Folasade Femi-Lawal
COUNTRY MANAGER AND AREA BUSINESS HEAD, WEST AFRICA
What does “She is Priceless” mean to you?
“She is Priceless” carries a powerful and affirming message of the worth of a woman.
This phrase celebrates not just collective
strength but also individuality, underscoring the
significance of every woman’s journey.
In your experience, what unique qualities and
perspectives do women bring to leadership
roles, and how do these attributes contribute
to advancing the theme “Invest in Women:
Accelerate Progress”?
Women in leadership roles often bring
invaluable and unique qualities such as empathy,
collaboration, resilience, and inclusivity. These
attributes are vital in advancing the theme
“Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress” by
fostering more diversity and innovation,
promoting gender equality, and addressing
previously overlooked issues.
Beyond their professional impact, women
leaders serve as role models for other women
and girls, inspiring them to pursue leadership
positions and contribute to societal progress.
Strategically investing in women unlocks a
wealth of diverse perspectives and qualities,
catalyzing transformative change and
expediting progress across multiple sectors. This
aligns with the timeless wisdom encapsulated
in the adage, “Empower a woman, Empower a
Nation.” Recognizing and harnessing the distinct
strengths and insights that women bring to the
table not only drives individual success but also
propels broader societal advancement.
How do you prioritize self-care and personal wellbeing amidst the demands of your leadership role?
My work-life approach relies on a robust support
system, including my spouse, friends, mentors,
and executive sponsors. By adhering to the 20:80
rule, prioritizing activities, practicing self-care,
and embracing delegation and collaboration, I
maintain a harmonious balance. Additionally,
knowing when to strategically decline
opportunities is important to safeguarding
personal boundaries and contributing to the
longevity of this work-life balance.
Looking ahead, how can corporations strategically invest in women to accelerate progress and foster gender equality, particularly in West Africa?
Corporations should strategically invest in
women to expedite progress and advance
gender equality in West Africa through
targeted initiatives. This includes implementing
mentorship programs, providing skill-building
opportunities, and establishing inclusive policies
to address specific challenges faced by women
in the region. These strategic investments
become particularly crucial in navigating
challenging cultural norms and recognizing and
valuing women’s contributions in the industry.
One exemplary leader is Mastercard, which has
demonstrated a commitment to advancing
gender equality in West Africa. Through various
initiatives, Mastercard has implemented
effective mentorship programs, provided skill-
building opportunities, and established inclusive
policies.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what message would you like to convey to young women aspiring to leadership roles?
Embrace self-worth, seek mentorship, view
failure as a stepping stone, advocate for
yourself, build a strong support network,
pave the way for others, stay resilient and be
authentically you. Prioritize, maintain work-life
balance, stay informed, and radiate kindness,
knowing that the energy you give comes back to you
READ ALSO: Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative inspires inclusion on International Women’s Day 2024
Kari Tukur
VICE PRESIDENT, CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS CENTER, EAST & WEST AFRICA
What does “She is Priceless” mean to you?
She is Priceless’ conveys a profound sentiment,
emphasizing that women are not only valuable,
but also possess qualities and characteristics
that are unique and invaluable. It is a recognition
of the depth and richness that women bring.
In your experience, what unique qualities and
perspectives do women bring to leadership
roles, and how do these attributes contribute
to advancing the theme “Invest in Women:
Accelerate Progress”?
Investing in women not only cultivates a richer
talent pool, but also fosters diversity, ensuring
equitable advancement and ultimately driving
transformative growth within the industry. From
my experience, women bring unique qualities
and perspectives to leadership roles, and their
innate abilities to foster collaboration, empathy,
and strategic thinking, contribute significantly
to advancing the theme “Invest in Women:
Accelerate Progress.” I believe an inclusive
leadership composition with an even gender mix
creates a workplace culture where all employees
feel valued, respected, and empowered to be
their authentic selves, thereby propelling progress
and innovation through diverse perspectives.
How do you prioritize self-care and personal
wellbeing amidst the demands of your leadership
role?
Achieving work-life balance is an ongoing process
that involves self-awareness, prioritization, and
effective time management. I make sure to set
boundaries, such as refraining from checking
work emails or taking calls during personal time.
I focus on high-priority tasks, delegating or
postponing less urgent ones. Learning to say no
and setting realistic expectations is crucial.
I also maintain a weekly routine with dedicated
time for work, personal activities, and relaxation,
reserving weekends and holidays strictly for
family and self-care. Recognizing that life
circumstances and workloads can change, I am
flexible in adapting my strategies. When away
from work, I make a conscious effort to fully
disconnect from work-related concerns. This
helps me recharge and be present in my personal
life.
Looking ahead, how can corporates strategically
invest in women to accelerate progress and foster
gender equality, particularly in West Africa?
Fostering an inclusive environment for women
leaders is a key factor in organizational success.
By establishing mentorship initiatives, offering
skill-enhancing opportunities, and championing
inclusive programmes, companies can nurture
talents, address unconscious bias, and promote
cultural competence. Enforcing equal opportunity policies is fundamental to ensuring fair treatment and
equitable pay for everyone. Additionally, adopting
flexible work arrangements and family-friendly
policies, including parental leave and childcare
facilities, demonstrates a commitment to
accommodating diverse employee needs and
promoting a healthy work-life balance.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day,
what message would you like to convey to young
women aspiring to leadership roles?
Believe in your abilities and the unique
perspectives you bring. Cultivate a love for
learning and build a network of mentors for
guidance. Advocate for yourself and express your
goals and achievements confidently. When it
comes to negotiations, approach with confidence
and a clear understanding of your value.
Sola Okeowo
DIRECTOR, ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT,
WEST AFRICA
What does “She is Priceless” mean to you?
“She is Priceless” embodies the invaluable impact
that women bring to every facet of life. It celebrates
the indispensable contributions women make as
they personal and professional roles with resilience
and versatility. From transforming her immediate
environment to shaping broader communities and
building multi-billion dollar businesses, a woman’s
resourcefulness, tenacity, passion and compassion,
is what makes her truly priceless.
In your experience, what unique qualities and perspectives do women bring to leadership roles, and how do these attributes contribute to advancing the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”?
I have been fortunate to learn from incredible
women, such as my mum, bosses, mentors, and
amazing clients. Across the board, a common thread
emerges – women consistently exhibit qualities that
contribute to a holistic approach to leadership.
From assertiveness and emotional intelligence to
empathy and flexibility, these attributes combine
to enrich the professional landscape. They foster a
more well-rounded and forward-thinking business
environment, which yields increased profitability.
How do you prioritize self-care and personal
wellbeing amidst the demands of your leadership
role?
I must admit that I had to learn this the hard
way, but I discovered four things that have proven
instrumental in maintaining balance and thriving in
my professional journey.
Firstly, having a strong support system has been
paramount. Recognizing that no one can navigate
the complexities of a career alone, I have leaned on
the pillars of family, friends, and mentors.
Secondly, I’ve found therapeutic relief in nurturing
hobbies, especially gardening and spending time
in nature. Thirdly, I allocate time for solitude and
reflection to recharge my energy. These quiet
moments of introspection allow me to hear my own
thoughts, feel my feelings and recharge my energy.
Finally, practicing self-compassion has become an
integral part of maintaining balance. Celebrating
small wins and consciously rewarding myself for
achievements, no matter how minor, serves as a
way of acknowledging personal growth.
Looking ahead, how can corporates strategically
invest in women to accelerate progress and foster
gender equality, particularly in West Africa?
Corporations seeking to foster gender equality in the
workplace can provide mentorship, coaching, and
skill-building opportunities for women. This equips
them with the necessary tools and knowledge to
navigate the complexities of leadership within the
workforce. Furthermore, it is important to increase the visibility
of female talent across the organization; providing
role models at all levels to demonstrate diversity
in female leadership. Lastly, offering scholarships
serves as a means to address the gender gap
in education, ensuring equal access to learning
opportunities for girls in West Africa.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what message would you like to convey to young women aspiring to leadership roles?
Find your passion and pursue it wholeheartedly.
Leadership is most fulfilling when you’re doing
something you love. Trust yourself and the process,
don’t be afraid to take opportunities to share your
unique gifts with the world. Keep great company
and be great company, surround yourself with
people who uplift and empower you, just as you
strive to do the same
Adetorera Banjo
PRINCIPAL, ADVISORS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT,
WEST AFRICA
What does “She is Priceless” mean to you?
“She is Priceless” encapsulates the indomitable
spirit and remarkable contributions of women in the
face of biases and societal conditioning. It serves
as a powerful affirmation of the resilience and
unwavering strength that women bring to every
aspect of life and work. It celebrates the countless
achievements, triumphs, and contributions that
women make daily, often overcoming challenges
and breaking barriers.
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In your experience, what unique qualities and
perspectives do women bring to leadership
roles, and how do these attributes contribute to
advancing the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate
Progress”?
Women leaders bring exceptional talents, fresh
perspectives, and unique ideas to the table. These
factors drive better decision-making and corporate
success. Their innovative approaches transcend
conventional norms, introducing strategies that not
only solve challenges but also cultivate a culture of
continuous improvement.
Additionally, their inclusive and collaborative
approach fosters teamwork and empowers diverse
voices, leading to accelerated progress and greater
gender equality. This inclusive approach not only
results in more robust and comprehensive decision-
making but also creates an environment where
individuals feel valued and inspired to contribute
their best.
How do you prioritize self-care and personal
wellbeing amidst the demands of your leadership
role?
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Prioritizing self-care is important for maintaining
balance and thriving both personally and
professionally. I am very intentional about nurturing
my mind, body, soul and spirit through various
activities. This includes practicing self-compassion
by treating myself with kindness and celebrating my
wins, no matter how small. I also engage in activities
that brings joy and relaxation, such as my spa days
and morning workouts.
Additionally, I prioritize sleep and cultivate a
supportive network of like-minded individuals to
navigate the challenges of leadership.
Looking ahead, how can corporations strategically
invest in women to accelerate progress and foster
gender equality, particularly in West Africa?
In West Africa, where gender disparities persist,
investing in women takes on added significance
due to the unique challenges faced by women
in the region. Cultural norms, biases, and socio-
economic factors often act as obstacles to women’s
progress. As such, investing in women goes beyond
diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in
leadership positions, it also includes providing equal
opportunities and creating enabling environments
for women to thrive.
The commitment to creating enabling environments
for women in West Africa should involve not only
dismantling systemic barriers within corporate
structures but also engaging with the broader
societal context. Corporate initiatives must extend
beyond boardrooms to actively support educational
programs for girls, challenge harmful cultural norms,
and advocate for policies that promote inclusivity
and gender equality.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what
message would you like to convey to young women
aspiring to leadership roles?
Dare to dream big dreams and create your own
success stories! Every great achievement begins
with a vision and it is important to seize the day,
embrace potential and make a lasting impact on
the world.
Nneka Umeh
DIRECTOR, ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT,
WEST AFRICA
What does “She is Priceless” mean to you?
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To me, “She is Priceless” represents the invaluable
worth of a woman’s experiences, perspectives, and
approaches, enriching everything she engages with.
It underscores the profound impact that women
have on shaping our world and driving positive
change.
In your experience, what unique qualities and
perspectives do women bring to leadership
roles, and how do these attributes contribute to
advancing the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate
Progress?
Women in leadership roles consistently embody an
ownership culture, strategic risk-taking, a strong
focus on business continuity, and exceptional
collaboration skills. These attributes not only
enhance agility, but also infuse a sense of purpose
into their roles. The passion and dedication that
women demonstrate extend beyond individual
growth, fostering investments in women and
contributing to progress, ultimately aligning with
the theme.
By embracing diversity and inclusion, organizations
can harness the full potential of women leaders to
drive innovation and sustainable growth.
How do you prioritize self-care and personal
wellbeing amidst the demands of your leadership
role?
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Despite being selfless, I’ve come to recognize the
importance of prioritizing my wellbeing to better
support those around me. This involves carving
out time for myself, indulging in rejuvenating spa
treatments, and fostering meaningful connections
by spending quality time with like-minded women.
Making self-care a priority enables me to recharge
and show up as my best self in both my personal
and professional life.
Looking ahead, how can corporations strategically
invest in women to accelerate progress and foster
gender equality, particularly in West Africa?
I believe focusing on capacity building for
growth is crucial, and this includes a strategic
and intentional effort to enhance the skills,
knowledge, and capabilities of women at all
levels – empowering them to navigate challenges
and seize opportunities. Additionally, facilitating
connections among women and providing both soft
and financial resources can create opportunities for
collaboration and learning. Implementing unbiased
gender approaches ensures not only diversity, but
contributes to business continuity.
Corporations can support initiatives that address
specific challenges faced by women in West Africa,
such as access to education and healthcare, to
create a more inclusive and equitable society.
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As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what
message would you like to convey to young women
aspiring to leadership roles?
Believe in your capabilities, embrace your strengths,
and persist with determination. Your potential
knows no bounds, and your contributions are
invaluable, regardless of the challenges you face.
Ina Arome
SENIOR COUNSEL, REGULATORY AFFAIRS,
EEMEA
What does “She is Priceless” mean to you?
Personally, it means that I am strong, unique, and
valuable to myself, my family, and society. From
a professional standpoint, “She is Priceless” is a
testament to Mastercard’s winning culture, where
women play an integral part in the workplace and
the company’s support for women entrepreneurs
in society.
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In your experience, what unique qualities and
perspectives do women bring to leadership
roles, and how do these attributes contribute to
advancing the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate
Progress”?
Women leaders often pay attention to the finer
details. This enables thorough analysis and
informed decision-making which leads to effective
and well-rounded solutions. Women leaders are
adept at integrating diverse perspectives and
different skill sets, creating a fertile ground for
dynamic, creative thinking and problem-solving,
and contributing to long-term success in the
process. This diversity not only drives financial
performance, but also acts as a catalyst for
innovation. Furthermore, the impact of women
leaders extends beyond immediate success, as
they play a pivotal role in empowering the next
generation of leaders. Through mentorship and
by setting exemplary standards, women leaders
inspire and pave the way for aspiring professionals,
fostering a culture of growth and empowerment.
How do you prioritize self-care and personal
wellbeing amidst the demands of your leadership
role?
Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and
dedicating time to be with loved ones are two
essential practices that contribute significantly
to my overall well-being and life satisfaction.
Quality time spent with loved ones is a source of
joy, comfort, and resilience, especially during busy
periods, while consistent sleep enhances my mood
and overall physical wellbeing.
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Looking ahead, how can corporations strategically
invest in women to accelerate progress and foster
gender equality, particularly in West Africa?
In West Africa, a significant gender disparity exists,
with women facing under-representation and
underpayment in the workplace. Additionally, there
are barriers to education such as child marriage
and early motherhood. To address impactful
gender equality, corporations must take a dual
approach – focusing on the workplace and broader
societal factors. From a workplace perspective, corporations should
prioritize pay equity, considering the prevalent
wage gap and the tendency for women to take
career breaks if they have children. Initiatives
should be implemented for women to ensure
preparedness for senior leadership positions and
to support their acceleration in the workplace
following a career break. From a societal perspective, corporations can contribute by designing mentorship and
networking programs for women at all levels,
sponsoring scholarships and educational programs
for girls to break down barriers to girls’ education,
and investing in community awareness campaigns
to combat child marriage and early motherhood.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what
message would you like to convey to young women
aspiring to leadership roles?
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