1. Hi Victor! To start, could you tell us who you are and give an overview of your professional journey?
Ans – My name is Victor I.P Udom, and I am the Marketing and Communications Manager at Ibom Air. When I was born, God gave me two options: become a great storyteller or have a great memory. I can’t remember which I chose. But what I do know is that storytelling has defined my career.
I consider myself a lifelong storyteller who happens to use marketing and communications as my canvas.
My journey began in 2006 with Valucard Nigeria during my NYSC year, followed by a remarkable path through aviation, media, government, real estate, and now aviation again. Many don’t know this, but with IRS Airlines, I actually started out as a cabin crew member. After a year, I asked to join the marketing department. My Managing Director at the time saw the “marketing” in me and gladly obliged. From that moment, my journey in marketing truly took flight.
Since then, I’ve served as Head of Marketing at IRS Airlines, Business Development Manager at Akede Digital Media, M&E Manager at FEYReP in Akwa Ibom, Internal Auditor at the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Head of Copywriting at Sujimoto Construction, Head of Media at Levitikal Group, Corporate Communications Manager at Megamound, and now Marketing & Communications Manager at Ibom Air. Along the way, I also founded BoxStop Media, my own consultancy, serving clients like Nedcomoak, Glenfiddich, Pennek, and Nigeria Distilleries, to mention a few.
At every stage, I’ve sought to create impact—whether by growing brands, building visibility, or connecting businesses to their audiences in meaningful ways.
2. What initially drew you to the field of marketing and brand storytelling?
Ans – I realized early that I was great with words. I started writing copies before I even knew what “copies” were. The ability to use words to shape perception and inspire trust drew me to brand storytelling. Early in my career at IRS Airlines, I saw firsthand the difference a single campaign could make in passenger numbers.
That ability to shape perception and build loyalty sparked something in me. Over time, I realized that brand storytelling is the heartbeat of effective marketing because people don’t just buy products—they buy into stories.
3. Can you share how your educational background prepared you for your career?
Ans – I studied Accounting at the University of Calabar. It gave me structure, an eye for detail, and the ability to back creativity with numbers. But most importantly, it taught me to “account” for every customer because every single one matters.
4. What was the defining moment or inspiration that led you to specialize in corporate communications?
Ans – During my auditing years at the Nigeria Railway Corporation, I realized systems alone don’t carry the day—communication does. Later at Sujimoto Construction, I found my rhythm in telling stories that attracted investors and cemented the company’s luxury positioning. That blend of strategy and storytelling became my signature.
5. You currently serve as Marketing Communications Manager at Ibom Air. What does a typical day look like in this role?
Ans – Each day starts with Ibom Air’s promise of schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service. I review media reports, align with my team, and oversee campaigns that strengthen our voice across channels. Some days are spent managing partnerships, others brainstorming with the team. No two days are the same, but every day is about ensuring our passengers trust us enough to keep choosing us.
6. How did your journey lead you to your role at Ibom Air, and what unique challenges do you face in aviation marketing compared to other industries?
Ans – My first taste of aviation was at IRS Airlines, so returning to the skies with Ibom Air feels like a full-circle moment. Aviation marketing is unique because you’re not just selling a ticket—you’re selling trust. And in this new age where fake news travels faster than a NASA X-43, brands often find themselves battling on multiple fronts. The challenge is clear: build trust, tell the truth, and maintain consistency—because in aviation, reputation is as critical as safety.
7. Can you walk us through a recent project or campaign at Ibom Air that you are particularly proud of?
Ans – One campaign I’m especially proud of was our 6th anniversary project for first-time flyers. We selected six people who had never flown before and gave them an all-expenses-paid weekend getaway in Uyo, Lagos, and Calabar. Seeing the joy on their faces as they were onboard for the very first time was priceless. Beyond being a campaign, it was a human story—and it captured what aviation is truly about: connecting people and making dreams possible.
8. You also founded BoxStop Media. What inspired you to start it, and how has that entrepreneurial experience shaped your career?
Ans – BoxStop Media was born out of my desire to give smaller brands a bigger stage. I saw many businesses with rich stories but no strategy to tell them. Over the years, we’ve worked with small clients, but of course, we’ve also done some work for the heavyweights—creating campaigns that elevated their brands. Running BoxStop made me more resilient and sharpened my understanding of what businesses truly need—not just visibility, but equity.
9. Can you share a moment in your career that challenged you unexpectedly and how you overcame it?
Ans – Transitioning from public service in Akwa Ibom to the high-speed demands of Sujimoto was a shock to the system. The pace and expectations were worlds apart. It took me a bit of time to adjust, then muscle memory took over. I also leaned on mentors, stayed curious, and was willing to experiment. That season taught me adaptability, a skill that continues to serve me well today.
10. Finally, what advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build a career in marketing and communications?
Ans – First, embrace storytelling—it’s the secret sauce. Second, be endlessly curious; the industry evolves daily. Third, balance creativity with accountability. Ideas are only as good as the results they deliver. And finally, build resilience. This field go test you o, but no panic.