Paul Disi, popularly known as DC, is a vibrant Part 3 Business Administration student at OAU who wears multiple hats with ease. As the Class Representative for his department and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the National Association of Business Administration Students (NABAS), Paul has mastered the art of connecting people, coordinating activities, and keeping everyone informed and engaged.
Beyond his leadership roles, he’s a self-proclaimed foodie, a music enthusiast, and a proud Catholic. In this edition of Personality of the Week, we explore Paul’s journey of growth, his passion for leadership, and how he balances it all with a smile.
In today’s Spotlight edition, we’re thrilled to feature Paul Disi, a dynamic leader, music lover, and food enthusiast who’s making a significant impact in the Department of Business Administration at OAU.
Paul, affectionately known as DC, currently serves as the Class Representative for Part 3 Business Administration—a role he proudly declares as the ‘best class in the department’—and as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NABAS. In both positions, he’s become the bridge between students and faculty, ensuring smooth communication, organizing events, and fostering a sense of community among his peers.
But Paul’s story isn’t just about leadership. It’s about passion, connection, and the ability to find joy in the little things—whether it’s savoring good food, vibing to great music, or serving his faith. Join us as we dive into his journey of growth, the challenges he’s overcome, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
In the spotlight with Paul Disi
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Paul Disi (pronounced DC). I’m a Catholic, a big music lover, and a foodie—I never pass up good food! 😆 I currently serve as the Class Representative for Part 3 Business Administration – the best class in the department 😌 and also as the Public Relations Officer of our Departmental Association. In both roles, I get to connect with people, coordinate activities, and make sure everyone stays informed and engaged.
Can you share a brief overview of your leadership journey from 100 level to your current role?
Sure! My leadership journey started in 100 level when my coursemates voted me as the Class Representative. It was my first major leadership role, and it taught me how to manage class affairs, communicate effectively, and ensure things ran smoothly.
That same year, I also joined the Sales & Registration Committee for IAS 6.0, where I got hands-on experience with event coordination. I was also a member of the Department Constitution Drafting Committee, where I worked with others to lay the foundation for the Departmental association’s structure (NABAS).
In 200 level, I took on more responsibilities. I became the Academic Chairman for my class, helping to organize academic activities and ensure my classmates had access to resources.
I also joined the NABAS Academic Committee, where I contributed to academic initiatives for the association. Around that time, I was also the Head of Publicity for IBAC 1.0, which gave me a deeper understanding of publicity and engagement.
Now in 300 level, I still serve as the Class Representative and also as the Public Relations Officer of NABAS. I lead The Business Insight, our department’s publicity team, where I oversee content creation and keep students informed. My leadership journey hasn’t been a straight path, but each role has helped me grow, step out of my comfort zone, and take on new challenges.
Can you describe a moment when you made a significant impact on newly admitted students?
One moment that stands out for me was when I took it upon myself to help newly admitted students who resumed late with their faculty and departmental registration, I saw how stressful and confusing it was for them, so I decided to step in.
Sometimes, it was tiring and not convenient, but I kept going because I knew it would make things easier for them. Aside from that, I also organized tutorials to help them understand their courses and prepare for exams.
I know how hard it can be to struggle with schoolwork, and I didn’t want them to feel that way. Seeing them become more confident and settle in made all the effort worth it.
What skills have you developed in this role that you believe will be valuable beyond university life?
Definitely emotional intelligence—lol, I’m still working on it, but I know it will help me work better with people in the future. Learning to understand others, stay patient, and manage different situations has been a big part of this role.
Also, my communication skills have improved a lot. I’ve learned when to talk, when to listen, and when to take action. These skills will definitely be useful beyond university, whether in the workplace or in everyday life.
Every leadership role comes with its challenges. What has been the toughest part of being a PRO, and how did you handle it?
One of the toughest parts of my role has been working on the monthly departmental designs. I’m not a great designer, and I don’t want to give my association substandard designs.
But thankfully, an angel sent from God—Hezekiah—has always been there to help, even when it’s not convenient for him. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without him.
Another challenge for me is getting to know and relate with all the students in the association. As the PRO, I believe it’s important to connect with the people I represent, but it’s not always easy. Some students don’t reply to messages, and others don’t want to engage. It can be frustrating, but I keep trying because building that connection is important.
Public relations is about managing perceptions. How do you handle situations where your efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated?
What keeps me going is knowing that my actions are making a positive impact on the people I lead. That alone is enough motivation for me to keep doing my best.
When my efforts go unnoticed or I face criticism, I take a step back to analyze the situation. If I’m wrong, I learn from it. But when it’s just destructive criticism—especially from people I work closely with or hold in high regard—it’s tough. In those moments, I pray for wisdom to handle things the right way because, honestly, it hasn’t always been easy.
Despite all that, I remain committed to my role. One of the reasons I wanted to become an executive (PRO) was to serve, and that’s exactly what I intend to do. I’m not here for the accolades—I’m here to serve. And I believe God sees everything, both the good and the bad, so I always try to stay on His good side, lol.
How have you maintained your passion and effectiveness throughout your years of service?
Omo! It hasn’t always been easy. There have been highs and lows, and honestly, I’m still figuring things out. But through it all, I thank God, I’ve tried to stay focused and keep pushing to be as effective as I can.
What helps me is reminding myself why I started in the first place—to serve and make a difference. Some days are tough, but knowing that my efforts, no matter how small, are helping people keeps me going. I’m still learning and growing, and I just take things one step at a time.
Have you ever had to make a difficult decision that wasn’t seen but was necessary for the greater good? How did you navigate it?
One difficult decision I made was ensuring that the association’s secretariat is always open by 8 a.m. It’s not officially my duty, but I took it upon myself because I hate seeing students being delayed or left standing outside when they could be inside.
Since I stay off campus, getting to school that early isn’t easy. Sometimes, I even do overnight stays just so I can open the secretariat on time, then leave when other executives arrive, go home to freshen up, and come back to campus.
I’ve done this so much that people now joke that I’ve turned the secretariat into my home, and some even say I overdo it, lol. But honestly, despite the stress, I weirdly enjoy doing it. Knowing that students aren’t stranded makes it worth it.
You’ve become an inspiring figure for many students. Who or what motivates you to keep pushing forward?
Apart from knowing that I signed up for this to serve, the little comments and encouraging messages I get from people go a long way. I won’t even lie—I’m a very emotional person, so words really get to me, lol.
Sometimes, it’s just a simple ‘thank you’ or someone noticing the effort I put in, and that alone gives me the push to keep going. Knowing that, in one way or another, I’m making a difference, no matter how small, keeps me motivated.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to take on a leadership role, what would it be?
Leading people isn’t child’s play—you have to take it seriously. It’s not just about having a title; it’s about responsibility. So, if you’re stepping into leadership, be ready to give it your best and stay committed, even when it gets tough.
How do you see your leadership evolving as you continue to serve, and what areas do you hope to influence further?
Leadership is a continuous learning process, and I know there’s still a lot of room for growth. I want to get better at handling challenges without overthinking too much and improve how I connect with people—especially when it comes to managing my emotions in situations involving those I lead or work with.
Moving forward, I hope to create a system where students feel more involved and heard—not just during elections when aspirants suddenly engage with them to win votes, only to disappear afterward, but throughout the entire session, keeping them informed and actively engaged.
I also want to ensure that the next set of leaders have a solid foundation to build on so that each administration builds upon the progress of the last, rather than starting from scratch. That way, we keep growing as an association, not just repeating the same cycle.
Can you share a particular moment or project as PRO that made you feel especially fulfilled and proud of your contributions?
Okay! This is a good one, lol. Even though my design skills aren’t the best, I took it upon myself to design the association’s letters. After finishing them, I got positive remarks about the designs, and that really made me feel happy and fulfilled.
Also, when I designed the exam timetables for each level and some write-ups, my committee members gave great feedback, which boosted my confidence. There was even a time I designed certificates for a committee, and the head praised the work—I won’t lie, my head was swelling at that point, lol.
But then, after a while, the designs got rejected for reasons best known to the head, and I was told that a new designer would be handling them instead. That part stung a little, but looking back, I’m still proud that my efforts were recognized at some point, and it pushed me to keep improving.
What is one key idea or principle about leadership and service that you feel every student should embrace, and why is it so important to you?
You lead with your head, not just your heart. Making decisions based purely on emotions doesn’t always turn out well, lol. At the same time, always do the best you can in serving people.
This is important to me because the people I lead matter, and they deserve the best leadership possible.
Conclusion
Paul Disi’s journey is a reminder that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about making a difference in the lives of those around you. Whether he’s coordinating class activities, spreading the word as PRO, or simply enjoying a good meal, Paul approaches every task with enthusiasm and dedication.
His ability to connect with people, stay organized, and maintain a positive attitude is what sets him apart as a leader. As he continues to grow and inspire, we can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next.
Thank you, Paul, for sharing your story with us. You’re truly a shining example of what it means to lead with heart and purpose. 🌟
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on BusinessPoint!
