Mentor , author, , Public Speaker and company executive, Nkiru Olumide Ojo is one multi-faceted lady who has aided many younger profession ladies looking to juggle and discover sure footing whilst achieving success and boom in a company surroundings .
Through the years , Nkiru has evolved a template which she stocks through her female social development corporation – The LightHouse girls’s network, Her weekly podcast – For the working female has recorded many a hit stories . A one-of-its-type support network, the Lighthouse, prioritises sponsorship, mentorship and get entry to. Simply positioned , this is Nkiru’s manner of ensuring she lives her ardour of empowering young women for profession readiness.
On this week’s edition, , she speaks to Moriam Musa on juggling her lifestyles and profession climb as well as the want for girls to talk up for different ladies .
What do you say or think has helped you the most to make a career as a woman?
NOJ – God’s grace for starters as everytime I hold a role or project, I know for a fact that there are countless other equally qualified women sometimes more qualified.. but God’s grace has to be grace has allowed it to be me.
– My Dad, my Mum, my BigSis and my Husband are the next persons I’d give credit to. My Dad kept a 9-5 and kept drumming values into my head from so early..be punctual..in fact each time he called me in the morning…..his first question would be ” where are you”..and you’d be sure to hear a sermon from him if you were late!
– My Mum and my Big Sis are always on hand to support me with my home.
– My husband…he was a real coach and mentor..I credit him with helping me build emotional intelligence, with helping understand that the work ethics currency..can only take you so far..that you need people to win
…And to success of your career, what would you say is the biggest factor that has helped you ?
NOJ : I am still journeying so ” make success sounds finite” Also , Courage…I cannot believe the amount of courage I had or showed when I was starting out I was fearless.. daring..I honestly didn’t think there was something I couldn’t do .I always put up my hands to speak.. to take responsibilities..to call people out. I still have those things but obviously in a more filtered manner
What has been the most significant barrier in your career?
NOJ : My mind- Every time I had nursed a limitation I truly became limited! I wish I had taken more risks..stretched a bit more
Have you ever been confronted with gender-related roadblocks in your career?
NOJ : None to be honest..perhaps sexist comments but no gender roadblocks..I started out in sectors that didn’t care for gender…they just wanted good outputs. I started out in a marketing communications sector..where we were more interested in the ideas you brought to the table. In the financial services sector I have had the same experience.
Are there specific women who inspired you along the way and why?
NOJ: Indra Nooyi…from Indian immigrant to top corporate woman in america..I truly enjoyed her examples of being a working Mum…
Olori OBA she was marketing Director at UPS in 2000.from her I learnt respect for ALL at work. Sola David-Borha..from her I gleaned tons of leadership lessons.
Looking back, what mistakes have you made along the way and what did you learn from them?
NOJ: I Didn’t proactively learn emotional intelligence..I learnt circumstances teach me. ditto leadership. I arrived early into leadership and should have been proactive about learning rather than learning circumstantial.
What are some patterns you’ve noticed over the years about women at work, and things they could be doing better to advance their careers?
NOJ: True that there are tonnes of emotional issues against us as women…gender pay gap..work places designed by men for women, biases against us…however I find that we also get into our own way..sometimes unwittingly
You are undoubtedly busy, how do you take care of yourself and maintain a good mental health?
NOJ : I pray, I try to rest, I speak to myself a lot !
I self coach, I most importantly remind myself how much of a human I am.
I used to be sooo hard on myself.. I still am..but not without reason…
How should women support other women in their organizations?
NOJ: A few basic things as a starter;
Collaborate
Should companies have more women at the top ? What do you think they stand to benefit ?
NOJ: Research have shown that having more women on board helps the organisation achieve better outcomes simplistically…getting diverse views help with better outcomes as people are bringing diverse experiences so why listen to one gender alone?