Nigeria is brimming with talented women who are quietly shaping industries and adding immense value to the economy. This is part two of our series highlighting some of these exceptional professionals, showcasing their achievements, challenges, and advice for aspiring female leaders. Get ready to be inspired!
- Bolanle Solebo: Revolutionizing the FMCG sector at Frutta Juice.
- Olubunmi Kuteyi: Tax Partner at Kreston Pedabo, navigating Nigeria’s complex tax landscape.
- Maureen Tiamiyu: Executive Director at Solar Nigachem, driving excellence in the mining industry.
- Damilola Isiade: HR Consultant, shaping people management strategies.
- Aderemi Adekunle: CEO of Dapsadek Consulting, leading organizational transformation.
- Olubukola Oreofe: GM Internal Control at Solar Nigachem, safeguarding the organization.
- Jennifer Kaja: Group Chief Legal Officer at Periwinkle Empire, mastering real estate deals.
- Tobi Dele-Safa: Senior Product Manager at Kuda, building innovative financial solutions.
Bolanle Solebo: The FMCG Game-Changer
Bolanle Solebo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Frutta Juice, is a force to be reckoned with in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. With over 20 years of experience, she’s known for her strategic decision-making and team leadership.
From Coca-Cola to Frutta Juice: A Journey of Growth
Bolanle honed her skills at Coca-Cola HBC Nigeria before joining Frutta Juice in 2023. She credits influential mentors and senior leaders at Coca-Cola for shaping her career. One of her most memorable experiences was leading a turnaround project that revitalized a lagging market segment under tight deadlines.
Tackling Challenges in a Competitive Market
The FMCG market is fiercely competitive, with constantly shifting consumer preferences and logistical nightmares. Bolanle and her team overcome these challenges by leveraging data-driven insights, innovative marketing campaigns, and strong distribution networks.
Solebo’s Advice for Aspiring Female Pros
“Trust in your unique strengths, continuously pursue learning opportunities, build a strong network of mentors and peers, and don’t shy away from taking calculated risks,” she advises.
Olubunmi Kuteyi: Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Maze
Olubunmi Kuteyi is a Tax Partner at Kreston Pedabo, a leading professional services firm in Nigeria. She’s a chartered accountant with a passion for simplifying the complexities of the Nigerian tax system.
From Greenhorn to Tax Partner: A 17-Year Journey
Olubunmi joined Kreston Pedabo 17 years ago and has risen through the ranks, thanks to her hard work, commitment, and dedication. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest tax laws and regulations.
The Challenges of Nigeria’s Tax System
Olubunmi highlights the challenges of Nigeria’s tax system, including irregularities and uncertainties that hinder businesses. She hopes that ongoing tax reforms will improve simplicity and certainty for taxpayers.
Kuteyi’s Recipe for Success
Surround yourself with a supportive network, prioritize learning and development, and strive for balance between your career and personal life, she advises.
Maureen Tiamiyu: Mining for Excellence at Solar Nigachem
Maureen Tiamiyu is the Executive Director of Administration and Human Resources at Solar Nigachem Ltd, a leading company in Nigeria’s mining sector. She’s responsible for building and maintaining the systems and structures that keep the organization running smoothly.
From Banking to Mining: A Diverse Career Path
Maureen’s career journey includes experience in banking, corporate administration, and human resources. She previously worked at Barclays Bank UK, managing high-net-worth portfolios. Her diverse background gives her a unique perspective on leadership and management.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sector like mining has presented unique experiences. Maureen sees these as opportunities for growth and redefining possibilities. She emphasizes the importance of establishing credibility, leading with confidence, and delivering results.
Tiamiyu’s Advice
“You are limitless. Your dreams and ambitions are valid. Never let anyone define your potential,” she says.
Damilola Isiade: Shaping People Management Strategies
Damilola Isiade is an HR Consultant with 20 years of experience in the field. She has worked with start-ups and growing companies across various industries, including oil and gas, investment advisory, real estate, technology, consulting, microfinance, and mining.
Aderemi Adekunle: Leading Organizational Transformation
Aderemi Adekunle is a human resources management professional of 24 years standing and runs Dapsadek Consulting, offering specialized expertise and strategic solutions that help organizations improve efficiency, compliance, culture and employee experience aimed at driving business success.
Olubukola Oreofe: Ensuring Control and Compliance
Olubukola Oreofe is the General Manager, Internal Control and Audit for Solar Nigachem Ltd, safeguarding the organization’s assets and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
Jennifer Kaja: Mastering Real Estate Deals
Jennifer Kaja is the Group Chief Legal Officer at Periwinkle Empire. She has structured and negotiated high-value real estate acquisitions, mitigated legal risks, and ensured compliance with regulatory requirements.
Tobi Dele-Safa: Building Innovative Financial Solutions
Tobi Dele-Safa is a Senior Product Manager at Kuda, a leading digital bank in Nigeria, building the bank’s core banking infrastructure, developing credit platforms, and scaling fraud detection systems.