Despite the universal desire for self-mastery, few truly unlock their full potential. For purpose-driven women in leadership, this journey is not without its challenges.
A diverse group of leaders graced the stage at the just concluded 12th Inspiring Woman Series Conference, united by the theme “The Purpose-Driven Woman in Leadership,” and each emphasized the transformative power of women leaders driven by a clear sense of purpose.
Kemi Ajumobi, convener and associate editor of BusinessDay in her remark noted that women should be heard, actively participate in assignments, and lead using their unique voices.
“We deserve to be heard, to have a say in our assignments, and to lead with our unique voices.”
The chairperson of the conference, Daphne Mashile Nkosi, Executive Chairperson of Kalagadi Manganese declared the conference open and shared tips on thriving through diffucult times, and how to be purpose-driven women, using her story as an inspiration to us all and nudging us to keep on keeping on no matter the obstacles because we will surely prevail.
Monique Nsanzabaganwa, deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission, delivered a keynote address highlighting the crucial qualities needed for success as a purpose-driven woman in leadership.
Nsanzabaganwa spoke on the importance of trustworthiness, stating that it is the foundation of effective leadership. “Trust is earned,” she explained, “by consistently doing the right thing and doing it right.” Purpose-driven women, she said, have an innate ability to identify and address the challenges they encounter, often with meticulous attention to detail.
Nsanzabaganwa further stressed the need for opportunity. “When entrusted with responsibility,” she said, “a purpose-driven woman uses her own purpose to serve others, rather than seeking to fit into predetermined roles.”
This translates into using one’s own opportunities to create opportunities for others, fostering a culture of growth and inclusivity.
Passion was another key element highlighted by Nsanzabaganwa. “A passion-driven woman in leadership,” she stated, “utilizes the opportunities available to her to create a positive impact on the lives of others.” This passion fuels the drive to make a difference and inspires others to do the same.
Integrity was also identified as a crucial factor. “It’s easy to lose sight of transparency and accountability when faced with social status,” Nsanzabaganwa cautioned.
“However, it’s incredibly difficult to have a meaningful impact without integrity at your core,” she added.
Read also: Meet the speakers of Inspiring Woman Series 12
Nsanzabaganwa addressed the issue of confidence. “Lack of confidence can significantly hinder a woman’s ability to take initiative,” she said. “Overcoming fear and societal norms requires deliberate effort and a commitment to self-belief.”
“The lack of confidence reduces the participation of women in decision making positions in the economy, which is why initiatives such as mentorship and coaching exposure are critical to nurture and empower women,” Nsanzabaganwa said.
There were three panels at the conference.
Panel 1: ‘Finding your voice and leading with purpose.’ Panelists included, Ifeanyi Adefarasin, Co-Pastor, All House On The Rock, Founder, Woman To Woman Ministry, Adaeze Oreh, Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, Olori Boye-Ajayi, President, Borderless Trade Network, Seipati Asante Mokhuoa, Founder and Executive Chairperson of Strategic African Women in Leadership (SAWIL) and Ify Umunnakwe-Okeke, Founder/Executive Chair of Lexon Capital. The panel was moderated by Oremeyi Akah, Chief Customer Success Officer for Interswitch.
Panel 2: ‘Leading your way to the top and owning it.’ Panelists incuded Korede Adenowo, CEO, FirstBank UK, Oluwayemisi Olorunshola,Chairman, Board of Directors, WEMA Bank, Solomon Quaynor, Vice President, Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation Complex at AfDB, Owen Omogiafo, President/Group CEO of Transcorp and Frank Aigbogun, Publisher/CEO of BusinessDay Media Limited. The panel was moderated by Kemi Ajumobi, Associate Editor, BusinessDay.
Third Panel was themed ‘Embracing and leveraging your strengths for business and organisational growth.’
Panelists included, Ronke Onadeko, Non-Ed Asharami Synergy, Biola Alabi, General Partner at Acasia Ventures, Rosario Osobase
MD, Tenaris Nigeria, Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, Managing Partner, Compliance Professionals Plc and Stella Okuzu, Managing Partner, EDD Consulting Limited. The panel was moderated by Wola Joseph-Condotti,
Chief, Legal & Company Secretariat, EKEDP.
Ifeanyi Adefarasin, co-pastor of All House On the Rock Churches and Founder of Woman To Woman Ministry, noted that unlocking one’s unique voice involves aligning with values, expressing personal style, and discovering passion.
She highlighted that genuine confidence stems from internal sources, not external validation, and true comfort is found in embracing one’s niche.
“When you are confident then you are truly not in competition, but you are comfortable. You’re in leadership place to influence people,” Adefarasin said.
During a panel session, Solomon Quaynor, vice president of the private sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation complex at AFDB said that data supports the value of female leadership, and purpose-driven women are leading the way toward a more equitable and prosperous future.
“Data supports the value of female leadership, and purpose-driven women are leading the way toward a more equitable and prosperous future,” Quaynor said.
Owen Omogiafo, President/Group CEO of Transcorp, noted that data has proven that companies that are chaired by females or have females on their teams drive value and growth.
“There’s a certain level-headedness we bring to the table,” Omogiafo said, encouraging women to leverage their strengths and navigate cultural biases to their advantage.
Korede Adenowo, CEO, of FirstBank UK also noted that there are gender imbalances, urging immediate action to address this critical issue. “We are so far behind,” he said, highlighting the need for diverse leadership to drive stronger business performance.
Adenowo noted the power of diverse perspectives, stating, “We need diversity to bring different thought views, which result in diverse results.” This diversity, he said, is essential for innovation and success in today’s competitive business landscape.
According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, gender inequalities rob the global economy of $12 trillion in wealth we could share if each country improved gender equality as quickly as the fastest-improving country in its region did. Stating that true gender equality everywhere would raise global GDP by up to $28 trillion.
Adenowo also recognised the importance of role models and support structures for women in leadership.
“Women need to know that other women are looking up to them,” he said. Adenowo advocates for concrete initiatives across all sectors to empower women and showcase successful female leaders, paving the way for future generations.
Another speaker, Olori Boye-Ajayi,who is the president of Borderless Trade Network journey is one of unwavering faith and audacious ambition.
Boye-Ajayi is driven by conviction that women are destined for greatness, boldly declares, “We are made for president!”
Boye-Ajayi emphasized the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement, citing Okonjo-Iweala as a role model who demonstrates the power of lifelong learning.
Speaking on a broader perspective, Ronke Onadeko, Non-Ed Aharami Synergy said that recognizing and harnessing one’s strengths is crucial for individual and organizational growth.
She said that while adversity can often reveal inner resilience, many individuals may not discover their full potential until later in life.
“You need to balance your weakness with your strength” she said, ensuring that one’s pursuit of strength doesn’t inadvertently lead to neglecting weaknesses.
Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, managing partner, compliance professionals plc spoke on the importance of alignment between individual strengths and organizational goals.
She emphasizes the value of recognising opportunities for personal growth and development, emphasizing that there is no limit to learning and improvement.
Okauru encourages organisations to view employees as investments rather than costs, focusing on the value they bring to the table.
She said that treating employees as critical assets and fostering environments that encourage development and expect returns on investment.
“Our stories are far from over. Let us continue to share them, to express ourselves, and to shatter the silence.We deserve to be heard, to have a say in our assignments, and to lead with our unique voices,” Kemi Ajumobi said.
