Azeez Amida, Former Chief Executive Officer of Pan African Towers, has shared his experience of rebuilding his life and career 16 months after exiting the organisation, highlighting challenges including unpaid severance and personal recovery.
Amida disclosed this in a post shared on LinkedIn, where he reflected on his transition from executive leadership and the emotional, financial and personal realities that followed his departure.
According to him, discussions and legal processes are still ongoing over unresolved severance payments involving Development Partners International and Verod.
He, however, noted that beyond the corporate dispute, the experience had exposed the deeper personal impact of leaving a senior leadership position.
Amida said transitioning from a top executive role was not merely a career change but could trigger an identity crisis, especially when professional titles become closely linked to personal worth and public perception.
He observed that organisations often move on quickly after leadership changes, while affected individuals are left to quietly rebuild their lives and redefine themselves outside their former positions.
The former CEO outlined lessons from his recovery journey, including prioritising emotional healing before reacting to difficult situations, maintaining transparency with family on financial realities, and adjusting lifestyle expectations.
He also advised against pursuing distractions or unrealistic opportunities during vulnerable periods, while emphasising the importance of routines that support mental wellbeing.
According to him, separating personal survival from ongoing disputes and embracing humility are critical parts of rebuilding.
Amida further reflected on society’s tendency to associate relevance and respect with positions rather than character, noting that perceptions can shift rapidly once titles are lost.
Despite the challenges, he said the experience had reinforced the possibility of renewal after major professional setbacks.
He encouraged professionals facing similar transitions to remember that their value is not defined solely by titles or organisations.
“Before any title or organisation became part of your story, you already existed, and if you created value once, you can do it again,” he stated.
Amida’s reflection has sparked conversations online around executive wellbeing, unemployment, mental health, resilience and the need for stronger support systems during career transitions.
