C.M. Okonkwo's Blog: Everything Literature, page 3

Inspector Osbourne Investigations - Week 4

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 4 of the Inspector Osbourne Investigations
#Friday #September #TGIF
Every Choice Has a Consequence
From the murderer to the inspector, Hotel Room Murder reminds us that every choice has weight. Some characters made tiny compromises that spiraled into life-changing consequences. Others ignored early red flags, only to pay the price later.
In organizations, it’s no different. Employees are free to make choices — but no one is free from the consequences. Culture must make that clear. Accountability is not punishment; it’s the recognition that decisions shape outcomes for everyone.
👉 The workplace lesson: Choices may be free, but consequences aren’t. Responsibility is non-negotiable.
#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.
Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo
#Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Inspector Osbourne Investigations - Week 3

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 3 of the Inspector Osbourne Investigations
#Friday #September #TGIF
When Teams Crack Under Pressure
A hotel murder isn’t just a test for the inspector — it’s a pressure cooker for the suspects. Under interrogation, alliances crumble. Friends turn on friends. Lies unravel. Everyone scrambles to protect themselves, even if it means throwing others under the bus.
Organizations under pressure often look the same. When targets are unrealistic or leadership rules with fear, teamwork collapses. Colleagues stop collaborating and start competing, hoarding information, or shifting blame.
👉 The workplace lesson: Resilient teams aren’t built in crisis — they’re built in safety. Trust and psychological safety must be nurtured long before the pressure hits.
#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.
Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo
#Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Inspector Osbourne Investigations - Week 2

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 2 of the Inspector Osbourne Investigations
#Friday #September #TGIF
The Bias of the Investigator
Even Inspector Osbourne, sharp as he is, battles bias. In Hotel Room Murder, his first instincts about the guilty party are shaped by assumptions — about background, about appearance, about reputation. Those biases almost steer him in the wrong direction. 
Leaders do the same. In recruitment, performance reviews, or conflict resolution, bias creeps in silently. We “trust” certain profiles more. We give the benefit of the doubt to those who look or sound like us. But bias clouds judgment and sabotages fairness.
👉 The workplace lesson: HR must recognise, check, and train against bias. Fairness isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of trust.
#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.
Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo
#Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Inspector Osbourne Investigations - Week 1

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 1 of the Inspector Osbourne Investigations
#Friday #September #TGIF
When High Performers Break The Rules
In Hotel Room Murder, one of the suspects is known for brilliance. They get results. They always seem to be one step ahead of everyone else. But beneath the charm and talent lies a troubling truth: their success often comes at the expense of ethics. Corners are cut, rules are bent, and others clean up the mess.
Sound familiar? Every workplace has the “star performer” whose numbers impress but whose behaviour undermines trust. HR’s toughest task isn’t just hiring great talent but ensuring that performance doesn’t excuse misconduct.
👉 The workplace lesson: Protect culture over short-term wins. A rule-breaking star is not an asset, they’re a liability in disguise.
#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.
Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo  #Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

5 Series, 5 Months Campaign - Intro to Series 2

Dear readers,

#Because my 45th book launches this month. Not the age 😁
#September #NewMonth #NewBook
Faced With Murder — the third Inspector Tunde Osbourne case — drops on 28th September 2025. Packed with twists, drama, and suspense, it just might be his toughest case yet.
Description: A distressed woman reports a mysterious pregnancy after a massage session, and Inspector Tunde Osbourne is reluctantly drawn into the case, hoping to close it before the day ends. But what begins as a routine inquiry quickly unravels into a web of evasive employees, vanished records, and a secret strong enough to shatter reputations. When the trail leads to a confrontation that could end in murder, the inspector must decide how far he is willing to go for the truth.
So this month’s 5 Series, 5 Months spotlight is The Inspector Tunde Osbourne Investigations — following Lagos’ finest detective through crimes (especially murders).
The first published book, Hotel Room Murder (written in 2020, longlisted for the Quramo Writers’ Prize the same year, and published in 2021), wasn’t actually the first I wrote. That honour goes to Murder On Site (written in 2018, published in 2023), inspired by my time in a construction company, where I quickly learned how easily a body could be hidden on site 😅. I held it back at first, rewriting it until the story felt accessible, understandable, and relatable beyond the industry.
Hotel Room Murder came after long hours of searching for an unpredictable plot, and when it finally hit me, even I was wowed! In this story, Inspector Osbourne teams up with one of my private investigators, and together, they crack the case. Grab a free copy of Hotel Room Murder HERE and join me as Fiction meets Function this Friday.
#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo #Like #Comment

#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

5 Series, 5 Months Campaign - Week 5

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 5 of the 5 Series, 5 months Campaign!
#Friday #August #TGIF
What to learn about Performance Reviews from a Fictional Marriage Plot
Performance reviews in 'Dim Noo Abroad' come in the form of gossip, reputation, and public image.    No one evaluates based on actual connection or effort — only on who appears most “married.”
In workplaces, when reviews focus on surface-level results or popularity instead of process and values, trust erodes and bias thrives.
✅ Evaluate people for what they contribute, not what they claim.📖 Read the free story that inspired this HERE.📅 Join me next Friday for our next fiction-meets-function feature! The new Series will be revealed on 1st September. Stay tuned!
#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.
Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo  #Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

PS: If you missed last week's episode, click HERE.

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Work Hard, Play Hard: Team Lessons from Abeokuta

Dear readers,

#Because it’s been a month since our office retreat.

#Work #Retreat #August

In the spirit of 'Fiction Meets Function', I wanted to share a few reflections from our unforgettable experience at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta.

#OOPL is more than a serene and relaxing destination; it’s a vault of knowledge, history, and inspiration. The perfect backdrop to unwind, reconnect, and reflect as a team.
When you work with a dedicated, hardworking, and genuinely friendly team, extraordinary things happen. The retreat proved this and more. Nearly everyone was present, and to those who stayed back to keep the engine running, know that you’re seen, appreciated, and your moment will surely come.
The children who joined us, including my son, had such an amazing time that they didn’t want to leave. That speaks volumes about the kind of culture we’re building: one that values not just employees, but the families that support them too.
They say “work is work and not family”, but when you’re surrounded by a boss who leads with head, heart, and humour, and colleagues who are as fun as they are focused, the line truly begins to blur. For many of us, this workplace feels like home.
At our first Town Hall of the year, I had the privilege of leading the HR & You session on workplace culture and policies. The biggest takeaway? Work hard, play hard — because that’s how we sustain balance.
As part of that session, we also inaugurated our Play Committee: a group dedicated to planning fun and engaging activities. They absolutely delivered! Special shoutout to our HR & Admin intern, who continues to go above and beyond to get things done.
And yes — my son, a few brave colleagues, and I made it all the way to the top of Olumo Rock 😎. What better way to crown such a memorable retreat?
Lessons & HR Insights:-Work-life balance is culture in action, not theory. When people see both hard work and play encouraged, they thrive.
-Shared experiences outside the office fuel stronger collaboration inside it. Retreats are investments, not extras.
-Inclusivity strengthens belonging. When families feel welcome, employees feel more connected.
-Empower interns and young talent. Give them ownership, and they’ll surprise you with leadership.
-Leadership by example matters. A boss who leads with humour and heart sets the tone for the entire team.
Looking ahead, I’m excited for what’s to come!
#BurgerKing #Kinglace #Allied #WowCreamery #TeamSpirit #WorkLifeBalance #OOPL #RetreatReflections
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
Literarily Yours,
CMO.

Guinness World Record - Nigeria Reading Marathon

Dear readers,

#Because Nigeria is beating a Guinness World Record!
#Reading #NigerianBook #August  Yesterday evening, I stopped by to cheer on the Read Aloud Team, who have been reading books by Nigerian authors since August 12th. Their goal is to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Reading Aloud by a Team, while also raising awareness for literature and literacy.
So far, they’ve surpassed 365 hours, and they’re still going strong! 📚🔥
I’m delighted to have donated books, and excited that they’ll also be reading my novel, Murder On Site.
You can join the livestream here:
Website:https://naijareadfest.ng/index.php?pa...
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/live/VAQka2i7...
To learn more about our literacy campaign, please visit:https://www.naijareadfest.ng
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

5 Series, 5 Months Campaign - Week 4

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 4 of the 5 Series, 5 months Campaign!
#Friday #August #TGIF
Validation, Titles, and The Trap of Empty Promises
In the book, many of the women stay stuck in toxic “relationships” with men abroad they barely know, just for the prestige of the title: “married.”

It’s the same in many organizations: people cling to titles and roles that no longer serve them, just to feel important.

HR must create cultures where impact is valued more than appearance, and real connection trumps fake recognition.
#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.
Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo  #Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

PS: if you missed last week's episode, click HERE.

Literarily Yours,
CMO.

5 Series, 5 Months Campaign - Week 3

Dear readers,

#Because it's Week 3 of the 5 Series, 5 months Campaign!
#Friday #August #TGIF
What the Western Union Scene teaches about Team Loyalty
In one of my favourite scenes in Dim Noo Abroad, several women gather at a Western Union office, each waiting to collect money from her husband abroad.
What unfolds isn’t just comedy, it’s a test of truth, loyalty, and hidden power dynamics. Who really trusts who? Who’s faking it to keep up appearances?
In leadership, just like in friendship, the people closest to you may not be rooting for you.
#Read #Learn #Grow#People. #Culture. #Strategy.#Travel #Through #Stories with #CMOsphere.
Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between... discover books by #Author #CMOkonkwo  #Like #Comment #Share
#Writing #Writer #Author #Reader #Bookworm #Storyteller #Daydreamer #TimeTraveller #WritingMachine #Process #Skill #Goals #AuthorCMO #CMO
#KeepSafe #PleaseShare #ThankYou

PS: if you missed last week's episode, click HERE.

Literarily Yours,
CMO.