Footprints Women at the Helm:
CONTENT
Celebrating Sir Chris: A Chapter Ends, but the Legacy Continues
Professor Albert Alós – A Lifetime of Service, Leadership and Excellence
Empowering the Next Generation of Business Leaders: Lagos
Business School & CIL Acquico
Footprints is a bi-annual publication by the Lagos Business School Alumni Association ( LBSAA)
Editor Henry Andoh
Deputy Editor Joshua Mbak
Editorial Advisers
Lucille Ossai
Belinda Nwosu
Segun Jones
David Okafor
Judith Chukwu
All correspondence goes to: handoh@lbs edu ng
Your Network Isn’t Your Networth Until In Memoriam: Remembering Pascal Dozie, Founding Advisory Board Member and First Alumni President
BOAF Launch Enhancing Quality Living For Africans by Ayoola Shola | OMP40
CUSTOMER DELIGHT: Positioning to Consistently Delight Customers for Business Growth by Hyacinth Aneke | SMP51
LBSAA-SW Chapter CSR Project
LBSAA-Northern Chapter Breakfast Meeting
AMP22 Class Meetings
Activities
2025 Economic Outlook
The dialogue: Women Leading the Charge for Inclusive Leadership
LBSAA-SW Networking session and Golf Tournament 2.0
LBSAA Calendar
The Law of Acceleration
Talent Management: Navigating Industry Shifts - A conversation with Professor Yinka David-West
The Silent Canvas: Forging Your Masterpiece in an Unresponsive Universe
EDITOR’S DESK
By Henry Andoh
The world isn’t short on complex problems but some of them stick around simply because the right voices aren’t in the room. When leadership keeps sounding and looking the same, fresh ideas are pushed aside Across boardrooms, classrooms, and policy spaces, the quiet absence of inclusion shapes outcomes shrinking creativity, slowing innovation, and leaving entire communities behind When leadership isn’t diverse, we don’t just miss new ideas we miss better ones.
In this special edition of Footprints, we shine a light on women innovators, change-makers, quiet builders who are helping shape the future of leadership. Their work speaks louder than titles; it speaks of progress that includes everyone We’re also proud to spotlight PanAtlantic University as an institution walking the talk championing inclusive leadership and making room for more voices to be heard
Behind these stories is a truth that often goes unspoken: when talent is overlooked, we all lose In Africa alone, the gender gap costs us nearly $95 billion each year. That’s not just a statistic it’s a wake-up call. Inclusion isn’t just the right thing; it’s the smart thing
This issue also explores how leaders are navigating change, how industries are rethinking talent, and what it means to keep creating even when the world doesn’t seem to notice. Because often, the most meaningful work begins in silence.
We hope these stories inspire, challenge, and remind you of the quiet power of being seen and seeing others. Enjoy the read
It’s not about how many hours you work it’s about the dent you make Some people grind for 12 hours and barely move the needle, while others log off at 5 p m and leave a lasting impact. No one remembers your time at the desk they remember the difference you made
Focus on value, not busyness. Delegate what doesn’t matter, double down on what does, and chase results, not hours. Ask yourself before every task: “If I nail this, who benefits?” If the answer is no one, rethink it. Real impact comes from solving problems, unblocking your team, and creating value that echoes Be the difference Make the dent
By: Dr. John Mukoro, mni
ABOUT LBS
INSIDE LBS
Celebrating Sir Chris:
A Chapter Ends, but the Legacy Continues
The Lagos Business School community recently came together to celebrate Professor Chris Ogbechie, our esteemed immediate past dean, whose leadership has left a lasting mark on the institution.
The sendforth celebration was a memorable evening filled with heartfelt speeches, laughter, and reflections on the incredible impact he has made His dedication and vision have shaped the future of business education at LBS, inspiring both students and faculty.
Thank you, Sir Chris, for your unwavering commitment and remarkable contributions. As you step into new endeavors, your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
From Left to Right: Prof. Juan Elegido, Prof. Enase Okonedo, Prof. Chris Ogbechie and Prof. Yinka David-West
INSIDE LBS
Professor Albert Alós – A Lifetime of Service, Leadership and Excellence
Some leaders build institutions. Others transform lives. Professor Albert Alos did both, redefining business education and leadership in Nigeria. Arriving in 1967, he dedicated himself to developing world-class institutions, empowering leaders, and shaping the future of education.
Born in Barcelona, Spain, he earned a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering in 1966 A year later, he made a life-changing decision, to move to Nigeria For over five decades, his intellect and vision strengthened the foundation of society, shaping organisations and inspiring generations.
As the first Director-General and Dean of Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, he set the gold standard for business education in Africa. Under his leadership.
Academic excellence became non-negotiable Ethical leadership was instilled as a core value Global partnerships positioned African executives on the world stage.
Programmes were tailored to Africa’s unique challenges
Today, Lagos Business School (LBS) is ranked among Africa’s top business schools, a testament to the foundation he built
Beyond LBS, he served as the first Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), establishing an institution renowned for intellectual rigour, ethics and service
Professor Alós did not just work in Nigeria, he gave his life to it His profound impact was recognised at the highest level in 2022, when President Muhammadu Buhari granted him Nigerian citizenship, honouring over 55 years of service
His dedication and leadership earned him multiple prestigious awards, including: National Universities Commission (NUC) Appreciation Award – For transforming Nigeria’s university system Lagos Business School Alumni Association (LBSAA) Award – For advancing business education.
Committee of Vice-Chancellors Award – For contributions to private universities
Professor Alós is more than an educator; he is a builder, an inspiration and a catalyst for change. His impact continues to shape education, policy, leadership in Nigeria and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on generations to come
Professor Alós’ work is not just part of history, it continues to inspire future generations.
By: LBS Advancement Team
INSIDE LBS
Empowering the Next Generation of Business Leaders: Lagos Business School &
CIL Acquico
At Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, we are committed to empowering exceptional talent through education On Tuesday, 25th March, we had the privilege of visiting CIL Acquico, a forward-thinking investment firm driving growth in manufacturing, infrastructure and healthcare.
Co-founded by Mr Femi Akinware, Mr Babatunde Edun and Mr Jude Abalaka, CIL Acquico is not only shaping industries but also investing in human capital, providing future business leaders with access to world-class education
A testament to this commitment is the CIL Acquico Scholarship Award, a need-based initiative that has already supported deserving MBA candidates across multiple cohorts. Having previously awarded scholarships to two outstanding individuals in different MBA classes, CIL Acquico expanded its impact in 2025, increasing the number of scholars to five Even more remarkable is the company’s long-term commitment pledging to make this scholarship a continuous opportunity for future MBALagos Business School students
Recognising Excellence: The CIL Acquico Scholars
Following a rigorous selection process, five outstanding candidates were awarded the CIL Acquico Scholarship for the Modular MBA 8 (MMBA 8) cohort (January 2025 class):
�� Oyinkansola Aregbesola
�� Hannah Ishola-Oshodi
�� Joy Adewuyi
�� Caleb Baale
�� Teece Ogbu-Nnachi
Mr Femi and Mrs Itunu Akinware reaffirmed their strong commitment to education and leadership development, a dedication they share with Mr Edun and Mr Abalaka, the company’s co-founders. Their inspiring conversation with the scholarship recipients was a moment of mentorship, vision-sharing and encouragement, reinforcing the profound impact of this initiative.
In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, the scholars presented a special token of appreciation to CIL Acquico, expressing how this scholarship has transformed their aspirations into reality
To recognise CIL Acquico’s exceptional contribution to education and leadership development, LBS proudly presented the company with a commemorative plaque, celebrating this outstanding support for scholarships.
A scholarship is more than financial support, it is an investment in the future, a catalyst for unlocking potential, and a stepping stone towards transformational leadership.
We extend our sincere gratitude to CIL Acquico for their visionary generosity and long-term commitment to empowering business leaders, and we invite individuals, foundations and organisations to join us in shaping the future of business leadership
Would you like to be part of this transformative journey? Support the MBA & MiM Scholarship Fund today.
By: LBS Advancement Team
INSIDE LBS
Your Network Isn’t Your Networth Until...
I left Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University in 2017 to pursue a career in consulting. This was after spending almost hashtag#9years. You will agree with me, that’s almost a lifetime at this age and time when people spend an average of hashtag#2years on a job.
Staying that long gave me the opportunity to develop competencies and experience that prepared me for the future. Beyond the competencies and skills, I developed relationships that extended beyond the workplace.
On the recent appointment of Olayinka David-West (she/her/hers) as hashtag#Dean of Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University , I thought planning a hashtag#homecoming hangout was in order This will be an opportunity to bring in as many ex-staff as I can reach to celebrate the hashtag#Dean and catch-up with one another.
It was indeed fulfilling to see my colleagues turned friends yesterday as we gathered at the hashtag#gazebo. It was a moment of fun, laughter ,catching up with life and career and reuniting old ties.
Your network can be your networth when you cultivate and manage relationships well.
A very big thank you to Ifedapo Adeleye, PhD, Olasunkanmi Adenuga Joan, Egwuterai Chioma, J Ike Joy Lawal Timothy Aluko Tayo Muritala Cecilia Enaholo Ijeoma Anaso, Farouk Oluwanishola Tobun, and Bolanle Awe for showing up and making it an hashtag#eventful evening.
During the few hours, we discussed areas of collaboration and shared ideas on growth and development.
My appreciation goes to Nkechi Iwegbu Yetunde Anibaba Bongo Adi Chinedum Ewuzie Alex Ererobe Charles Amaefula and all Facility staff for being a wonderful host and adding colour to the evening.
Most importantly, thank you Olayinka DavidWest (she/her/hers) for making this happen. We’ve nicknamed you “The People’s Dean”
Finally, I’m happy to announce that the Dean has appointed me as the Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University Staff Alumni President. If you have ever worked in LBS, we will look for you.
By: Tinuke Bosun-Okusaga MCIPM,SPHRi
INSIDE LBS
In Memoriam:
Remembering
Pascal
Dozie, Founding
Advisory
Board Member and First Alumni President
The Lagos Business School community mourns the passing of Pascal Gabriel Dozie OON, a truly remarkable individual who played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of our institution. The news of his passing was made public by his family on April 8, 2025.
Born April 9, 1939, Pascal Dozie was a founding member of the Lagos Business School advisory board, lending his invaluable expertise and vision from our earliest days. His strategic guidance was instrumental in shaping the school’s mission and ensuring its commitment to excellence.
Beyond his advisory role, Pascal Gabriel Dozie holds the distinction of being the first president of the Lagos Business School Alumni Association (LBSAA). His leadership in this capacity was crucial in building a strong and connected alumni network, fostering a sense of community that continues to be a hallmark of our alumni body.
Furthermore, Pascal Dozie’s dedication to education extended to his service on the Pan-Atlantic University Governing Council, where he championed initiatives focused on academic rigour and ethical leadership.
He was a passionate advocate for the transformative
power of education and a steadfast believer in nurturing responsible leaders.
The entire Lagos Business School community mourns the loss of Pascal Gabriel Dozie. We will forever be grateful for his profound contributions, unwavering support, and enduring legacy. His commitment to ethical leadership and his belief in the potential of our students will continue to inspire us.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family during this difficult time.
Information regarding any memorial services or tributes will be shared as they become available.
By: LBS Central Communications Team
ABOUT LBSAA
COVER STORY
By: Uzoma Chukwuma
BOAF LAUNCH: ENHANCING QUALITY LIVING FOR AFRICANS
January 25, 2025 - Lagos, Nigeria
The Radisson Hotel Ikeja was abuzz with color, love, and support as BOAF, a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded by Ayoola Shola Joseph, a social entrepreneur and an alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School OMP40, officially launched its mission to create quality living for Africans
The event, which was live-streamed to accommodate both physical and virtual attendees, was a powerful testament to the strength of community and collective action.
Founded on the principles of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility, BOAF is dedicated to addressing critical issues such as poverty, hunger, and homelessness in Africa.
In attendance were representatives from KoraPay, the payment service provider for the foundation, and Providus Bank, its official financial institution
BOAF's mission is to enhance quality living for Africans through shelter homes, feeding programs, and economic empowerment opportunities for its partners
Within less than 25 days of its launch, the organization has already made a meaningful social impact, empowering over 50 individuals
through its financial empowerment program. Additionally, during the special Valentine’s feeding program, BOAF provided food and relief materials to over 120 people in Lagos As the year progresses, we are committed to expanding and intensifying these efforts.
Speaking at the launch, Ayoola Shola Joseph reaffirmed BOAF's commitment to uplifting lives and enhancing living standards for Africans
"Our goal is to open our first shelter home by January 2026 We are also looking forward to our upcoming feeding program on March 11, where we will provide meals and relief items to 200 individuals on the streets of Lagos "
To support BOAF’s mission and upcoming initiatives, kindly reach out to us:
Email: support@boafcommunity.com
WhatsApp: +234 916 542 7266
Facebook: @boafcommunity
X (Twitter): @boafcommunity
Instagram: @boafcommunity
Together, We Can Make a Difference.
By: BOAF’s Team
CUSTOMER DELIGHT: POSITIONING TO CONSISTENTLY DELIGHT CUSTOMERS FOR BUSINESS GROWTH
We proudly spotlight Hyacinth Aneke, a distinguished alumnus whose inspiring thought leadership continues to drive transformation.
At the recent Impact Group Annual Retreat, Hyacinth delivered a powerful session on Customer Delight, captivating the leadership and workforce of Nigeria’s foremost Marketing Communications conglomerate. His session, titled “CUSTOMER DELIGHT: Positioning to Consistently Delight Customers for Business Growth,” masterfully blended insightful business strategy, transformative thinking, and engaging delivery what we call EDUTAINMENT (Education + Entertainment). The goal? To align the team around the company’s core focus for the year: customer delight
Here are the key takeaways from Hyacinth’s impactful session:
1. The Value Thinker Mindset
A transformative mindset that redefines how businesses connect with customers:
Draws customers naturally to your brand
Cultivates loyalty and lifelong relationships. Energizes teams and deepens internal alignment
Prioritizes the customer’s needs above internal metrics.
Positions your business as a true partner in delivering value.
2 Customer and Market Mastery
True customer delight begins with understanding and alignment: Discover the jobs your customers want to get done, their pain points, and aspirations
Develop a detailed customer profile and create a value map that aligns with it.
The intersection of your customers’ needs and your unique value is the sweet spot of exceptional service.
We are proud to celebrate alumni like Hyacinth who embody excellence, lead with purpose, and continue to influence industries through service and innovation. Bravo, Hyacinth!
By: Hyacinth Aneke | SMP51
Click To View Photos
The SS/SE zone of LBSAA organized an outreach in Okujogu community of Rivers State Led by the Zonal President, Enyinnaya Onyegbule OMP10, the zone raised funds towards the purchase of food items for the vulnerable in the community Themed: "Extending love to the community", the outreach aligned with the theme for the 2024 President's Dinner, "Humanity First"
Members of the zone and its leadership were present during the laudable outreach on December 14, 2024.
AMP22 CLASS REUNION
AMP 22 held their first class reunion for the year 23rd Feb 2025 20th Feb 2025
ALUMNI ACTIVITIES
THE DIALOGUE: WOMEN LEADING THE CHARGE FOR INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Lagos Business School (LBS) hosted a virtual event in celebration of International Women’s Day, themed “Women at the Helm: Accelerating Action for Inclusive Leadership in Nigeria.” The event brought together prominent leaders and advocates to discuss actionable strategies for achieving gender-inclusive leadership.
Moderated by
Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo OON, President/Group CEO of Transcorp Group, who masterfully steered the conversations.
Keynote Speakers Included:
Tara Fela-Durotoye, Founder, House of Tara International
Prof. Yinka David-West, Dean, Lagos Business School
Foluso Gbadamosi, Lead, 10 Million African Girls, Junior Achievement Africa
Adebola Williams, Co-Founder, Red Media Africa
Key Highlights and Takeaways
Foluso Gbadamosi: Empowerment Begins at Home and in Community
Gender equality starts at home.
Be a value creator, not just a role filler contribution There’s a community for every season Mentorship and sponsorship are game changers. Don’t just occupy spaces be visible, be intentional
Adebola Williams: Women as Economic Powerhouses and Change Agents
Women drive 80% of SMEs in Nigeria Africa loses $95B annually due to gender inequality. Educating women fuels GDP growth and productivity. Men must be allies
Celebrate women as Ceiling Crushers and Mountain Movers.
Tara Fela-Durotoye: Leading with Vision, Balance, and Self-Knowledge
1.Build your business, build your people, build yourself
2 Belief is contagious
3.Support systems make success possible
4.Delegate to elevate.
5 Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity
ALUMNI ACTIVITIES
Prof. Yinka David-West: Dismantling Structural and Cultural Barriers
Women have broken barriers but more remain. – Celebrate progress, keep pushing. Cultural norms still limit women. – We must challenge societal expectations
Access is everything. – Education, finance, and policies must be inclusive.
Respect is earned by showing up and delivering results.
Safety and mobility impact economic participation.
Conclusion
The LBS International Women’s Day Celebration was more than a dialogue —it was a call to action. It highlighted the transformative power of inclusive leadership and challenged every participant to not just believe in equality, but to actively build it.
The stories, strategies, and taglines shared serve as a blueprint for anyone —woman or man—committed to accelerating gender-inclusive progress in Nigeria and beyond
Watch the full session below
Summarized By:
Joshua Mbak and Uzoma Chukwuma
ALUMNI ACTIVITIES
2025 LBSAA CALENDAR
FEATURES
The Law of Acceleration
You may be doing everything right showing up, building, learning, working hard and still hear nothing but silence. No sales, no recognition, no applause But that quiet phase is not failure; it’s the price of admission Keep going, because the journey from 0 to 1 can take years, but from 1 to 100 happens fast once the spotlight hits.
With attention comes acceleration your average work gets amplified, your best work becomes a magnet, and suddenly, you’re an “overnight success ” Most people quit before this Don’t You’re not behind you’re just pre-acceleration. Keep going. Your moment is coming
By: Dr. John Mukoro, mni
Talent Management: Navigating Industry Shifts
FEATURES
The Silent Canvas:
Forging Your Masterpiece in an Unresponsive Universe
The universe observes you with magnificent indifference a vast, impartial mirror reflecting only what you project into its emptiness This cosmic canvas hangs before you, neither sympathetic nor cruel, simply waiting for your brushstrokes to begin
Meaning will never arrive as a gift Purpose is never bestowed Fulfillment remains perpetually unclaimed until you declare it yours The universe merely amplifies and returns whatever significance you dare to create for yourself.
When you elevate your standards, life responds not with applause or validation, but with resistance worthy of your new aspirations These obstacles are not punitive; they are precisely calibrated instruments of growth Each challenge that rises to meet your ambition serves as the sculptor's chisel, revealing the masterpiece of character hidden within the marble of potential
Choose the path of comfort, and the universe maintains its silence You may find an absence of storms, but you will discover an absence of growth Without struggle, transformation remains theoretical rather than experiential. This seeming peace is merely stagnation dressed in tranquility's garments.
Your existence was never meant to follow a predetermined script handed to you at birth. The raw materials of reality lie before you like clay awaiting the sculptor's touch. Your reality is not something to be discovered it is something to be created with deliberate intention, decision by decision, moment by moment
Your essential mission in this indifferent universe is creation:
Build the life that resonates with your deepest values
Build the family that nurtures your soul and others
Build the career that channels your unique abilities
Build the enterprise that manifests your vision
You must grant yourself permission to assume the mantle of creator Try, fail, and try again with renewed determination The universe remains motionless until you generate the first spark of movement Momentum is never bestowed it must be generated through persistent action
The universe responds precisely to the energy you invest and the aspirations you pursue with conviction:
Dream audaciously, then construct methodically Create boldly, then refine with precision. Explore courageously, then expand with wisdom. Discover humbly, then reimagine with vision
This indifferent cosmos owes you nothing yet paradoxically offers everything to those who reach beyond perceived limitations. Expectation is the silent thief that robs you of forward motion When you wait for the universe to deliver what you desire, you surrender your power to initiate, build, and become
The universe has not prepared a path specifically for you, but it consistently honors genuine persistence It meets authentic courage with unexpected possibility It responds to disciplined effort with emerging opportunity The answers you seek externally have always resided within, awaiting only your permission to materialize
Therefore, build
Build with relentless determination
Build with intentional precision
Build with unwavering focus
The universe will never move for you, but it will move with you when you summon the courage to lead The indifferent mirror transforms into a responsive partner the moment you choose to act rather than wait, to create rather than consume, to lead rather than follow
By: Dr. John Mukoro, mni
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
LBSFemaleAlumnusInspiringWomeninNigeria
Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, OON
President and Group CEO, Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group)
Dr Owen Omogiafo is a transformative business leader and the President/Group CEO of Transcorp Group, a $2.9 billion conglomerate in power, hospitality, and energy
She is the first female to hold this position at Transcorp and has led the group to control 20% of Nigeria’s power generation capacity Recognized nationally with the OON honor, she champions innovation, sustainable growth, and inclusive leadership across Africa
Dr. Odiri Ogini
Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Asset Management Limited
Dr Odiri Ogini is a seasoned finance executive with over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry She currently leads United Capital Asset Management and has previously served as Group CFO of United Capital Plc She is the first female graduate of the LBS Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program and the newly elected Vice President of CFA Society Nigeria
Professor Olayinka David-West is the second female Dean of Lagos Business School, after serving as Associate Dean.
A respected expert in digital transformation and financial inclusion, she brings nearly 30 years of experience in IT and financial services She leads the SIDFS initiative and is widely recognized as a leading voice in Nigeria’s fintech space
Bola Adesola Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria and Lagos State Employment Trust Fund
Bola Adesola is a seasoned corporate leader with over 32 years in banking, including roles as CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria & West Africa She co-founded WIMBIZ and currently serves on several boards including Imperial Logistics Plc and the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria Bola is a mentor, advocate for women in leadership, and a driver of financial sector development in Nigeria
Prof. Enase Okonedo
Vice-Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, Nigeria
Prof Enase Okonedo is a seasoned academic and former Dean of Lagos Business School, where she led the School to global recognition and international accreditation.
She is the first to have led LBS to become the only African business school featured in The Economist's 2020 Executive MBA ranking. She serves on prestigious international boards and is a pioneer for women in leadership and education across Africa
Nimi Akinkugbe Founder, Bestman Games Ltd & Money Matters with Nimi
Nimi Akinkugbe is a finance expert and advocate for financial literacy across Africa She founded Bestman Games and the “Money Matters with Nimi” platform to drive education through games, media, and school programs A former Ambassador to Greece, she has also served on several notable boards and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria
Prof. Olayinka David-West Dean, Lagos Business School
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Funke Amobi
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, SunTrust Bank Nigeria Ltd
A seasoned financial expert with over 20 years of banking experience across top Nigerian banks She currently serves as MD/CEO of SunTrust Bank and chairs the NSIA Umuahia Diagnostic Center
A Lagos Business School alumna and Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, she is also the Co-Founder of TAJ Consortium. Passionate about youth and women empowerment, she actively supports girl child education and community development
CEO, Imperium Capital Partners
Mary Akpobome is a seasoned financial executive with over 30 years of experience across leading institutions like Citizens International Bank, Platinum/Habib Bank, and Heritage Bank
She has held top leadership roles including Executive Director of Business Banking and Enterprise Bank A multiple business school alumna and ELOY Award honoree, Mary is committed to women empowerment and leadership excellence
Deputy Head of Operations, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc
Funke Amobi is a global thought leader with extensive experience in the Oil & Gas, Banking, and Telecommunications sectors As Deputy Head of Operations at Stanbic IBTC Bank, she oversees operations, vendor management, procurement, and real estate She serves on various advisory boards and nonprofit boards, including those of Lancaster University Management School and WISCAR.
Tara Fela-Durotoye
Founder, House of Tara International
Tara Fela-Durotoye is a pioneering beauty entrepreneur who launched Nigeria’s first professional makeup studio and makeup school, establishing the country’s beauty industry in the late 1990s She is the founder of House of Tara International and creator of the Tara Beauty Entrepreneur initiative, which has empowered tens of thousands across Africa A respected thought leader and advocate for impact entrepreneurship, she is widely regarded as the poster girl for female entrepreneurship in West Africa
The Essential Thing is your Trust Portfolio
Many talented professionals remain invisible while watching opportunities go to others This isn't your unique problem it's widespread Success requires understanding your workplace's political landscape and documenting instances where you've been overlooked (facts only, emotions aside)
Assess your visibility on a scale of 1-10 and determine if this happens with specific stakeholders or across the board In high-pressure environments, managers assign critical tasks to those they trust or see regularly Building your "Trust Portfolio" is essential, as is addressing communication gaps by stepping out of your comfort zone to showcase your value There may be misalignment between your skills and what stakeholders value, unconscious bias in task distribution, or perception issues regarding your capabilities
Remember: perception is reality tell your own success stories For mid-senior roles, visible strategic thinking and leadership are as crucial as technical excellence
By: Dr. John Mukoro, mni
Halima Buba
Mary Akpobome
