TW Magazine - Adesuwa Ifedi WIL Special

SPECIAL REPORT

Development experts examine leadership styles with high impact

FASHION

African Collaborative Fashion The Guzangs way +

Leading in Top Management Through Innovation, Technology and ‘Soft Power’

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A Pictorial Journey Through The Times as we reminisce on our 120+ covers since 2007.

16 Collage

Fashion

Guzangs is the creative effort of one woman, Idelle, to uncover the treasure trove of African fashion in a truly collaborative and inclusive way.

ON THE COVER

Adesuwa Ifedi, Africa Senior Vice President with Heifer International, tells the story of her journey to the top management in the development sector without losing her “soft power,” a trait she describes as the core of female leadership.

Today’s Woman Through The Times

A gallery of beauty, purpose & grit

141 Covers of PURE INSPIRATION: A testament to our 17 years of unwavering commitment.

We’ve come a long way from 116 standard editions, 17 specials, 4 mixed editions, 2 gift editions, and 2 executive editions. 141 covers later, we continue to share beautiful stories and moments and celebrate those who can inspire Today’s Woman.

Tonya

CAREER & PARENTING

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Every trial you go through makes you better, and every push you feel in your career builds you up.

The best gift you can have is to get the ‘worst’ job in the first few years of your career. After that, you can face anything!

If you have a soft landing it is not a gift, because it doesn’t prepare you. This is why as parents, we have to draw the line on ‘protecting’ our children from failure.

ADESUWA IFEDI

Leadership And Impact

In the pursuit of sunshine and the warmth of family, I found my way back home. This return was not just a geographical shift but a heartfelt choice to immerse myself in a world where design, media, and hospitality converge. Exploring this convergence was fueled by the concept of legacy and the desire to share invaluable life lessons here at Today’s Woman Magazine and beyond.

This edition celebrates leadership, self-discovery, and branding. It’s a tapestry of tales guiding readers to success. Adesuwa Ifedi exemplifies impactful leadership and care. These stories inspire the pursuit of purpose and individuality and serve as a beacon for those seeking to define their why and carve out a unique identity in the world.

As we weave through the pages, you’ll discover our dedication to crafting unique experiences, from special magazines to coffee table books that celebrate the essence of womanhood. This April, we launched a web series that offers an intimate glimpse into the legacy of TW, featuring a heartfelt interview with my mother - a conversation that’s as enlightening as it is personal. You can catch that on our YouTube Channel here.

My role in TW is multifaceted, much like the life I lead. It’s about guiding our team with humility and vision and the subtle art of selling oneself through the stories we tell and the projects we undertake. In this edition, we explore the nuances of personal branding with insights from Bukky George-Taylor’s “Born To Stand Out” and delve into the fashion world with Idelle Taye’s journey.

Returning home was a quest for authenticity, a life filled with the positive energy only loved ones can provide. This energy fuels my work and the pages of this magazine.

As I reflect on my path, I see a theme of growth and understanding, a narrative that unfolds amidst the complexities of professional and personal realms.

So, as I sign off this editor’s note, I do so with a sense of fulfillment and anticipation. The stories we share are not just ink on paper; they echo our aspirations and the blueprint of our legacy. Let’s bask in this constant sunshine together, growing, learning, and empowering each other with every production from the TW Media brand.

Coffee Table Book:

We encapsulate your memories, achievements, and dreams in a bespoke book that speaks volumes. It’s not just a book; it’s a legacy in print.

TW SPECIAL PUBLISHING!

Discover the power of extraordinary storytelling and visual artistry with our magazine specials and coffee table book production.

Magazine-Specials:

This is the perfect opportunity to capture your milestone events, achievements, and history. Let us transform your story into a stunning visual and literary masterpiece.

Whether you desire a printed masterpiece or a digital marvel, we have the tools and expertise to make it happen.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Lala's Lagos

Sahndra

Contributor

Fon Dufe

Okeowo is a dynamic force in writing, business strategy, and creative content creation. With a rich background that spans continents and cultures, Sahndra brings a unique perspective to her work as a Founder, Creative Director, and Brand Communications Strategist. Her expertise in disruptive campaigns and market-changing projects has earned her a reputation for excellence and innovation.

Sahndra's passion for showcasing diverse voices and cultures is reflected in her support for brands like Idelle's, recognizing

the importance of visibility in combating cultural appropriation. Sahndra aims to make a lasting impact through her work and collaborations and inspire others to embrace their creative potential. Readers can expect to learn about the transformative work Guzangs is doing for African creatives on the global fashion scene.

Connect with Sahndra on IG and LinkedIn for industry insights, innovation, and a journey filled with creativity and purpose. Let's make a difference together. |

Dress: Ruzana Couture (Nigerian designer)

Fashion suppliers and brands are facing significant economic and geopolitical challenges. While issues like design plagiarism, "fast fashion" sweatshop manufacturing, greenwashing, and cultural appropriation often dominate today's fashion headlines, it's crucial to celebrate women's pioneering novel initiatives that resonate with us. From household names like Deola Sagoe, Folarin Coker, Lisa Folawiyo, African women have evolved from 'tailor' stereotypes into instrumental drivers in the fashion industry's development with an array of innovations like the "Art meets Fashion" and GTCO Fashion Week. As Women's Month just concluded, let's spotlight one such trailblazing woman.

GUZANGS SPEAKS A STORY OF AND PROGRESS AFRICAN FASHION

PASSION ESS IN SHION

Idelle Taye:Guzangs Visionary

This Cameroonian-American Fashionpreneur, is spearheading the transformation of the fashion landscape through her brand Guzangs. Born post-2020, Guzangs spotlights emerging African fashion designers, aiding their global recognition. Raised in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Idelle's diverse background shapes her journey. A nursing graduate from Midwestern University, driven by a passion for healthcare and empowerment, dedicating her life to uplifting African artisans towards self-sufficiency..

Fashion has a remarkable soft power: it's not just about looks, it's about stirring memories, kindling passion,

and uniting us in a shared purpose. Recently, we've seen fashion go beyond fabric and threads into language, dialogue, and catalyst for change. Through styles that evoke nostalgia, ignite excitement, and foster solidarity, fashion becomes a stage for meaningful conversations. It's fascinating how something as everyday as clothing can weave together discussions that transcend boundaries and resonate worldwide. Drawing inspiration from fashion activism on similar projects, such as equality-themed footwear collections, fashion footprint calculators, political awareness (Balenciaga) and animal rights activism (Stella McCartney x The Beatles), Idelle shared her insights on leadership within the industry.

"I've learned that exceptional leaders in fashion are distinguished by their deep empathy for artisans, designers, and communities involved in garment production. They recognize the stories and cultural significance woven into each fabric and stitch, fostering connection within their team. This empathy drives them to amplify marginalized voices and reshape the fashion industry's narrative."

Reflecting upon her accomplishments, one pivotal moment defined her trajectory in fashion leadership. In 2023, Guzangs featured Nigerian photographer Obinna Obioma on a fashion project exploring the themes of migration and heritage, using the iconic “Ghana must go bag,” which gained notoriety in the 1980s as millions of undocumented Ghanaians were expelled from Nigeria, carrying these bags as they migrated. This feature sparked a lasting digital conversation among West Africans worldwide, igniting nostalgia and addressing the lingering pain of historical events over forty years later.

Last month, Guzangs- now a globally renowned platform- decided to sail into where it all began: Africa, convening Nigerian fashion stakeholders to deliberate, discuss, and proffer fashion-forward solutions within the industry. March 14, 2024, marked its launch as the city of Lagos stood still for the show-stopping event themed “The Guzangs Experience.”

As a black woman in an industry historically entrenched with racial biases, Idelle’s journey has been marked by resilience and determination. From battling stereotypes to confronting systemic obstacles while trying to curate a more inclusive and equitable future for generations to come in the African fashion industry.

This is just the start of more exciting developments in African fashion for the changemaker. According to her, “African fashion is incredibly diverse. We've often been conditioned to view it through a limited lens, focusing on iconic pieces like Danshikis and Ankaras, but it's so much more than that. The continent is a treasure trove of creativity and innovation. I envision African designers as key stakeholders, actively involved in making significant decisions. It has been an honor to be part of this Guzangs’ journey, where we rediscover the rich craft and heritage of African fashion.”

The Lala’s Lagos-held Event

The bigwigs in Nigeria’s fashion and creative industries were in attendance, adding glamor, and making a strong case for what the brand truly represents in the fashion world.

From award-winning Nollywood producer Daniel Etim-Effiong to A-list actor Deyemi Okanlawon, popular music sensation Imanse,

and other notable creatives like Enyinna Nwigwe, Eso Dike, Nkechi Balogun, Creative Communications specialists, Maliz Mahop, Ijeoma Balogun and Amina Isa, (founder, Lala’s); among others, the message resonated: it’s time for African fashion to captivate global audiences.

Florentina Agu, founder of Hertunba, emphasized the importance of sustainability

in preserving Black heritage. She remarked, "Over the past two years, the world has engaged in discussions about sustainability. This is our culture; we are culturally sustainable."

In examining the fashion business, Ayodeji Ayodele, Co-founder of Deji & Kola, reiterated the importance of prioritizing production efficiency and logistics. He emphasized, "People should have the chance to establish a career in fashion and work towards long-term success."

Guzangs has partnered with renowned African designers like Ugo Monye, among others. One guest likened Guzangs to Vogue, noting its unique emphasis on Afro fashion and cultural influence.

Sara Sozzani Maino, (Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani and an Advisory Board member for the Circular Fashion Summit (a United Nations SDG project), also commended Guzangs for its efforts. She highlighted, “I believe the vision is to give visibility to those who don’t have it. African designers need to showcase their culture and

creativity to a global audience.”

The operational intelligence behind this platform is powered by Idelle's tireless efforts, bridging creativity and business to drive innovation, focused on young creatives. When asked for advice for emerging fashion creatives, Idelle said:

“Cherish your journey of self-discovery. Take the time to explore your passions, embrace your quirks, learn from both triumphs and setbacks. In understanding and honoring your true self, you'll unlock the limitless potential within you, paving the way for a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and impact.”

The recently concluded “The Guzangs Experience” initiated a movement aimed at discovering fashion talent across the continent. Guzangs plans to host similar events in Accra, Kigali, Nairobi, and Cape Town this year, extending its reach and impact within Africa's dynamic fashion landscape—and we’re rooting for her!

A Review

Author: Bukky George-Taylor

Publisher: Narrative Landscape Press Under Its Prima Imprint

Available for purchase: on Amazon & Selar

With a wealth of 17 years in the field of public relations, the author, Bukky George-Taylor, brings a depth of knowledge and practical insights to this 105page guide on personal branding.

The author categorically points out at the onset that if you are aspiring to leadership, you need to identify, develop, and promote your brand. That is why this book is a must-have.

Written in a straightforward manner, the book avoids complex jargon, making it accessible to all readers. The use of bold print enhances readability, allowing an average reader to complete it in just an hour.

The book is presented in 3 parts with 14 chapters.

Part 1 is all about "the what" of personal branding. The reader learns what it entails and why it is needed, even as it gives you the different steps to personal branding. It surmises that personal branding is about creating a spotlight around you to distinguish you in a sea of faces. It's more like a stamp, signature or fingerprint. Unique. “Even in your absence, your brand tells your story,” it is certainly beyond a logo and catchy tagline. It is establishing and being seen as an authority.

Part 2 focuses on building your personal brand, which relies on high self-awareness and knowledge of your purpose and where you want to play. The reader is presented with guided, deep personal questions to help unearth self-awareness.

Part 3 brings it all together, taking the reader through the how-to and value of the elevator pitch, networking, and expanding your online presence. The author harps on the need for personal development, describing it as the act of “Sculpting the person behind that image… the substance that makes your style meaningful”.

For those who are committed to continuous learning and practice, this book is a valuable resource. As the author rightly points out, building a great personal brand is a journey, not a destination. The practicality and ease of understanding of 'Born To Stand Out' make it a book that can be revisited time and again.

Our covergirl is a maven in the development sector, and given all the thoughts and paths she crossed on her journey to being who she is, TW chose to explore this subject of leadership and social impact in the following story, which captures the thoughts of three people who have worked closely with Adesuwa and are active players in the development sector.

Mr. Michael Ajayi is the Country Director of Enactus Nigeria, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming Nigerian youths into resourceful, purposeful, and values-driven entrepreneurial leaders and social innovators. As the Country Director, Michael is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the organization, expanding its influence, and ensuring that it remains the “best-inclass” organization in youth development in Nigeria.

Folasade Adefisayo (Mrs), a onetime education commissioner in Lagos state, is the Principal Consultant/CEO of Leading Learning Ltd, an education consulting firm she established in 2014. The company has consulted for public and private schools, the Federal Government, state governments, NGOs and development partners. The professional focus areas include teacher training, leadership training, school setup, and school transformation. She is an education activist passionate about student learning, school transformation and teacher training.

Ms. Bunmi Lawson is the pioneer MD/CEO of EDFIN MfB Ltd, the first specialized Education MfB. Before that, she was the MD of ACCION MfB, one of the largest MfB in Nigeria, FATE Foundation Ltd/Gte, a leading business development service provider, and a co-owner and ED of VLA Lawrence & Associates, a leading HR services organization. Bunmi has over 32 years of postgraduate experience in finance, insurance, marketing, auditing, and banking.

Mike Ajayi

Define leadership

In very simple terms, leadership is the ability to solve problems. Whether in public or the private sector, the most influential leaders are those who inspire and lead their teams to strategically solve the most challenging problems and, by so doing, unlock opportunities and empower others to excel and thrive.

Any Gender Difference

No. The ability to lead is not a respecter of gender. In medieval times, leadership was easily attributed to men (as men are mostly physically more muscular than their women counterparts) partly because it was thought that leadership required physical strength. However, we are now learning that physical strength may be the least of many factors that make influential leaders, and these factors exist in the same measure for both men and women.

Leadership is An Intentional Activity

Role Of Leadership On Social Impact: Your Experience

Leadership is the front and centre of impact. This is so because the real impact is the product of a carefully thoughtout plan, a well-articulated implementation strategy, and the ability to mobilize human and material resources to deliver the established strategy and achieve a well-defined goal. This cannot be achieved by chance. It requires intentionality. It requires leadership. I dare say impact cannot be achieved without leadership.

On Cover Subject

In my experience working with Mrs Adesuwa Ifedi, she is a leader amongst leaders. Her ability to envision what needs to be done and mobilize people and material resources toward that goal with passion, dedication and empathy is inspiring and transformational.

In her world, nothing is impossible to achieve, and no amount of impact is so much as to scare her. Rather than getting discouraged by the size of the work that needs to be done, she gets inspired. It's almost as if the more challenging it is to achieve, the more excited she gets about achieving it. Mrs. Ifedi is a decisive leader who holds herself and everyone else to the highest possible levels of accountability, and she always leads her team from the front with professionalism, compassion, patience, understanding, empathy, and respect for team members.

The ability to lead is not a respecter of gender”

Leadership is Team Management

Define leadership

I define leadership as influencing people to take a desired course of action.

Any Gender Difference

Gender differences exist due to men's and women's differing natures. Women tend to be nurturers, can be more emotional than men, and are more involved in supporting team members. However, women can also be adamant about avoiding being stereotyped.

Role Of Leadership On Social Impact: Your Experience

A leader directs their team members to achieve the vision, and this is where impact occurs. I have led teams in various places where I have worked, and my objective was always to improve children's

learning experiences and learning outcomes. This I achieved through teamwork and collaboration.

On Cover Subject

Adesuwa is a leader in the true sense of the word. I have known her for many years, and she always works with her team to grow the organization, maintain an upward trajectory, and achieve results in whatever capacity she is in. She is a team player and a caring, nurturing leader who builds her team members and expects the best from them in return. Adesuwa is a results-oriented leader who ensures that she delivers on outcomes. What is most engaging about her is her luminous intelligence. Sitting with her at brainstorming sessions, planning, envisioning and making decisions always has her trademark of intelligence, depth and breadth.

Folasade Adefisayo

A leader directs their team members to achieve the vision, and this is where impact occurs”

Define leadership

For me, leadership is the ability to influence, motivate, and guide others towards achieving desired positive goals. Leaders must have followers who become leaders themselves over time and take the achievement of goals to an even higher level. Effective leadership involves inspiring and empowering individuals or groups to collaborate and perform at their best. A good leader enables the combined effort of the team to be more than they can achieve compared to not having a leader.

Any Gender Difference

My instinct is to say no. That is because I believe leaders are born and can learn and hone leadership skills. It is culture and the environment that creates the gender disparities we see when it comes to leadership. Some cultures restrict the roles women can play. However some women

Leadership Inspires And Empowers

have broken this "glass ceiling" and achieved great influence and positive social impact.

Role Of Leadership On Social Impact: Your Experience

Leaders play a critical role when it comes to social impact and addressing and correcting social ills. I would add especially in a country like Nigeria. Leaders are the ones with the vision to identify pressing social issues, the ability to formulate strategies to address them, and the skills to mobilize resources and people to implement solutions. They have to continue to sustain the drive to create social impact. Typically, these movements are not motivated by money. In fact, you have to spend your money as well as time, amongst others! So the leader is so key to driving that vision and motivating people to continue to do so.

I was motivated to redirect my career into development work after my MBA at Lagos Business school. I was influenced by leaders who also had the drive to make Nigeria better in different ways.Great leadership for me fosters collaboration, builds partnerships, and encourages innovation, all of

which are essential for driving meaningful social change. And we can't give up. Especially in Nigeria where it has been a rollercoaster of success and failures. One needs the strength of leadership to not give up.

On Cover subject

It has been such a joy to see Adesuwa soar and achieve all that she has in the development sector. I believe FATE Foundation was her first full-time role in the NGO sector. She joined us from banking and quickly grasped what was required to succeed. She bought into the vision and was committed, and more importantly, resilient. Like me, Adesuwa is very result-oriented and focused on achieving the desired outcome. She brings innovation and solutions. She also has the courage to challenge the status quo bringing innovation and change to achieve the desired results. Very hands-on with high integrity which, makes it easy for people to follow and excel under her tutelage. After FATE she worked at Volunteer Corps ,SIFE and Heifer. All benefited from her strong work ethic, collaboration and drive.

Bunmi Lawson

Amaka with Conversations

Dive into the Today’s Woman Brand through the times with the easy-to-watch, three-part series “Conversations with Amaka.” Adesuwa Onyenokwe, TW’s Founder and CEO, takes you through a journey of resilience and transformation over 17 years.

Episode 1 - Trailblazers Unite! Experience the pioneering spirit.

Episode 2 - The Ultimate Throwback: A nostalgic look at TW’s iconic moments.

Episode 3 - The Reintroduction: A heartwarming MotherDaughter exchange on TW’s evolution.

The series is out now, with more enriching content to come. Catch the episodes on our YouTube channel, and join us as we continue to celebrate and inspire today’s women.

Tap here to watch now and be part of TW’s unfolding story.

I loved the entire conversation with your mum, it brought back good memories with my mum. I wish she was here to watch this interview. She bought the magazines and now that I am older I realise her wearing her glasses and flipping through the magazine was her way of practising self care while trying to maintain the crazy balance of being a wife, mum and a career woman who wanted her daughters to see what was possible for them by introducing them to stories of other women on the cover of the magazine.

@jessicaibinabo

Adesuwa SOCIAL ENTERPRISE FOR IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP

Adesuwa Ifedi screams development. Silently. Youth are her primary concern because of the potential she has always seen in them, a passion which stems from her deep thinking and observing mind that sees beyond the surface. Her story is that of someone you ignore at your own peril. Her soft-spoken and gentle mien seems at odds with the fire in the belly of this highly-trained development and management expert. “Seeing poverty around me created lots of curiosity and questions. I wanted to understand how it all came together”.

And so it was that her life’s path and training took her in the direction of development economics, youth empowerment and development across Africa. Her thoughts have been captured in a series of opinion eds and write ups, and Adesuwa walks her talk, as her accomplishments in her field show (glean her CV to get the gist!). A one-time winner of the TW/WODEF Youth Impact Award in 2014, we caught up with her as we explore Women In Leadership across Africa over the next few editions. Read more in the following piece.

Ifedi

Kindly describe your journey as the Africa Senior Vice President for Heifer International, sharing experiences along the way from your first job postNYSC.

I have always been driven by my passion for solving problems that could make life better for disadvantaged people. After graduating from university in Nigeria, I settled for my first job offer post-NYSC. I eventually landed a job in banking but became increasingly concerned about unemployed youths' difficulties finding work. This led me to pursue a career in development, focusing on creating job opportunities for Nigerian youth.

At university, a course called "The Perpetuation of Underdevelopment" taught me developed countries also had policies keeping them underdeveloped. This is where technology's role for leapfrogging caught my attention. It became clear to me that new ideas and collaborations are needed to break the

Leaders aren't

just those vying for top positions or with qualifying records. It's people willing to put themselves on the line for their beliefs such that their commitment inspires others to follow.

poverty trap.

Also, during my program at Boston University, I realized empowering creative entrepreneurs and finding sustainable, innovative solutions to poverty challenges were connected. Poverty is complex, affecting communities and nations, so it requires integrated, innovative solutions - new thinking, collaborating, and acting. Technology provides a platform driving this change.

In 2014, I supported a tech startup changing how education was delivered to the bottom of the pyramid. This allowed testing if leveraging the right technology could disrupt the status quo and provide quality education for all. And it did!

Today at Heifer International, our goal is ending hunger and poverty for over six million African farmers in six years. I use my social enterprise knowledge to find innovative solutions to

societal problems.

Was getting to any business corporation's C-suite ever your dream? You seem to have always had a passion for small businesses.

Climbing any organization's leadership ladder was never my priority. What motivates me is solving problems that matter, regardless of the organization's size.

As I progressed, I became open to supporting visionary missions contributing to ending povertywhether my social enterprise, someone else's or a corporate or global NGO addressing the same problem.

To me, true leadership is positioning your voice, finding courage to speak up, and demonstrating commitment to the organization's causefrom anyone within, not just the C-suite or top management.

How would you describe the C-suite's coloration across the

When we support unleashing others' potential, we can truly change the world.

world, especially Africa today? Is the gender imbalance closing fast enough?

Our understanding of leadership has been somewhat confused. The C-suite's role is enabling and developing leaders at all levels, from the frontline to executives.

Today, with the unpredictable world, the need for all leaders to embrace vulnerability is widely discussed. I'm excited to be in leadership when we can accept leaders as human, focusing on curating people's skills and talents while providing visionary, courageous leadership.

In my experience, there is a significant difference between male and female leadership styles. Women's strengths are often viewed as weaknesses early in careers. As a middle manager in banking, my instincts to ask questions and slow down for deeper analysis were seen as indecisive and weak.

However, these same instincts drive my collaborative leadership style, recognizing I'm not always the smartest in the room. Listening more leads to out-of-the-box ideas. Unfortunately, few women have had senior-level opportunities.

Educate us on your leadership definition and how this has played out personally and professionally. I'm amused when people assume selfconfidence and assertiveness are key leadership traits, believing a leader stands out and takes charge. If that's the universal definition, I wouldn't make the cut!

Being a middle child, I enjoyed being invisible early on. I had time to daydream and make mischief. I got noticed only when something was broken or out of place.

Despite my inquisitive nature, I felt deep empathy, stepping up when people were

bullied or injustice occurred. Otherwise, I observed quietly from a distance.

Leaders aren't just those vying for top positions or with qualifying records. It's people willing to put themselves on the line for their beliefs such that their commitment inspires others to follow.

I subscribe to Aristotle's quote: "He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader."

Sometimes I need to wear the leader hat, sometimes the follower hat, learning from subordinates. Without this ability, we lose being lifelong learners and humility to know when we're not the smartest.

What makes you a leader is inviting all voices for insights and learning. Having the courage to end consultation, make a decision, and own it.

You won the TW and WODEF Rare Gem award in 2008 for your youth work as Enactus' country director. Is generating the next set of leaders something close to your heart?

About 60% of Africa's population is below 25, making it the world's youngest continent. For almost two decades, I've dedicated time to addressing African youths' access to skills, education, jobs, and self-employment - an extremely passionate cause.

I see a strong connection between an increase in young African leaders and contextualized innovation serving the poorest. I truly believe that the solution we are investing millions of dollars in grants to address in Africa can be solved, if we can take a bet on African youth. Unfortunately, as Africa is now becoming a talent recruitment center, we risk losing our most valuable asset. To reverse this, we must develop more funds targeting young African leaders and their entrepreneurial

dreams, keeping them invested in the continent.

How is your current position at Heifer playing out towards such an Africa, and what's your personal vision?

When I joined Heifer in 2020, I was excited seeing all I'd done in development coming full circle. As an economist, I know agriculture's role in economic transformation. I had written my thesis on increasing export earnings from agriculture as an alternative to petroleum.

Years later in entrepreneurship, I investigated integrating youth and technology into agriculture to address rural-urban migration. With a mission to end hunger and poverty by focusing on smallholder farmers, I believe Heifer is focusing on a critical sector with potential to improve livelihoods, transform rural

communities, create new tech-enabled jobs for young Africans, and drive the continent's ability to feed itself.

Supporting African country leaders delivering this vision has been my role. By 2023, over 700,000 farmers had been supported. When we support unleashing others' potential, we can truly change the world. The collective efforts of Heifer and other organizations rethinking how investments can unleash local talents will deliver a transformed Africa by 2030 and beyond.

that you can be firm without being hard, and soft without being weak. This is the strength women bring, and once we can understand our unique style, we can have the courage and confidence to bet on ourselves.

When unsure of your strength, you compromise and yield to the imposter syndrome saying be glad for a seat at the table and don't rock the boat.

As our primary audience is female, what's the best advice for a female 'eyeing' the C-suite anywhere, especially Africa?

Don't conform to leadership stereotypes - show up as your authentic self. Avoid advice equating masculinity with great leadership and undermining the fact

Get grounding on your perception of real power. Prioritize impact over position. Find courage to give your best daily, no matter your career ladder position. Work hard, play hard, love passionately. Don't be afraid to cry. To be truly successful, get a life outside work. Finally, where does family, faith and friendship sit in the leadership equation?

I strongly believe my faith is the foundation of my purpose and

core values. My interpretation is that I'm here for a specific purpose - to positively impact others. I want to use all my gifts, ideas, and talents to serve humanity fully, leaving this world feeling empty of them. I'm grateful for opportunities and blessings, knowing not everyone has had the same. That's why using my skills and abilities to bring positive change, especially in Africa facing many challenges, is important. My family shares these beliefs and has made sacrifices to support my journey. I believe that having people around you who know your strengths and weaknesses keeps you grounded as a leader, and helps you see yourself and your decisions 360 degrees!

Despite working hard, I remain committed to my adventurous, playful side. I believe I never found time to grow up! So, I don't compromise my personal time - my safe space to take a break from senior leadership's challenges and just enjoy being alive and being me.

True Leadership:

Of Soft Power, New Skills And Lessons Learnt

I’ve discovered that leadership isn’t about being at the forefront or the loudest in the room. It’s a blend of impact, responsibility, and action, not dictated by personal ambition. Humility is essential, proving that even seasoned leaders can learn new lessons.

My epiphany came when I realized that soft power is, in fact, formidable. Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplifies this. Her quiet influence, like at the wedding at Cana, shows that leadership needn’t be loud to be effective. This ‘woman power’ is echoed in Adesuwa Ifedi’s career, demonstrating that success doesn’t require adopting traditionally masculine traits. Embrace and utilize your inherent soft power to foster change.

This lesson hit home in my

marriage. After 35 years, I had to confront the reality that I stifled communication. Despite being a communications expert, I should have nurtured my relationship more actively. I took pride in having the ‘best husband,’ yet failed to express this to him, causing him some grief. I’m committed to rekindling our bond with renewed validation and affection.

Humility is the cornerstone of true leadership. It allows us to admit faults, correct them, and lead with a quiet impact, regardless of recognition. That’s the essence of authentic leadership.

Truth be told, leadership is an ongoing journey of selfdiscovery and humility, whether in guiding others or nurturing personal relationships.

Leadership, I’ve realized, isn’t about position or volume but the combination of impact, responsibility, and action beyond selfinterest. It requires humility to lead effectively, a quality that applies both professionally and personally. It’s never too late to learn—something even I continue to embrace!

Bukky GeorgeTaylor

Tap here to head to our website for the full interview of Bukky GeorgeTaylor, and get a glimpse of her successful book launch.

The moment I started effective personal branding on my brand, for instance, switching my name from “Bobby” to “Bukky,” this switch aligns more closely with my professional identity and goals. Adopting "Bukky" as my professional name ensured consistency across various platforms and interactions. Consistent branding reinforced my identity and helped clients and stakeholders recognize and remember me more easily, enhancing my visibility and reputation in the industry.