Folasade Femi-Lawal

COUNTRY MANAGER AND AREA BUSINESS HEAD, WEST AFRICA

What does “She is Priceless” mean to you?

“She is Priceless” carries a powerful and affirming message of the worth of a woman.

This phrase celebrates not just collective

strength but also individuality, underscoring the

significance of every woman’s journey.

 

In your experience, what unique qualities and

perspectives do women bring to leadership

roles, and how do these attributes contribute

to advancing the theme “Invest in Women:

Accelerate Progress”?

 

Women in leadership roles often bring

invaluable and unique qualities such as empathy,

collaboration, resilience, and inclusivity. These

attributes are vital in advancing the theme

“Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress” by

fostering more diversity and innovation,

promoting gender equality, and addressing

previously overlooked issues.

Beyond their professional impact, women

leaders serve as role models for other women

and girls, inspiring them to pursue leadership

positions and contribute to societal progress.

Strategically investing in women unlocks a

wealth of diverse perspectives and qualities,

catalyzing transformative change and

expediting progress across multiple sectors. This

aligns with the timeless wisdom encapsulated

in the adage, “Empower a woman, Empower a

Nation.” Recognizing and harnessing the distinct

strengths and insights that women bring to the

table not only drives individual success but also

propels broader societal advancement.

 

How do you prioritize self-care and personal wellbeing amidst the demands of your leadership role?

My work-life approach relies on a robust support

system, including my spouse, friends, mentors,

and executive sponsors. By adhering to the 20:80

rule, prioritizing activities, practicing self-care,

and embracing delegation and collaboration, I

maintain a harmonious balance. Additionally,

knowing when to strategically decline

opportunities is important to safeguarding

personal boundaries and contributing to the

longevity of this work-life balance.

 

Looking ahead, how can corporations strategically invest in women to accelerate progress and foster gender equality, particularly in West Africa?

 

Corporations should strategically invest in

women to expedite progress and advance

gender equality in West Africa through

targeted initiatives. This includes implementing

mentorship programs, providing skill-building

opportunities, and establishing inclusive policies

to address specific challenges faced by women

in the region. These strategic investments

become particularly crucial in navigating

challenging cultural norms and recognizing and

valuing women’s contributions in the industry.

One exemplary leader is Mastercard, which has

demonstrated a commitment to advancing

gender equality in West Africa. Through various

initiatives, Mastercard has implemented

effective mentorship programs, provided skill-

building opportunities, and established inclusive

policies.

 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what message would you like to convey to young women aspiring to leadership roles?

Embrace self-worth, seek mentorship, view

failure as a stepping stone, advocate for

yourself, build a strong support network,

pave the way for others, stay resilient and be

authentically you. Prioritize, maintain work-life

balance, stay informed, and radiate kindness,

knowing that the energy you give comes back to you

READ ALSO: Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative inspires inclusion on International Women’s Day 2024

Kari Tukur

VICE PRESIDENT, CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS CENTER, EAST & WEST AFRICA

What does “She is Priceless” mean to you?

She is Priceless’ conveys a profound sentiment,

emphasizing that women are not only valuable,

but also possess qualities and characteristics

that are unique and invaluable. It is a recognition

of the depth and richness that women bring.

 

In your experience, what unique qualities and

perspectives do women bring to leadership

roles, and how do these attributes contribute

to advancing the theme “Invest in Women:

Accelerate Progress”?

 

Investing in women not only cultivates a richer

talent pool, but also fosters diversity, ensuring

equitable advancement and ultimately driving

transformative growth within the industry. From

my experience, women bring unique qualities

and perspectives to leadership roles, and their

innate abilities to foster collaboration, empathy,

and strategic thinking, contribute significantly

to advancing the theme “Invest in Women:

Accelerate Progress.” I believe an inclusive

leadership composition with an even gender mix

creates a workplace culture where all employees

feel valued, respected, and empowered to be

their authentic selves, thereby propelling progress

and innovation through diverse perspectives.

 

How do you prioritize self-care and personal

wellbeing amidst the demands of your leadership

role?

 

Achieving work-life balance is an ongoing process

that involves self-awareness, prioritization, and

effective time management. I make sure to set

boundaries, such as refraining from checking

work emails or taking calls during personal time.

I focus on high-priority tasks, delegating or

postponing less urgent ones. Learning to say no

and setting realistic expectations is crucial.

I also maintain a weekly routine with dedicated

time for work, personal activities, and relaxation,

reserving weekends and holidays strictly for

family and self-care. Recognizing that life

circumstances and workloads can change, I am

flexible in adapting my strategies. When away

from work, I make a conscious effort to fully

disconnect from work-related concerns. This

helps me recharge and be present in my personal

life.

 

Looking ahead, how can corporates strategically

invest in women to accelerate progress and foster

gender equality, particularly in West Africa?

 

Fostering an inclusive environment for women

leaders is a key factor in organizational success.

By establishing mentorship initiatives, offering

skill-enhancing opportunities, and championing

inclusive programmes, companies can nurture

talents, address unconscious bias, and promote

cultural competence. Enforcing equal opportunity policies is fundamental to ensuring fair treatment and

equitable pay for everyone. Additionally, adopting

flexible work arrangements and family-friendly

policies, including parental leave and childcare

facilities, demonstrates a commitment to

accommodating diverse employee needs and

promoting a healthy work-life balance.

 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day,

what message would you like to convey to young

women aspiring to leadership roles?

 

Believe in your abilities and the unique

perspectives you bring. Cultivate a love for

learning and build a network of mentors for

guidance. Advocate for yourself and express your

goals and achievements confidently. When it

comes to negotiations, approach with confidence

and a clear understanding of your value.

 

Sola Okeowo

DIRECTOR, ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT,

WEST AFRICA

What does “She is Priceless” mean to you?

 

“She is Priceless” embodies the invaluable impact

that women bring to every facet of life. It celebrates

the indispensable contributions women make as

they personal and professional roles with resilience

and versatility. From transforming her immediate

environment to shaping broader communities and

building multi-billion dollar businesses, a woman’s

resourcefulness, tenacity, passion and compassion,

is what makes her truly priceless.

 

In your experience, what unique qualities and perspectives do women bring to leadership roles, and how do these attributes contribute to advancing the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”?

 

I have been fortunate to learn from incredible

women, such as my mum, bosses, mentors, and

amazing clients. Across the board, a common thread

emerges – women consistently exhibit qualities that

contribute to a holistic approach to leadership.

From assertiveness and emotional intelligence to

empathy and flexibility, these attributes combine

to enrich the professional landscape. They foster a

more well-rounded and forward-thinking business

environment, which yields increased profitability.

 

How do you prioritize self-care and personal

wellbeing amidst the demands of your leadership

role?

 

I must admit that I had to learn this the hard

way, but I discovered four things that have proven

instrumental in maintaining balance and thriving in

my professional journey.

Firstly, having a strong support system has been

paramount. Recognizing that no one can navigate

the complexities of a career alone, I have leaned on

the pillars of family, friends, and mentors.

Secondly, I’ve found therapeutic relief in nurturing

hobbies, especially gardening and spending time

in nature. Thirdly, I allocate time for solitude and

reflection to recharge my energy. These quiet

moments of introspection allow me to hear my own

thoughts, feel my feelings and recharge my energy.

Finally, practicing self-compassion has become an

integral part of maintaining balance. Celebrating

small wins and consciously rewarding myself for

achievements, no matter how minor, serves as a

way of acknowledging personal growth.

 

Looking ahead, how can corporates strategically

invest in women to accelerate progress and foster

gender equality, particularly in West Africa?

 

Corporations seeking to foster gender equality in the

workplace can provide mentorship, coaching, and

skill-building opportunities for women. This equips

them with the necessary tools and knowledge to

navigate the complexities of leadership within the

workforce. Furthermore, it is important to increase the visibility

of female talent across the organization; providing

role models at all levels to demonstrate diversity

in female leadership. Lastly, offering scholarships

serves as a means to address the gender gap

in education, ensuring equal access to learning

opportunities for girls in West Africa.

 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what message would you like to convey to young women aspiring to leadership roles?

Find your passion and pursue it wholeheartedly.

Leadership is most fulfilling when you’re doing

something you love. Trust yourself and the process,

don’t be afraid to take opportunities to share your

unique gifts with the world. Keep great company

and be great company, surround yourself with

people who uplift and empower you, just as you

strive to do the same

 

Adetorera Banjo

PRINCIPAL, ADVISORS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT,

WEST AFRICA

What does “She is Priceless” mean to you?

“She is Priceless” encapsulates the indomitable

spirit and remarkable contributions of women in the

face of biases and societal conditioning. It serves

as a powerful affirmation of the resilience and

unwavering strength that women bring to every

aspect of life and work. It celebrates the countless

achievements, triumphs, and contributions that

women make daily, often overcoming challenges

and breaking barriers.

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In your experience, what unique qualities and

perspectives do women bring to leadership

roles, and how do these attributes contribute to

advancing the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate

Progress”?

 

Women leaders bring exceptional talents, fresh

perspectives, and unique ideas to the table. These

factors drive better decision-making and corporate

success. Their innovative approaches transcend

conventional norms, introducing strategies that not

only solve challenges but also cultivate a culture of

continuous improvement.

Additionally, their inclusive and collaborative

approach fosters teamwork and empowers diverse

voices, leading to accelerated progress and greater

gender equality. This inclusive approach not only

results in more robust and comprehensive decision-

making but also creates an environment where

individuals feel valued and inspired to contribute

their best.

 

How do you prioritize self-care and personal

wellbeing amidst the demands of your leadership

role?

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Prioritizing self-care is important for maintaining

balance and thriving both personally and

professionally. I am very intentional about nurturing

my mind, body, soul and spirit through various

activities. This includes practicing self-compassion

by treating myself with kindness and celebrating my

wins, no matter how small. I also engage in activities

that brings joy and relaxation, such as my spa days

and morning workouts.

Additionally, I prioritize sleep and cultivate a

supportive network of like-minded individuals to

navigate the challenges of leadership.

Looking ahead, how can corporations strategically

invest in women to accelerate progress and foster

gender equality, particularly in West Africa?

In West Africa, where gender disparities persist,

investing in women takes on added significance

due to the unique challenges faced by women

in the region. Cultural norms, biases, and socio-

economic factors often act as obstacles to women’s

progress. As such, investing in women goes beyond

diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in

leadership positions, it also includes providing equal

opportunities and creating enabling environments

for women to thrive.

The commitment to creating enabling environments

for women in West Africa should involve not only

dismantling systemic barriers within corporate

structures but also engaging with the broader

societal context. Corporate initiatives must extend

beyond boardrooms to actively support educational

programs for girls, challenge harmful cultural norms,

and advocate for policies that promote inclusivity

and gender equality.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what

message would you like to convey to young women

aspiring to leadership roles?

Dare to dream big dreams and create your own

success stories! Every great achievement begins

with a vision and it is important to seize the day,

embrace potential and make a lasting impact on

the world.

 

Nneka Umeh

DIRECTOR, ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT,

WEST AFRICA

What does “She is Priceless” mean to you?

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To me, “She is Priceless” represents the invaluable

worth of a woman’s experiences, perspectives, and

approaches, enriching everything she engages with.

It underscores the profound impact that women

have on shaping our world and driving positive

change.

In your experience, what unique qualities and

perspectives do women bring to leadership

roles, and how do these attributes contribute to

advancing the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate

Progress?

 

Women in leadership roles consistently embody an

ownership culture, strategic risk-taking, a strong

focus on business continuity, and exceptional

collaboration skills. These attributes not only

enhance agility, but also infuse a sense of purpose

into their roles. The passion and dedication that

women demonstrate extend beyond individual

growth, fostering investments in women and

contributing to progress, ultimately aligning with

the theme.

 

By embracing diversity and inclusion, organizations

can harness the full potential of women leaders to

drive innovation and sustainable growth.

How do you prioritize self-care and personal

wellbeing amidst the demands of your leadership

role?

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Despite being selfless, I’ve come to recognize the

importance of prioritizing my wellbeing to better

support those around me. This involves carving

out time for myself, indulging in rejuvenating spa

treatments, and fostering meaningful connections

by spending quality time with like-minded women.

Making self-care a priority enables me to recharge

and show up as my best self in both my personal

and professional life.

 

Looking ahead, how can corporations strategically

invest in women to accelerate progress and foster

gender equality, particularly in West Africa?

 

I believe focusing on capacity building for

growth is crucial, and this includes a strategic

and intentional effort to enhance the skills,

knowledge, and capabilities of women at all

levels – empowering them to navigate challenges

and seize opportunities. Additionally, facilitating

connections among women and providing both soft

and financial resources can create opportunities for

collaboration and learning. Implementing unbiased

gender approaches ensures not only diversity, but

contributes to business continuity.

Corporations can support initiatives that address

specific challenges faced by women in West Africa,

such as access to education and healthcare, to

create a more inclusive and equitable society.

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As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what

message would you like to convey to young women

aspiring to leadership roles?

 

Believe in your capabilities, embrace your strengths,

and persist with determination. Your potential

knows no bounds, and your contributions are

invaluable, regardless of the challenges you face.

 

Ina Arome

SENIOR COUNSEL, REGULATORY AFFAIRS,

EEMEA

What does “She is Priceless” mean to you?

Personally, it means that I am strong, unique, and

valuable to myself, my family, and society. From

a professional standpoint, “She is Priceless” is a

testament to Mastercard’s winning culture, where

women play an integral part in the workplace and

the company’s support for women entrepreneurs

in society.

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In your experience, what unique qualities and

perspectives do women bring to leadership

roles, and how do these attributes contribute to

advancing the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate

Progress”?

 

Women leaders often pay attention to the finer

details. This enables thorough analysis and

informed decision-making which leads to effective

and well-rounded solutions. Women leaders are

adept at integrating diverse perspectives and

different skill sets, creating a fertile ground for

dynamic, creative thinking and problem-solving,

and contributing to long-term success in the

process. This diversity not only drives financial

performance, but also acts as a catalyst for

innovation. Furthermore, the impact of women

leaders extends beyond immediate success, as

they play a pivotal role in empowering the next

generation of leaders. Through mentorship and

by setting exemplary standards, women leaders

inspire and pave the way for aspiring professionals,

fostering a culture of growth and empowerment.

 

How do you prioritize self-care and personal

wellbeing amidst the demands of your leadership

role?

 

Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and

dedicating time to be with loved ones are two

essential practices that contribute significantly

to my overall well-being and life satisfaction.

Quality time spent with loved ones is a source of

joy, comfort, and resilience, especially during busy

periods, while consistent sleep enhances my mood

and overall physical wellbeing.

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Looking ahead, how can corporations strategically

invest in women to accelerate progress and foster

gender equality, particularly in West Africa?

 

In West Africa, a significant gender disparity exists,

with women facing under-representation and

underpayment in the workplace. Additionally, there

are barriers to education such as child marriage

and early motherhood. To address impactful

gender equality, corporations must take a dual

approach – focusing on the workplace and broader

societal factors. From a workplace perspective, corporations should

prioritize pay equity, considering the prevalent

wage gap and the tendency for women to take

career breaks if they have children. Initiatives

should be implemented for women to ensure

preparedness for senior leadership positions and

to support their acceleration in the workplace

following a career break. From a societal perspective, corporations can contribute by designing mentorship and

networking programs for women at all levels,

sponsoring scholarships and educational programs

for girls to break down barriers to girls’ education,

and investing in community awareness campaigns

to combat child marriage and early motherhood.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what

message would you like to convey to young women

aspiring to leadership roles?

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