Miryam Chidiadi Atsagba-Dekor, a global brand strategist and marketing communications advisor, has drawn attention to the professional challenges female executives face when changing their names after marriage. The issue, she noted, extends beyond personal choice and carries implications for career branding and professional recognition.

Speaking at the Women Weekly Dose webinar, organised by Gender Strategy Advancement International, Atsagba-Dekor shared her own experience in a presentation titled The Branding Crisis No One Talks About: Marital Name Changes for Female Executives. She explained the complications she encountered after changing her surname from Chidiadi Madumere to Atsagba-Dekor.

“When I changed my name from Miss Chidiadi Madumere to Mrs. Miryam Chidiadi Atsagba-Dekor, I assumed it would be a straightforward cultural and personal decision. It wasn’t. What I did not anticipate was the professional dissonance that would follow.

“Colleagues hesitated before connecting my new name to the career they already knew. Clients needed reminders of my track record. At times, it felt as though everything I had built as Chidiadi suddenly belonged to someone else. Over time, I realised that the professional equity I had built under my maiden surname did not seamlessly transfer to my marital surname. However, I do not regret this decision. But I would be dishonest if I said that it wasn’t disorienting,” she said.

Atsagba-Dekor highlighted that for women in leadership positions, a surname represents accumulated credibility, visibility, and reputation. Changing it can result in diminished recognition, challenges in online discoverability, and perception gaps among colleagues, clients, and investors. Media mentions, awards, and online articles often remain associated with the maiden name, which can affect professional continuity.

She emphasised that managing the transition strategically is crucial. Effective strategies, according to Atsagba-Dekor, include using both surnames during the transition, maintaining a clear distinction between professional and personal identities, proactively updating digital and media profiles, and framing the change as an evolution of identity.

She added that reinforcing visibility through thought leadership, speaking engagements, and media appearances over six to twelve months can help solidify the professional association with the new surname.

Atsagba-Dekor also stressed the importance of addressing emotional challenges during the transition. “Internal dissonance is natural. What matters is consistently connecting past achievements to the current identity, allowing female leaders to embrace a new chapter without compromising professional influence,” she said.

Atsagba-Dekor is the Founding Managing Partner of Miryam Dekor Global Brands.