Speakers at the Women in Management, Business and Public Service, (WIMBIZ) conference have harped on women actualising their dreams and aspirations regardless boundaries, stereotypes in the society. This was the thrust at the 23rd edition of its two-day annual conference with the theme ‘Dream, Dare, Do’, held at the Eko Hotels and Suite, Victoria Island, recently.
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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the state, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin acknowledged the potentials of women across sectors citing the achievements of WIMBIZ and asserting call to a nation where women’s opinions take the lead and are utilised for development of the country.
“The women here have shared passion and resilience dreamed new possibilities into existence. From the boardrooms to entrepreneurial ventures, banking, politics and in the very fabric of public firms. Let us continue to dream of a Nigeria where women voices are not only heard but are at the forefront of invasion development and leadership.”
Sanwo-Olu noted that his administration believes in gender equality, “In the Lagos state civil service, we have equal numbers of female permanent secretary; 50 per cent female, 50 per cent male. In our judiciary in Lagos state, we have more female judges than the male and of course in the executive, you know the SLG, who is number three, is a woman,” he explained
The event also witnessed panel sessions beginning with ‘Embracing limitless mindset’, moderated by Director External Affairs, Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe. Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Aisha Sani Maikudi highlighted how societal and cultural barriers impacted her career path in the academia. She however noted that her solid foundation and having a father who supported her dreams helped her greatly. “My father is a He for She, and has always told me that you can be whatever you want to be, so long as you put your mind in. Hence, foundation is very important, and you need to give your children that foundation, as it can help them achieve it all.”
For founder and group Managing Director, System Spec, Mr. John Obaro, he never let limitations hold him back in his career, despite series of disappointment and negative feedback. Narrating his challenging experiences, he noted that there is need for strength when dreaming, daring and doing.
At a second panel on ‘Conquering New Frontiers’, General Manager, Strategy Ardova plc., Aderinke Akilo said the biggest challenge in conquering new frontiers is taking the first step as most of the work must be done n the mind. On her part, Director of Lagos State Internal Revenue and (LIRD) Arinola Kola Daisi noted the relevance of identifying one’s mindsets, and how to utilise it when necessary. “As a leader, the ability to adapt, and change your mindset is a very key ability. You need to know your reality and adapt. Learn to embrace and accommodate stakeholders across different levels of your business, go out there, be open and build relationships with people,” she said.
Executive Director of WIMBIZ, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, stressed that success begins from the mind then to reality. “We have researched and found out that the successful people you see today, a lot of these successes happen in their minds first before they give life to it. So, the conference today is charged with an agenda that is supposed to get women, and even men, inspired to explore their dreams, inspire with the strategies that they can use to implement these dreams, and of course, excel in what they desire to do.”
At the day two of the conference, a plenary on ‘Overcoming Emotional Hurdles in Women’s Bold Journey’ brought together experts – Transformation Strategist and Executive Leadership Coach, Dr. Laila St. Matthew-Daniel; Consultant Psychiatrist and CEO of Redi-Med Consulting Services Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri and Cardiologist at Evercare Hospital, Dr. Mirabel Nwosu. Moderated by Director of DermaRx, Zainab Bashir Yau, the discussion delved into the emotional hurdles women face and practical strategies for overcoming them.
While Dr. Matthew-Daniel emphasised the importance of self-awareness and boundaries stressing the value of a support system and delegation to help women prioritise their mental health, Dr. Abiri highlighted the significance of recognising the gap between current reality and desired outcomes. “Between where you are and where you want to go, there is a gap. The wider that gap, the greater the level of stress triggers which women must listen to.”
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Dr. Nwosu addressed postpartum depression and challenges, emphasising that they are not a woman’s fault. She also called for individualised approaches to diagnosis and creating safe spaces for women to openly discuss their issues without stigma.
Another panel session on ‘Diversifying into entertainment as a relevant business’, was moderated by the Chief Content Officer of Filmone entertainment, Ladun Awobokun. CEO and founder of ROK studios, Mary Remmy Njoku while giving context to the topic explained that it is necessary to take indepth analysis in the market, embark on proper research especially on activities of your competitors in order to close the gaps.
Director and founder of Greoh Studios, Jade Osiberu, noted that building good reputation in whatever industry is key as well as partnering with individuals of great intellectuals in the field for better knowledge and development.
A final plenary on ‘Future Proofing Your business’ had Co-founder of 9ijakids, Titi Adewusi, who asserted that assumptions are still same until you put a start to it, noting that real individuals are those who do, and not the dreamers or darers. Co-founder, Grace Capital, Nnamdi Ibe added that future proofing your business requires staying in power.
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