Oluwatobi Taiwo lends voice on WEINHR conference for HR leaders
Oluwatobi James Taiwo (Akinwande) is an accomplished HR leader with over a decade of experience in the Oil & Gas and Technology sectors.
As Head of People, Performance & Culture at Seamfix, she leads talent management across Africa and Europe, aligning organizational goals with employee aspirations.
She is also the convener of the WEINHR Conference and host of the WEINHR Podcast, driving conversations on HR’s evolving role in shaping the future of work.
Oluwatobi James Taiwo
A graduate of King’s College London’s Leadership and People Management program and a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Oluwatobi is passionate about using HR as a force for transformation.
She speaks with Ayo Onikoyi on the WEINHR Conference
What is the WEINHR conference about?
The WEINHR conference is a premier gathering for HR professionals to exchange insights, strategies, and best practices. It’s more than an event—it’s a collaborative platform where industry leaders and HR experts explore how the HR function can evolve and influence the future of work. The conference equips participants with tools, knowledge, and connections to stay ahead of industry trends and drive meaningful organizational change.
There are structures in different organization, why is HR role critical in an organization?
HR serves as the backbone of an organization, connecting its people to business goals. It’s not just about payroll and compliance but about strategically aligning talent with the organization’s mission. HR fosters a strong culture, boosts employee engagement, and ensures the right talent fits the right roles. In today’s dynamic business environment, HR’s ability to adapt, innovate, and support growth is vital to an organization’s competitive edge and long-term success.
You have assembled HR experts to speak on how to transform HR to shape the future of work, don’t you think incentives and salary increments periodically can motivate employees?
While incentives and salary increments are important, they are only part of the equation. Employees increasingly value fulfillment, purpose, and professional growth. A strategic HR approach ensures motivation through a holistic lens—emphasizing career development, recognition, and cultural alignment. The future of work requires creating environments where employees feel valued, empowered, and engaged, which extends beyond financial rewards.
How can we get HR departments right in both small and medium businesses?
For SMBs, building an effective HR function means recognizing HR as a strategic partner, not just a support role. Small businesses should focus on cultivating transparency, collaboration, and continuous learning, establishing processes that grow with the company. Medium businesses should prioritize optimizing recruitment, employee engagement, and performance management. Whether scaling or optimizing, HR must align with the company’s strategy and effectively support both employee needs and organizational objectives.
