how his career counselling and coaching helped influence my professional development.

As a member of his team, I had the pleasure of working side by side him on multiple projects & campaigns aimed at boosting employee experience, engagement, development and retention. His mind is a labyrinth of ideas, always spinning, and yet, he is more interested in team wins than in individual praise or spotlights!

One example was how we tackled the development agenda for the Women body in the company. He gave me free reign to design the initiatives to deploy, while supporting with advice and tips to make each initiative a success. All through my time working with him, he provided continuous constructive feedback to support to unlock my full potential, and for the first time in my career journey, I was assigned the highest appraisal rating possible!!!

He took very deliberate steps to nurture my growth by providing me with opportunities to take on challenging projects that not only expanded my skill set but also increased my visibility within the organization. He sets a standard of excellence within the team and supports everyone to live up to it. Some of the leadership nuggets he shared with me, I still share with others to pay it forward.

Gabriel is an exceptional leader who brings immense value time and time again. I am grateful for his mentorship and am confident that others will equally benefit from it as well. He has been a guide, mentor, an unwavering support system, and his input to my growth still yields today even after we have changed teams (and location). I can honestly say that I am confident his interventions in your business/career will yield the desired results.

Ifunanya Onyeananam

Capability Development Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc (HEINEKEN)

My cross functional growth and success in Nigerian Breweries Plc was largely positively influenced by the mentorship and altruistic support of Gabriel. My career journey across Sales, Logistics, Business Support and Planning was super smooth as Gabriel provided an effective proactive guidance. His approach to mentorship was more forward-looking as he consciously and consistently prepared me for mastery of situational dynamics and how to play to win whatever the road brings. Often, I found solace in his words - “it is okay to hope for the best, and plan for the worst”. This was always a fundamental key to my emotional and mental stability especially when the stakes got high, further enabling me to approach issues with the right mindset.

Worthy of mention is Gabriel's easy-to-reach nature and his willingness and openness to provide maximum mentoring and counselling support without time, place or hierarchical boundaries. Also of great impact to me was his uncommon ability to debug and simplify complex issues and situations to enable realistic and sustainable solutions.

Gabriel was instrumental to my eventual success during the lowest point of my career. I visibly struggled and was terrified during my early days as a Business Support Specialist. Gabriel spotted and supported me physically and remotely with the right knowledge, skillset and motivation that helped shape my continuous improvement on the role. Remarkably, I was able to transfer these capabilities to my successor and she has always found them compelling.

While on my growth path, I often find cause to draw from Gabriel's library of knowledge, experience and approach which reliably helps me navigate my course and has consistently delivered the right results.

Francis Amaje

Planning Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc (HEINEKEN)