Women In Corporate

In this episode of the Women in Corporate Podcast, Olawunmi Brigue interviews Dr. Esther Solomon Edun, a resilient and inspiring woman who has overcome numerous challenges throughout her career. Esther shares her journey from facing academic setbacks and career hurdles to achieving significant success in the field of cybersecurity. Her story is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the power of never giving up. Throughout the interview, Esther provides valuable insights into navigating the corporate world, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the importance of intentional planning in one's career. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling hopeless or unsure of their next steps, as Esther's experiences offer encouragement and hope.01:05 Early Life and Education04:05 University Challenges and Realizations09:12 Entering the Corporate World13:51 Navigating Corporate Challenges17:48 Facing Corporate Rejection and Starting Anew18:22 Building a Business and Family Decisions19:03 Pursuing Higher Education and Relocation Challenges20:03 Discovering a New Path in Cybersecurity21:29 Overcoming PhD Hurdles and Financial Struggles24:05 Landing a Job and Battling Imposter Syndrome26:30 Navigating Corporate Culture and Personal Growth35:06 Reflecting on Career Shifts and Future AspirationsOlawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of Luminous membership, a Personal & Spiritual Growth Hub for women who desire to build BOTH a highflying career and a wholesome family without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal fulfilment. Learn more at ⁠www.luminousmembership.com

What do you do when your entire future has already been decided for you—and you know it's not the life you want?In this episode, we meet Joy—a woman who defied cultural expectations, family pressure, and conventional wisdom to build a career on her own terms.When she told her father she wanted to study French instead of law, he was stunned. Who makes it in life with a degree in French?But Joy wasn't trying to make a statement. She was trying to stay true to herself.So much so that she intentionally failed her JAMB exams—two years in a row—just to avoid being pushed into law school.That same quiet resilience would become her edge.Because years later, when she stepped into corporate spaces, she didn't just show up. She stood out.Today, Joy is a leader in the organisational design space, helping companies rethink how they work, lead, and grow.But her journey started long before the boardroom.It started with one decision: to trust her voice—louder than tradition, louder than fear.If you've ever felt the pressure to choose a path that didn't feel like yours, this episode will show you what's possible when you don't back down.[01:12] – Joy's Early Career Journey[02:40] – Teaching French and Overcoming Challenges[06:08] – Pursuing Higher Education and Family Expectations[11:16] – Navigating Career Opportunities and NYSC Experience[14:19] – Entrepreneurial Ventures During NYSC[18:14] – Post-NYSC Decisions and Family Dynamics[19:41] – Father's Disapproval and Career Struggles[20:34] – Pursuing a Master's Degree[21:33] – Navigating the Job Market During a Recession[22:02] – Volunteering and Starting a Family[23:35] – Breaking into Organisational Development[24:07] – Support from Husband and Professional Growth[24:38] – Achieving a Distinction at Cambridge[24:58] – Transitioning into Management Consulting[27:03] – The Importance of Dreams and Persistence[31:44] – Overcoming Setbacks and Finding Support[36:01] – Future Aspirations and Family Time[37:22] – Final Thoughts and Encouragement For Listeners Facing Struggles Olawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of TheLuminousGlobal.com, a results-driven personal growth company for ambitious women ready to rise—in life and leadership. Learn more at ⁠www.theluminousglobal.com

In this episode, host Olawunmi Brigue interviews Ifeoma Ngwudike, an author, chartered professional accountant, and mother of four. Ifeoma shares her inspiring journey from growing up as a responsible firstborn in Nigeria to overcoming numerous challenges as an immigrant. The discussion covers her experience as a young, newly married immigrant woman in Italy, the challenges of navigating systemic prejudices as a woman and ethnic minority in Italy, the sacrifices and barriers faced as a stay-at-home mom to four young children, and her determined effort to reenter the workforce upon relocating to Canada. Ifeoma recounts the strategic steps she took to integrate into the Canadian job market and eventually climbing the corporate ladder. Her story serves as an inspiration for women considering a career break or those aiming to return to the workforce, showcasing the power of determination, focus, and refusing to be swayed by external pressures.01:06 Guest Introduction and Background02:14 Early Life and Leadership04:15 Boarding School Experiences11:42 University and Career Beginnings16:44 Meeting Her Husband22:48 Marriage and Moving to Italy24:13 Facing Societal Expectations and Personal Choices25:52 Navigating Cultural Challenges in Italy30:01 The Decision to Move to Canada32:50 Adjusting to Life in Canada33:29 Reentering the Workforce37:48 Overcoming Barriers and Achieving Career SuccessOlawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of Luminous membership, a Personal & Spiritual Growth Hub for women who desire to build BOTH a highflying career and a wholesome family without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal fulfilment. Learn more at ⁠www.luminousmembership.com

In this episode of the Women Incorporated podcast, host Olawunmi Brigue interviews Ulari Dike, healthcare professional and life coach, who overcame significant personal struggles to achieve success in her career. Ulari shares her journey from growing up in a supportive but high-achieving family in Nigeria, grappling with self-doubt and a lack of direction, to finding her calling as a nurse and life coach. She discusses the importance of intentional self-development and the power of taking small steps to overcome crippling self-doubt. This heartfelt conversation explores the transformative impact of a positive mindset, a strong support system, and the value of sharing one's personal story to inspire others. Ulari's journey highlights that internal belief and taking actionable steps are key to overcoming any obstacles and achieving one's dreams.00:59 Meet Ulari: Background and Early Life05:11 Cultural Shocks and Adjustments in the US08:02 Navigating College and Career Choices15:19 Internal Struggles and Self-Discovery23:12 Making a Quality Decision for Change28:32 First Steps Towards Personal Development30:29 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Small Wins31:15 The Power of Taking the Next Small Step33:37 Deciding to Pursue Nursing34:51 Facing Challenges and Finding Support38:01 Starting Nursing School at 4042:03 Excelling in Nursing School44:28 Entering the Emergency Room46:05 Transitioning to Management50:58 Becoming a Certified Life Coach52:06 The Importance of Personal DevelopmentOlawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of Luminous membership, a Personal & Spiritual Growth Hub for women who desire to build BOTH a highflying career and a wholesome family without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal fulfilment. Learn more at ⁠www.luminousmembership.com

In this episode of the Women in Corporate Podcast, host Olawunmi Brigue interviews Nadine Adankwa, a business consultant with a passion for startups and entrepreneurship. Nadine shares her journey from aspiring to be a lawyer, influenced by her upbringing and early interests, to finding her true calling in consulting, detailing the pivotal moments and key decisions that shaped her career.She emphasises the importance of preparation, networking strategies - and the practical steps she takes to connect with people in professional settings - and leveraging both personal and professional traits to succeed in the corporate world. Nadine also highlights gaps in small to medium-sized businesses and offers practical advice on improving customer service and operational efficiency. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to navigate and succeed in the corporate world.01:55 Nadine's Early Aspirations03:52 Discovering a Passion for Consulting08:25 Breaking into the Consulting Industry17:51 Networking and Career Advancement Tips24:36 Challenges and Rewards in Consulting26:33 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship28:24 Key Challenges for Small Businesses31:24 Future Aspirations and ConclusionOlawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of Luminous membership, a Personal & Spiritual Growth Hub for women who desire to build BOTH a highflying career and a wholesome family without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal fulfilment. Learn more at ⁠www.luminousmembership.com

In this episode of the Women in Corporate Podcast, host Olawunmi Brigue interviews Charlotte Adeyemi, a global talent acquisition partner. Charlotte shares her inspiring career story, detailing her journey from struggling academically in Nigeria due to undiagnosed dyslexia to becoming successful in the corporate world. She discusses the powerful influence of her parents' positive affirmations, the critical role of purpose instilled in her from a young age, and how she navigated numerous rejections and setbacks with resilience and persistence. Charlotte's story highlights the importance of having a clear vision, the impact of a supportive community, and the value of treating every opportunity, no matter how small, with dedication and excellence. Through her journey, Charlotte showcases how vision, determination, and affirmations can lead to achieving one's dreams and making a meaningful impact.01:23 Charlotte's Early Career Journey05:43 Facing Rejections and Overcoming Challenges09:25 The Power of Purpose and Positive Affirmation19:40 Discovering Dyslexia and Academic Success23:51 Reflecting on Gratitude and Upbringing24:22 Facing Rejection and Returning to Nigeria27:08 Starting a Career in Nigeria27:52 Maximising Opportunities and Self-Talk31:34 Navigating Career Changes During COVID36:26 A Surprising Job Offer39:48 Embracing Purpose and Impact44:13 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsOlawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of Luminous membership, a Personal & Spiritual Growth Hub for women who desire to build BOTH a highflying career and a wholesome family without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal fulfilment. Learn more at ⁠www.luminousmembership.com

In the final episode of the season, the host reflects on a phenomenal first season, reviewing key moments, stories, and insights shared by various guests, and highlighting key qualities they all had in common. Each guest's inspirational journey and the lessons learned are discussed, alongside solo episodes covering emotional intelligence, accidental mentoring, and setting work-life boundaries.  00:29 Season Highlights and Key Moments 01:06 Episode 1: Eka's Integrity 03:25 Episode 2: Banke's Unwavering Confidence 04:47 Episode 3: Emotional Intelligence 04:57 Episode 4: Bukola's Resourcefulness 06:52 Episode 5: Oyindamola's Curiosity 08:30 Episode 6: Accidental Mentoring 10:04 Episode 7: Tosin's Excellence 12:23 Episode 8: Petrina's Global Outlook 13:58 Episode 9: Setting Boundaries at Work 14:55 Episode 10: Joy's Seeming Ease in Achieving the Impossible 17:28 Episode 11: Ope's Resilience 19:31 Common Qualities of Successful Women 22:41 Conclusion and Season Wrap-Up Olawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of Luminous membership, a Personal & Spiritual Growth Hub for women who desire to build BOTH a highflying career and a wholesome family without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal fulfilment. Learn more at ⁠www.luminousmembership.com

In this compelling episode, host Olawunmi Brigue interviews Ope Malomo, a dedicated professional in the pharmaceutical industry with nearly two decades of experience. Ope shares her career journey and her passion for supporting the bereaved, detailing  how personal tragedy inspired her charity work. Ope's career journey highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and leveraging opportunities through networking. She emphasises the pivotal moments of taking challenging roles and learning from feedback to achieve career growth. Despite personal struggles, including losing both her parents at a very young age, Ope demonstrates how embracing challenges can lead to personal and professional fulfilment. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:50 Background and Career Overview 01:29 Journey into Bereavement Support 03:33 Educational Pursuits and Career Aspirations 09:04 Transitioning into the Pharmaceutical Industry 12:14 Navigating Career Challenges and Opportunities 19:03 Taking Risks and Embracing Change 23:05 Striving for Independence 23:47 International Experience  25:15 Returning to the UK  29:09 Transitioning to Quality Management 33:25 Handling Negative Feedback 43:37 Future Aspirations Olawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of Luminous membership, a Personal & Spiritual Growth Hub for women who desire to build BOTH a highflying career and a wholesome family without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal fulfilment. Learn more at ⁠www.luminousmembership.com

In this episode, Dr. Joy Jegede, a licensed clinical social worker and professor shares her remarkable career journey. Starting from her early years in Nigeria, Joy discusses her fascination with women's health, her challenges with medical school entry exams, and the pivotal moments that led her to a career in social work.  She shares profound insights on overcoming personal and professional obstacles and the complexities of balancing motherhood and career as her career grew exponentially to founding her own private practice and becoming a professor in social work in the U.S. Joy's diligence, faith, and strategic anticipation of life's demands are highlighted as key factors in her success. This conversation offers insights into perseverance and purpose, making it a motivational listen for anyone facing career and life challenges. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:54 Joy's Background and Career Journey 02:54 Early Influences and Career Aspirations 05:15 Challenges and Pivots in Education 15:14 Transition to Social Work 16:32 Navigating Motherhood and Education 21:12 Licensing and Career in the US 28:15 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities 30:07 Career Progression and Bold Moves 32:14 Starting a Private Practice 33:29 Rapid Growth and Success 36:46 Embracing Academia 40:08 Visualising Success and Scenario Planning 53:48 Future Aspirations Olawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of Luminous membership, a Personal & Spiritual Growth Hub for women who desire to build BOTH a highflying career and a wholesome family without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal fulfilment. Learn more at ⁠www.luminousmembership.com

In this solo episode, host Olawunmi Brigue addresses the question of how to set the right boundaries in one's career. Drawing from her personal and coaching experiences, Olawunmi discusses the ongoing struggle many women face in achieving work-life harmony. She shares her journey of starting her career as a single mother and learning to navigate a demanding profession while raising her daughter.  Olawunmi emphasises the importance of identifying core values and understanding what drives you, whether it's career advancement or family priorities. She offers practical insights on different types of boundaries, such as time and responsibility, and the necessity of leveraging resources to achieve exceptional results without compromising personal life.  This episode aims to provide actionable strategies for women to set effective boundaries that align with their personal and professional goals. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:58 Personal Story: Balancing Career and Motherhood 05:50 Early Career Challenges and Realisations 14:36 Setting Boundaries: The Mindset Shift 21:15 Types of Boundaries and Their Importance Olawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of Luminous membership, a Personal & Spiritual Growth Hub for women who desire to build BOTH a highflying career and a wholesome family without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal fulfilment. Learn more at ⁠www.luminousmembership.com

In this episode, Petrina Akor shares her extensive career journey from her origins in Ghana, through living in multiple countries due to her father's diplomatic work, to her career in Canada. Petrina shares the influences from her upbringing, her shifts in career focus from aspiring diplomat to business analysis, and her eventual pivot into career coaching. She discusses the importance of executive presence, tailored applications, and building interpersonal skills.  Through her experiences, Petrina highlights the necessity of visualisation and mindset in achieving career goals, and she offers valuable advice for new immigrants and professionals aiming to advance in their careers. The conversation underscores the power of intentionality and community support in fulfiling one's professional aspirations. 00:00 Introduction 01:34 Early Life and Influences 02:58 Adapting to New Environments 04:26 Pursuing Childhood Dreams 09:21 University Journey and Career Shift 14:32 Entering the Workforce 18:28 Advanced Education and Career Progression 20:32 Career Beginnings  20:59 Career Pivots 21:46 Challenges Faced by New Immigrants 22:45 Importance of Soft Skills and Communication 26:05 Tailoring Resumes and Job Applications 27:34 Building a Career Coaching Consultancy 34:26 Visualisation and Achieving Goals 41:56 Future Aspirations and Conclusion Olawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of Luminous membership, a Personal & Spiritual Growth Hub for women who desire to build BOTH a highflying career and a wholesome family without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal fulfilment. Learn more at ⁠www.luminousmembership.com

In this episode of the Women in Corporate podcast, Tosin Ajanaku shares her multifaceted journey from studying philosophy to becoming an influential HR practitioner. As a wife and mother of two, Tosin delves into how she balances career and family life, her strategic career moves, and the principles that drive her to always show up excellently and provide value.  Tosin also delves into the challenges and rewards of transitioning to the U.S. job market, the value of obtaining relevant certifications, and her experiences at PepsiCo, highlighting her philosophy of showing up with excellence and staying grounded through supportive relationships and faith. The episode wraps up with insights on balancing professional ambitions with family life and the intentionality required to cultivate a supportive and fulfilling marriage. Her story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of intentionality in career advancement and personal growth. 00:51 Meet Tosin Ajanaku: A Multifaceted Woman 02:09 Educational Journey: From Law Aspirations to Philosophy 04:56 Early Career Struggles and Breakthroughs 06:55 Transitioning to Executive Roles 17:25 Finding Passion in Human Resources 20:22 A Counter Offer from Microsoft 21:39 Moving to the U.S. and Pursuing Education 22:31 Starting a Career at PepsiCo 23:41 Adapting to Cultural Differences in the U.S. 24:48 Internship Experience and Full-Time Role 26:29 Going Above and Beyond at Work 40:33 Maintaining Work-Life Balance 44:32 Final Thoughts and Career Aspirations Olawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of Luminous membership, a Personal & Spiritual Growth Hub for women who desire to build BOTH a highflying career and a wholesome family without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal fulfilment. Learn more at www.luminousmembership.com

In this solo episode, host Olawunmi Brigue explores the transformative impact of mentorship on her professional journey. She shares a personal story about an unexpected rejection for a promotion and how guidance from “accidental” mentors redirected her path to success. Olawunmi emphasises that mentorship can come in both formal and informal relationships, highlighting the importance of open mindedness in learning from informal or accidental mentors, who may not necessarily look the part. She concludes with insights on the benefits of mentorship and practical advice on how to connect with the right mentors.00:22 Early Career02:29 Facing Rejection and Battling Ego04:05 Seeking Answers and Finding Guidance06:34 The Accidental Mentors11:57 The Power of Informal Mentorship15:15 Understanding Mentorship15:54 Benefits of Mentoring22:54 Connecting with the Right MentorsOlawunmi Brigue is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of Luminous membership, a Personal & Spiritual Growth Hub for women who desire to build BOTH a highflying career and a wholesome family without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal fulfilment. Learn more at www.luminousmembership.com

In this episode, host Olawunmi Brigue interviews Oyindamola Sosanya, head of change management in the UK. Growing up in Nigeria with a passion for reading and debate, Oyindamola initially planned to study law but ended up pursuing a degree in English due to unexpected academic barriers. This, in hindsight, turned out to be a serendipitous push in the right direction. The interview delves into Oyindamola's unique career path, tracing her journey from a chatty Nigerian child "destined" for law to a senior change management leader. It highlights the challenges, setbacks, and fortuitous events that shaped her career. Key themes explored include the significance of adaptability, curiosity, mentorship, and following one's passions, even in the face of societal and familial pressure. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:07 Early Career Aspirations and Setbacks 03:29 Pursuing a Degree in English 14:20 First Job 19:18 Moving to the UK 26:30 Navigating Maternity Leave and Career Path Decisions 27:56 Facing Redundancy and Career Crossroads 29:22 Taking Time Out and Self-Reflection 30:21 Re-entering the Workforce 31:26 Finding Support and Mentorship 32:07 Starting a New Career 34:26 Rising to Senior Leadership 41:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Change Management 47:04 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Future Goals

In this riveting episode, Olawunmi Brigue sits down with Bukola Jolubo, a remarkable woman whose career journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and unwavering dedication. Bukola opens up about her transformative path from humble beginnings in Nigeria to her evolving career in the UK. She shares insightful stories, such as starting an innovative grocery and laundry delivery business in Lagos, transitioning from a Tesco checkout operator to a managerial position through exemplary dedication, and eventually becoming a proficient business analyst and user researcher. Bukola's narrative is filled with valuable lessons on overcoming academic setbacks, adapting to new environments, embracing self-confidence, and the invaluable impact of mentors. Her commitment to her faith and passion for advocating for the boy child further enrich this compelling conversation. This episode is a profound exploration of how personal values and perseverance can pave the way for extraordinary achievements. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:29 Bukola Jolubo's Background and Early Life 02:54 Overcoming Academic Challenges 11:46 Starting a Family and Early Career Ventures 17:48 Transition to the UK 23:29 Unexpected Promotion 24:53 Dedication and Values in the Workplace 26:56 Overcoming Racial Prejudices 30:13 Career Transition to IT 33:59 Navigating Career Challenges 36:23 Embracing New Opportunities 44:04 Future Aspirations 45:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this solo episode of the Women in Corporate podcast, host Olawunmi Brigue challenges the stereotype that women are too emotional, arguing instead that women's inherent emotional intelligence is a valuable asset in the workplace. The episode explores how women can leverage their natural emotional skills to overcome workplace challenges and maximise their potential. Olawunmi discusses the strengths women have in empathy, self-awareness, motivation, and social skills, backed by various studies. She provides practical tips for women to enhance their emotional intelligence and emphasises the importance of embracing emotions as a unique advantage. The episode aims to empower women to stop seeing their emotions as liabilities and to utilise them to stand out and succeed in their careers. 00:00 Introduction 01:31 The Power of Emotions in the Workplace 04:14 Understanding Emotional Intelligence 07:57 Research-Backed Benefits of Emotional Intelligence 11:15 Practical Examples of Emotional Intelligence 26:35 Developing Your Emotional Intelligence 35:26 Conclusion: Harnessing Your Emotional Superpower

In this engaging episode of the Women in Corporate podcast, host Olawunmi Brigue interviews Banke Ajayi, a Chief Marketing Officer for a FinTech company in the UK and a budding entrepreneur. Banke shares her inspiring journey from a curious child in Nigeria to a high-achieving professional in the UK.  Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including losing both parents at critical points in her academic career, Banke demonstrates resilience, curiosity, and unwavering faith.  Her career spans various roles in engineering, IT, and financial services before her transition into product management and her current role in marketing.  Banke also highlights the importance of learning, persistence, and spirituality in her impressive ascent. This episode is a testament to the power of optimism and determination. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:07 Banker's Background and Career Overview 02:44 Childhood and Early Influences 04:44 Career Aspirations and Early Setbacks 13:24 University Challenges and Family Loss 14:18 Transition to the UK and Career Shift 21:14 Entering the IT Field 23:02 Discovering Financial Engineering 29:36 Facing Adversity with Courage 31:15 Navigating the Financial Crisis 32:51 Career Decisions and Interviews 34:49 Investment Banking Journey 37:00 Embracing Change and Learning 40:16 Starting a Business During an MBA 42:53 Digital Transformation and Career Shifts 48:38 Faith and Career Transitions 59:40 Future Aspirations and Reflections

In this episode of the Women in Corporate podcast, your host Olawunmi Brigue sits down with Eka Hart to discuss her inspiring career journey. From studying electrical engineering in Nigeria to working as an asset integration specialist with public transit companies in Canada, Eka's story is filled with remarkable twists, lessons, and achievements. Tune in to learn about her experiences, the challenges she overcame, and the wisdom she has gathered along the way. 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Early Education 01:34 Driving Change During NYSC 07:03 Post-NYSC Challenges and First Job 16:37 Career Advancement 16:56 Graduate Studies in the UK 21:01 Return to Nigeria and Career Acceleration  17:32 Facing Professional Challenges 50:47 Moving to Canada 58:49 New Roles in Canada 01:06:01 Conclusion and Future Goals

Join Olawunmi Brigue, seasoned Executive and Transformational Life Coach on exciting journey with authentic stories and powerful insights from women in the corporate space that will inspire and empower your career journey. Coming 17 July 2024.