Women mean business…With Titi Oshodi

As we look forward to the second edition of Guardian Woman Festival holding next year, March 14, our guest on the column this week is the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, Titi Oshodi. She speaks on the festival’s theme.

For her, “I have always believed in the transformative power of turning challenges into opportunities. This mindset has been a guiding force throughout my career, teaching me invaluable lessons in resilience, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to my vision. These experiences have propelled me toward groundbreaking opportunities and have been defining moments in my journey.

Currently, as the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, I find myself at the exciting intersection of leadership, innovation, and transformative impact. My career path has been characterized by bold transitions, deep learning, and purposeful action, all driven by a commitment to creating equitable opportunities, fostering sustainable development, and driving systemic change.

She noted that her journey began in direct marketing with the global brand Mary Kay, “I built a consultant base of over 50 women and served over 250 customers, generating over £20,000 monthly turnover as a Mary Kay Sales Director. This venture was born out of necessity, as I didn’t possess a work permit to earn an income. Resilience and doggedness were essential to my success, helping me weather the barrage of “NOs” from cold calls and navigate low sales periods. With a solid resolve to meet my sales targets, I honed my mentoring skills, empowering my consultants to rise and succeed alongside me. This experience was my first test of resourcefully creating a pathway in leadership and financial relevance, instilling in me the can-do spirit I carry to this day.

As I transitioned into marketing communications and project management, I learned the art of setting stages and creating platforms for brand interaction, public relations, and consumer behavior science. These skills proved invaluable when working with multinationals on their experiential events.

However, it was my move into public service that ignited a deeper passion for reform and inclusion. I began to focus on critical issues such as youth empowerment, social justice, and sustainable livelihoods. Each phase of my career has been a testament to the power of intentionality, resilience, and the belief that women are catalysts for transformative change.

For me, “Women Mean Business” embodies the convergence of purpose, passion, and performance. It’s about redefining leadership beyond the boardroom. It signifies the audacity to navigate realities and the courage to inspire others along the way.

In today’s rapidly changing world, maintaining relevance requires a commitment to lifelong learning and collaboration, as I have seen at the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE), where transformative partnerships drive scalable impact through initiatives like “Leave No One Behind,” aimed at supporting girls in incarceration, and “ECOcirculate,” which empowers marginalized communities by promoting circular economy practices. Our efforts to enhance climate resilience are bolstered by a network of private stakeholders under “ECONexus,” encouraging youth participation in green entrepreneurship. To me, leadership is rooted in service and adaptability; by helping others rise, we elevate ourselves.

I urge every woman to embrace change and recognize the power of their voice, as success stems from the courage to pursue passions and the humility to collaborate. Together, we can redefine leadership, innovation, and inspiration, celebrating the extraordinary power of women as we uplift one another to create a future where women lead with resilience, vision, and impact.