Interview | 5 Questions for Jessica Oku, the New treasuryXL Expert

INTERVIEW

What inspired you to pursue a career in treasury, and how has your journey evolved over the years?

I was drawn to treasury because of its critical role in managing a company’s financial stability and growth. My interest was first sparked during my time at Guaranty Trust Bank, where I gained hands-on experience in financial analysis and credit risk. Over the years, my journey has taken me from handling commercial banking clients to overseeing treasury operations for large organizations like Seven Up Bottling Company (PepsiCo Bottlers). Each role helped me deepen my expertise in areas like liquidity management, debt optimization, and financial strategy, all of which have shaped my approach today.

You’ve had significant success in optimizing capital and driving financial excellence. Can you share a specific project or achievement that you are particularly proud of?

One achievement that stands out was a capital optimization project I led at Seven Up Bottling Company. We restructured the company’s funding, which resulted in over $1.3 million in savings. The project involved coordinating with banks, internal teams, and rating agencies to ensure our financial strategy aligned with long-term goals. Additionally, I helped reduce finance costs by 40% within just six months of joining the company. This quick win was a result of identifying inefficiencies and renegotiating terms with financial partners.

Treasury management often involves managing risk and making strategic financial decisions. What do you think are the key qualities or skills that make someone successful in this field?

In treasury, success comes down to a few key skills. First, strong analytical abilities are essential for assessing risk and making informed decisions. You also need a deep understanding of financial markets, which allows you to anticipate challenges and stay ahead of changes. Communication is another critical skill, as you often work with different teams and external partners. Ultimately, the ability to connect financial strategies to business objectives is what drives real, lasting success.

In your current role as a Founder and CEO, how do you help professionals and businesses improve their financial decision-making?

At ScaleUp Coaching Inc., I focus on helping businesses make better financial decisions by offering hands-on coaching in cash flow management, capital optimization, and strategic debt planning. I work closely with clients to build solid financial forecasts, business plans, and pitch decks that get results. My coaching style is highly collaborative and data-driven, ensuring that the strategies I provide are customized to each client’s needs. By doing this, I’ve helped many businesses secure funding, reduce costs, and achieve sustainable growth.

Outside of your professional career, you’re also a dedicated family person and enjoy activities like playing Monopoly. How do these personal interests contribute to your approach to leadership and business strategy?

Playing games like Monopoly with my family has actually shaped the way I approach leadership and strategy. Monopoly, for example, mirrors real-world business decisions, like managing cash flow and making strategic investments, which has reinforced my skills in a fun way. It has taught me the value of long-term thinking, patience, and calculated risk-taking, all of which translate into my leadership style and how I help clients grow their businesses. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with my family while keeping my strategic mind sharp.