Folarinle Akinrinlola is the Managing Director of Mediquip Nigeria Limited, a leading provider of cutting-edge medical equipment and healthcare solutions in Nigeria. With career spanning decades in the healthcare sector, medical technology, and medical consumables, she has played a pivotal role in advancing cardiovascular healthcare in Nigeria. She speaks on the just held Guardian Woman Festival theme; Women Mean Business in line with International Women’s Month.
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My Career Journey
I was born in the UK, my family relocated to Nigeria in the early 1970s when my mother was offered a position as a Cardiac Technologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Her work ignited my passion for healthcare and, more specifically, cardiac physiology. As a child, I spent a lot of time at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), accompanying my mother to work and observing the intricacies of her profession. I was fascinated by the field and, despite my health challenges, developed a deep appreciation for the role of healthcare professionals in saving lives. My career journey has been one of breaking new grounds. I became Nigeria’s first Cardiac Physiologist, pioneering a field that was virtually non-existent in the country at the time. Over the years, I honed my expertise across various leadership roles in global healthcare organisations. Today, as the Managing Director of Mediquip Nigeria Limited, I lead a company dedicated to providing state-of-the-art medical equipment, consumables, and solutions to hospitals and healthcare institutions across Africa. Our mission is to bridge the gap in medical technology access, ensuring that healthcare professionals have the tools they need to deliver world-class patient care.
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What ‘Women Mean Business’ Represents to Me
“Women Mean Business” is a testament to the resilience, intelligence, and determination that women bring to every aspect of life—whether as leaders, homemakers, entrepreneurs, professionals, mothers, or mentors. Women have an extraordinary ability to multitask, adapt, and thrive, even in the face of adversity. Yes, sometimes we drop a ball or two, but we always find a way to pick them up and keep going. When women come together, barriers are broken, opportunities are created, and industries are transformed. We lift each other, support one another, and redefine success on our terms. Today, we see women leading nations, corporations, and industries while also managing homes and nurturing families.
How Women Can Stay Relevant and Build Successful Businesses
Women stay relevant by showing up as their authentic selves, leveraging their intuition, and continuously investing in personal and professional growth. Education, skill development, and adaptability are key. The business world is constantly evolving, and women must remain proactive in learning new trends, embracing technology, and expanding their networks. Representation matters. When women secure seats at decision-making tables—whether in boardrooms, government, or entrepreneurship—they create pathways for others. However, when those seats are not offered, we must be bold enough to build our tables. Women in business are not just participants in the economy—we are catalysts for transformation, and our impact will continue to shape industries and societies for generations to come.
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