I had the honour of spending some time mentoring the remarkable women of the Association of Professional Women Bankers (APWB) at the request of their Chairperson, Funke Feyisitan Ladimeji, FCA. Their leadership and determination inspired me deeply.
We focused on a challenge that many successful female professionals face – imposter syndrome.
The need to work harder than their male counterparts, struggling against stereotypes that label women as “too emotional” or “sentimental.” How do women rise above these labels and break through the barriers? Let me share my perspective.
At UBA Group for the longest time, our board has been predominantly female, and most of our CEOs are women. At Heirs Holdings Group, women head more group companies than men—not by design, but by merit. Our philosophy? Assign roles to those who deserve them, and women excel every time.
My admiration for women comes from personal experience. My 97-year-old mother still goes to the market and cooks for us every Sunday. My wife, five daughters, and two sisters continue to inspire me daily. The women I work with constantly surpass expectations.
From my experience, women in our group are tenacious, hardworking, and deliver results. They don’t expect special treatment — they command respect.
The story of the first black woman graduate in America, Mary Jane Patterson, resonates deeply. She wasn’t allowed into classrooms, so she stood in hallways to learn. Decades later, this university apologised and awarded her an honorary doctorate. She paved the way for millions of successful black women today.
The lesson? Every challenge is an opportunity. Women in leadership today must seize the moment to showcase their brilliance. At Heirs Holdings, two of our companies—Transcorp Group (₦4.5 trillion) and Transcorp Hotels Plc (₦1 trillion)—are led by women breaking barriers.
These women are not just breaking glass ceilings; they are redefining possibilities and inspiring the next generation. They show that leadership isn’t about gender but about capability, confidence, and seizing opportunities to demonstrate value.
To all women who are running businesses or climbing the corporate ladder: confidence is key. Ignore stereotypes. Focus on your goals, build expertise, and let your work speak for you. As I told the APWB, leadership is about showing what you can do, regardless of labels.
This is Africapitalism in action: creating opportunities, unlocking potential, and driving change across the continent. We must continue to empower our women to lead, innovate, and inspire. The future of Africa depends on it.
