Take us through your career path in broadcasting.
I actually studied International Relations as a first course at Swansea University in Wales after which I went into the Not-for-profit sector, worked for a few years and really developed passion for that. However, I found my natural habitat in broadcasting, on media. I really liked it. I had a natural flare for hosting events, and I would get asked to do it informally. I got into Radio Nigeria Info FM and co-hosted the primetime morning programme, “Cross Fire”, a political current affairs show where we reviewed newspapers, and talked about trending political issues. I was doing both radio and TV at the same time. That’s how my journey really began in broadcasting and now Arise News.

As a co- founder of SpeakHer, share with us the drive to setting up this platform and what informed the collaboration with Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani.
Rolake and I are friends. We were friends before work and business brought us together. Rolake shared this idea with me. There was a conference for women in my church – This Present House – where they had touched very significantly on the power of collaboration. The fact is that you can have a great idea, however, you are able to do more and impact more people when you collaborate, especially when it pertains to relationships that work. She shared with me that she had this idea about a Speak-a-thon, a competition for public speaking, since both of us play in that space, and she would like me to come on board. Of course, I agreed because Rolake is someone I really admire. I believe that she is just such a strong voice, in not just public speaking, but for women across different ages in different countries. I got a huge privilege and honour to work with her. From that idea, we built and came up with what today is known as SpeakHer Hub Network and now the SpeakHer conference, which we believe will be an annual event and in-between have events around public speaking. Alongside Rolake, we’ve built a team that has brought on such excellence, passion and creativity. Indeed, no man is an island and this is demonstrated in SpeakHer’s story.

Women are faced with numerous challenges against their career growth. What stands out for you with SpeakHer?
We are hoping to tackle one of the numerous challenges that women face in their career growth, which is communication and speaking out. It’s simply put that way. A woman has a great idea and is not able to articulate it. A woman has a lot of experience and expertise, but is afraid to communicate it, and shies away from presenting it before the public. Doing great work is still very much hidden. Two things for that: when a woman’s voice is not heard, when she is afraid to use her voice or doesn’t feel capable of using her voice, she misses great opportunities. Second, she also misses the opportunity to mentor other young women who are looking for women like her, who have gone ahead of her and succeeded. We believe it’s time for women to step up. It is time for women to rise, and use their voices. It’s time for women who have so much in terms of capacity and potential to use that soft skill, and communication and public speaking to take on the world, to take their seats at the table, and to excel doing it.

What are the key activities of SpeakHer and who should be a part of it?
SpeakHer is going to be a full day. In the morning, we’re going to have four master classes. We thought about some of the key areas that affect women. Each attendee has the opportunity to attend two of those master classes. We have a session on ‘Screen Goddess’ facilitated by Bimbo Oloyede; ‘Own Your Stage’ facilitated by Joyce Daniels; ‘Power Talk for Corporate Executives and Entrepreneurs’ to be facilitated by Bodam Taiwo and master class on branding, facilitated by Glory Edozie. Because we believe that in communication and public speaking, part of the way you communicate in today’s world is through your online profile and social media presence. How do you show up? That’s another area that some women find very difficult to navigate. In the afternoon, the highlight of the day is the Speak-a-thon. We will be giving women a stage and we’re calling it a public speaking competition; we have four categories. We have one for faith and inspiration, another on marketplace, then storytellers, and we have one for pitchers. These four categories will have three finalists. You don’t have to be a professional. You could just have an interest in it. Statistics show that public speaking is the number one fear in the world. It comes number one even above the fear of death. That’s how much people fear public speaking. We’re hoping to change that, and get women to speak more, to use their voices, and own it.

How well are you infusing your experiences in broadcasting to drive desired change for women?
I believe that broadcasting has given me that platform to reach a wider audience, and to demonstrate by example to men and women, because I get messages from men. By the way, men are welcome. Broadcasting has given me that platform to demonstrate to women that it is possible. I can’t count the number of messages I receive from women who, just by me doing my work, are inspired to want to find their voice, own their voice and use it for great things. It also gave me experience on the job, to know how to have conversations, to speak. It’s daunting. I have also grown in my public speaking journey personally, and I can share from that experience with other people, men and women. That’s what has given me that opportunity to drive. Also, on the show, you have a voice for women. You would often see me championing the cause of women, holding the President accountable for his 35 per cent affirmative action, pushing for more women in governance, pushing for more female guests. Just having that voice is a key tool in driving change for women.

As an advocate for women empowerment, what drives you?
I think the desire is to see women thrive. I was raised by a strong woman. She was my first role model. I am actually proud of that. And so for me, the women that are my sisters, my mother-in-law, those are the women. And the women that have gone ahead of us, like Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Mrs. Nkiru Olumide Ojo, Rev. Funke Phillips Adejumo, Mrs. Toni Shonekan of Unity Bank and so many more. I was raised by many great women. The way I’ve been raised and mentored by women is how I also want to give back to other women who are either coming on the same level or coming behind me, and of course just that desire to see women become the best version of themselves, by the grace of God.

How do you get inspired and stay motivated?
First is by my faith. I’m sure in the course of this conversation, you would see that my life is literally anchored on my faith in God. I’m a Christian and God is the fuel that drives me. The Holy Spirit helps me. I’m inspired by the fact that God wants me to be great. I wasn’t created to be ordinary. He didn’t form me to just be ordinary. He formed me to be extraordinary, to impact my world. Even on days when I feel discouraged, I find that encouragement in the word. I go to church, I hear a fantastic word, I open my Bible, I read the word and I’m motivated to move on. On the other hand are my chief cheerleaders. My husband is a fantastic support system and my family, my mum, my sisters, excellent support system. My close circle of friends, I enjoy the company of women and I’ve been richly blessed through them.

In your opinion, how best can more women embrace and get involved in leadership roles while living fulfilling lives in these changing times?
I think balance is important. Being realistic with yourself that you are not a superwoman. Pace yourself and ask for help and then keep going. We face a lot of challenges as women whether in the home front or in the workplace. So many things to surmount, but it’s good. Find your circle of friends, your circle of encouragers. So, when life gets tough, you have a place to receive more strength. Give yourself opportunities to not always be a 100 per cent sometimes. Give a hundred and ten per cent to every task, but also cut yourself some slack, and take some time out to celebrate your wins. I think that’s quite important. Women can be quite hard on themselves. I think it’s important to recognise the fact that you’re doing well. You’re not doing badly. Improve yourself consistently. Don’t be shy to put yourself forward. Take on roles. Even when you don’t feel qualified, take it anyway. You will learn on the job. Just be prepared and willing to give your 110 per cent.

What is your life’s mantra?
The Bible is full of my life’s mantra, but I think one of the things that I would never forget is a scripture that my teacher introduced to me in Proverbs 22:29 that says “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” There’s a role that you have to play. Be diligent and be excellent. At the end of the day, God will make all things work out for you.