IFEOMA WILLIAMS Image Consultant And Lawyer

Ifeoma Williams is a trained lawyer who was called to The Nigerian Bar in 2002 and now runs The Civility Institute, a Communications, Life Skills Development and Brand company.

Her very impressive resume shows that she has worked across different sectors, including finance, entertainment, media, telecommunications and oil and gas. One of the many hats that Willams wears is public speaking; however, she is more known in the creative space as an Image Consultant, and that aspect of her job has stolen the spotlight. For this reason, she made our list of the Legally Creative bunch.

The question of why Ifeoma ditched the legal profession for a career in image consulting started during her days as a practicing lawyer when she found herself looking at people's outfit. She shares the details in this interview and her thoughts on whether it is a good idea to study a professional course and later pursue your passion or ditch the professional course and chase your passion.

Why did you decide to hang your wig for the image consult industry?

Interestingly, I had become a “people watcher” in court. My focus shifted from my actual business in court to how people “presented” themselves. I am convinced that it matters not what you say but how you say it, especially in advocacy as a lawyer. Your ability to communicate effectively through all the mediums open to human interaction and engagement, from appearance through to behaviour and eventually speaking, is what sets you apart. I finally discovered and realised that there is an actual profession in helping people put their best foot forward. The more important point to note for me is the impact; it was the late great author and poet Maya Angelou who said, and I quote– “People will forget what you said, people may forget what you do, but people will never forget how you make them feel.” To this end, the greatest impact that you can have on another is a positive memory of you. My profession actually makes for better people and a much better world. It cuts deeper than apparel.

Would you encourage your kids, relatives or even younger people to study a professional course and then follow their dreams, or do you think it’s a waste of time? For sure! If I were to do it again, I would study law again. It is by far the greatest foundation for just about any sphere or industry. It prepared me adequately.

Do you ever wonder what or where you would be if you stuck with your legal degree as your profession? By now, I would definitely be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN), and I say this with utmost humility.

Does your degree come in handy sometimes during your work?

Most definitely. As I mentioned earlier, it is my solid foundation. Advocacy and public speaking are cousins, so you see that my background in law, particularly with the English language as a required tool, serves me well as an executive coach and image consultant. This is one of many benefits. Another almost obvious one is legal documentation for proper engagement, as well as regulation and compliance requirements for my business.