Former Big Brother Naija housemate Anto Lecky has spoken about overcoming stereotypes she faced in the workplace because of her reality TV background.
In a video shared on Monday, Anto speaking at an event said, “You do not want to work for a company that does not allow you to prove yourself.”
She explained that women from the show were often wrongly judged. “I was on a reality show. However, many years ago, everyone had this idea that people who go on Big Brother, especially women who go on Big Brother, are going there to sell themselves, and I don’t mean sell themselves professionally, literally sell themselves,” she said.
According to her, such assumptions sometimes make it hard for people to take her seriously in professional spaces. “Oh, don’t you know how she’s Anto from Big Brother? … I really see that look in the person’s eye. I don’t cry about it. I don’t feel bad about it,” she added.
Anto encouraged others not to be discouraged by such biases. “Someone out there is looking for the skills that you have. Don’t worry about the people who are not looking for you. There’s someone who is looking for you. So continue to, like we said, learn, unlearn, and relearn. There will be a day when someone will see your CV, and they’ll be rushing to you. That exists,” she said.
She also noted that while some job requirements may seem out of reach, opportunities can come unexpectedly. She advised young professionals to find groups and communities that support them early in their careers.
Anto is a Nigerian-American with a background in sports management. Before Big Brother Naija, she worked as head of operations for the first Pan-African basketball league.
Since leaving the reality TV show in 2018, she has ventured into entrepreneurship with a haircare line and a creative agency, Room 22.
She has also featured in Nollywood films such as Besieged and Dear Affy.
Anto previously served as programme manager at Kunle Afolayan’s KAP Film and Television Academy, helping to promote training and capacity building in the Nigerian film industry.
In June, Anto was appointed senior special assistant on tourism and creative economy by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
