‘Women should embrace their unique strengths without pressure to conform’

Dupe Olusola Dupe is the Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc. She has over 25 years’ corporate experience spanning various sectors locally and internationally. She holds a degree in Economics from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom and obtained her M.Sc. in Development Economics from the University of Kent. In this interview, she speaks about her passion for women development, economic development of under-developed communities as well as her activities leading in the hospitality sector.

Having assumed the role in March 2020, at a time when the world was beginning to comprehend the unprecedented global reach and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its evolving level of disruption to the world’s economies. Being saddled with the huge responsibility of navigating the hotel business through the tying times, Olusola led her team to create and adopt diverse innovative strategies, including food delivery services, drive-in events, and the Clean Stay programme, among other strategies that were highly successful. 

With recovery from the impact of the pandemic happening fast and an 84 percent growth in revenue in the first half of 2021, Transcorp Hotels plc, in July 2021, launched its innovative digital hospitality booking platform, Aura by Transcorp Hotels, which was launched at Transcorp Hilton Abuja by the Vice President and other dignitaries in both the public and the private sector. Prior to her current role, Olusola was the Group Head, Marketing for United Bank for Africa Plc., one of Africa’s leading financial services providers.  

Dupe is a member of the advisory board of the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) – Africa’s leading hospitality investment conference that connects business leaders from the international and local markets and a member of the Save the Children UK’s Africa advisory board. She is also a member of the Board of Directors, United Capital Microfinance Bank. 

What informed this drive behind the Next Generation foundation, and mentorship sessions with younger women?
At 50, I find myself reflecting deeply on purpose and impact. Launching the Foundation to support Nigerian children in underserved communities to bridge the education gap and mentoring younger women are rooted in my belief that giving back is important and it is crucial in creating sustainable change.

Growing up, I saw the difference that access to quality education and a support system made in my life, my family and my community. I hope to replicate that support for underprivileged children, providing them with tools to rise above their circumstances.

Mentoring women allows me to share my experiences and encourage them to pursue their aspirations with confidence, especially in environments where they may feel underestimated or overlooked. It is my way of leaving the door open behind me for more women to enter the room and have their well-deserved seats at the table.

As a leader in hospitality driving innovation and contributing to GDP growth, what prepared you for this giant stride?
My journey is one shaped by resilience, a continuous pursuit of excellence, and a commitment to understanding the industries I work within. I have embraced roles that have taught me to navigate both challenges and opportunities with a strategic eye and the courage to think outside the box.

My early roles in banking and finance, agriculture and investment instilled a deep understanding of Nigeria’s growth potential. Each experience along with mentorship contributed to a variety of skills, and leadership lessons preparing me to steer Transcorp Hotels toward innovation and positive economic impact. I believe the tourism industry in Nigeria has a lot to offer and we are getting there.

Innovation comes from understanding what our guests want before they even know they need it. At Transcorp Hotels, we are always looking to enhance the guest experience through cutting-edge technology, sustainability initiatives, and personalized services.

Growth is about staying agile, listening to the market, and continuously improving our offerings. For example, in response to the growing need for world-class event spaces in the country that can host international conferences, concerts, exhibitions and social events, we developed a 5,000-capacity event centre in Abuja ready to host the biggest and best events in Africa.

How would you describe your evolution, and what key lessons have you garnered in your career path?
I’ve evolved from being a diligent student of my roles to an empowered advocate for change and growth within my industry and community, especially for women and children.

One of my biggest lessons is the value of adaptability—staying open to change while remaining grounded in one’s purpose. Saying yes to opportunities and doing it afraid. I’ve also learned the importance of building diverse teams; it is in diversity that innovation truly flourishes. Moreover, investing in people is paramount. You cannot lead effectively if you do not invest in yourself and your team.

The idea is to positively impact others as well as be impacted by them and their experiences. Leading with empathy, empowering and encouraging others, celebrating wins and rising from lessons together help to create a resilient, purpose-driven and execution-focused team.

What has kept you motivated over the years?
Passion and purpose. I’m driven by the desire to make a difference in every role I take on. Whether it’s transforming a business or mentoring the next generation of leaders, the goal has always been about creating lasting impact. I also draw motivation from the people I work with—they challenge me to think differently, push boundaries, and stay innovative.

What is your take on women leading their career path, and how can they live above stereotypes?
Women today, have taken up space. In some parts of the world, women now have more opportunities to redefine leadership and break away from traditional moulds. I believe it is essential for women to embrace their unique strengths without feeling pressured to conform.

Living above stereotypes involves a relentless focus on self-confidence, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. It’s about building a network of support and staying true to one’s values, even when society expects otherwise. It is also about speaking up when and where it matters.

We need to move the conversation from global stages to global actions so that then, all women around the world can truly benefit from this opportunity to pave their own way. I urge women to own their stories, lift each other, and make their voices not just heard, but also matter.

What has been the most fulfilling part of your career journey?
The most fulfilling part of my career has been the ability to impact lives and contribute to growth in the sectors I’ve worked in, from agriculture to power, energy, and hospitality.
Leading Transcorp Hotels through a transformative journey has been especially rewarding, watching the brand grow and knowing that we are part of creating memorable experiences for our guests. Empowering others, particularly women through mentorship, has been incredibly rewarding as well.

What lessons have you learned in your career?
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay. Sometimes setbacks are the best opportunities for growth. Learning to pivot, stay resilient, and keep moving forward even in the face of challenges has been an invaluable lesson.

What is your life mantra?
My mantra has always been about creating value, inspiring growth, leaving a legacy of positive impact and enjoying yourself while doing so. In everything I do, I remind myself to stay humble, stay curious, and remain fearless in pursuing excellence.

I also remind myself to live in the moment and celebrate life every chance I get. I want to look back and not wish I did more or did anything differently. Every action, no matter how small, aligns with a greater purpose. To me, life is about enriching the lives of others and contributing to something bigger than myself to my community.