Some leaders show up to work.
Others show up to shape. To build something bigger than themselves. To leave things better than they found them. Thelma Anthony, the new CEO of Stellas, is clearly the latter.
With over 16 years of experience in Nigeria’s commercial banking space, Thelma brings a rare mix of expertise and emotional intelligence. Her appointment signals not just a shift in leadership but a shift in thinking toward depth, meaning, and people-first growth.
From her first day, Thelma has made one thing clear: leadership at Stellas is about ownership. She believes when people take responsibility for their work, micromanagement becomes unnecessary. Her goal is to create a culture where everyone feels empowered to drive the business forward.
She describes her vision for Stellas as deeply personal and, of course, more than a job.
With insights drawn from years at different commercial banks, she sees untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. Her excitement isn’t about short-term wins but about nurturing something bold and enduring.
With insights drawn from years at different commercial banks, she sees untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. Her excitement isn’t about short-term wins but about nurturing something bold and enduring.
For her, success isn’t just about financial performance or product expansion. It’s about what people feel when they interact with the brand.
“I want people to experience us, not just bank with us,”
She says—a reflection of her belief that emotional connection drives loyalty.
Thelma leads with empathy and openness, valuing feedback and collaboration. She’s not driven by hierarchy, but by the progress that comes from walking side by side with her team. Over time, her leadership style has evolved. What used to be instinctive is now intentional—each word and decision carrying more weight.
Outside the boardroom, she’s a planner to the core. Though often perceived as bold and flashy, Thelma laughs off the misconception. In reality, she’s meticulous about her finances, often saving multiple times over before spending on herself.
Her leadership lessons began long before her executive career. As a wife and mother of two, she’s learned the power of balance—when to push and when to pause, in what she references as the carrot-and-stick approach. She draws parallels between parenting and people management, believing that the strongest cultures are built on empathy, space, and connection.
Legacy is more than results, it’s how you made people feel.
When Thelma Anthony talks about the end goal, she doesn’t speak in metrics. She speaks in meaning.
“I want to be remembered for bringing about real, positive change. For being strong-willed about what I believe in and fighting for it.
“I want people to say, ‘She made a difference. Not just in the numbers, but in the culture — in how people felt working here. That’s legacy to me.”
And this is just the beginning
At Stellas, we’re building something bold. With Thelma Anthony now leading the charge, it’s not just about where we’re going—it’s how we’re going. Together, with intention.
She’s not just here to lead a team.
She’s here to shape a bank that lives what it stands for.
And we’re ready.