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Itohan Asibor is the visionary Founder and Director of Bluberry Confectioneries, a leading premium cake and dessert company that has established a competitive edge in Nigeria and Canada. What started from the humble beginnings of her kitchen table has blossomed into a global enterprise, defying the predictable odds of business failure within the first five years—thrice in a row.

Building a Global Enterprise

Under Itohan’s leadership, Bluberry Confectioneries has grown into more than just a business; it has become a symbol of success and resilience in the baking industry. Through her strategic vision and dedication, Itohan has not only built a thriving company but has also become an employer of talent, a change driver, and a leading voice in her field. Her influence extends beyond her immediate business as she shares her expertise at conferences and events, inspiring others in the baking and entrepreneurship communities.

The Cake Faculty: Empowering Bakers Worldwide

In addition to her entrepreneurial success, Itohan founded THE CAKE FACULTY, a learning institute dedicated to training, mentoring, and coaching both existing and aspiring bakers. Her goal is to help others build successful cake businesses, drawing on her extensive experience in entrepreneurship, management, and executive leadership. Itohan’s commitment to empowering others has earned her a mentorship position with the prestigious Cherie Blair Foundation for Women in Business, UK.

Academic and Professional Background

Itohan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Benin, Nigeria, and serves as a director at Antigua Pharmacies Nigeria Ltd. Her thirst for knowledge and professional development is evident in her academic and professional journey. She is an alumna of FATE Foundation, EDC of Pan African University, and a recipient of the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Scholarship.

Continuous Learning and Mastery

Never one to rest on her laurels, Itohan is committed to continuous learning and professional development. She has trained with world-class confectionery artists such as Ron Ben Israel, Buddy Valastro (Cake Boss), and Siku Adewuyi. Her expertise is further recognized through her certification as a PME Master Baker (United Kingdom) and her role as a sugarcraft tutor. She is a full member of esteemed professional bodies, including The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, The International Federation of Pharmacists, and the International Cake Exploration Society.

Itohan Asibor

Giving Back to the Community

Beyond her business achievements, Itohan finds a greater purpose in giving back to humanity. She dedicates a significant portion of her time to teaching, mentoring, and coaching the younger generation on entrepreneurship, self-development, and living a purpose-driven life. Her work in this area reflects her belief that true success lies not just in personal achievements but in the ability to inspire and uplift others.

Itohan Asibor’s journey is a testament to her resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As she continues to make strides in the confectionery industry and beyond, her legacy as a mentor, leader, and visionary entrepreneur continues to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

Building a strong personal brand is essential for success in today’s competitive business world, especially for women striving to make their mark. Your personal brand not only reflects your expertise and values but also influences how others perceive and trust you. Here are key strategies to help you craft and maintain a compelling personal brand as a woman in business:

1. Define Your Unique Value Proposition

Begin by identifying what sets you apart from others in your field. What skills, experiences, and qualities make you uniquely qualified? Your unique value proposition (UVP) forms the foundation of your personal brand and should be clear and compelling.

2. Clarify Your Target Audience

Understand who you want to reach with your personal brand. Are you targeting potential clients, employers, industry peers, or a specific demographic? Tailor your brand message and communication style to resonate with your target audience’s needs and preferences.

3. Establish a Consistent Online Presence

Craft a professional and cohesive online presence across platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and your personal website or blog. Optimize your profiles with a professional photo, a succinct bio highlighting your expertise and achievements, and regular updates that showcase your knowledge and engagement in your industry.

4. Demonstrate Thought Leadership

Position yourself as a thought leader by sharing valuable insights, opinions, and industry trends through blogs, articles, webinars, and speaking engagements. Consistently create and curate content that showcases your expertise and demonstrates your commitment to staying at the forefront of your field.

5. Cultivate Authentic Relationships

Build genuine connections with others in your industry through networking events, professional associations, and online communities. Engage in meaningful conversations, offer support and mentorship, and seek opportunities to collaborate with others who align with your personal brand values.

Conclusion

Building a strong personal brand as a woman in business requires clarity, consistency, and authenticity. By defining your unique value proposition, clarifying your target audience, maintaining a consistent online presence, demonstrating thought leadership, and cultivating authentic relationships, you can establish a compelling personal brand that enhances your professional reputation and opens doors to new opportunities.

Empower yourself with these strategies and watch your personal brand flourish in the competitive landscape of business. Your brand is your story—shape it intentionally and let it reflect your journey, values, and aspirations.

Women in the professional world often face unique challenges that demand resilience, creativity, and strategic thinking. From breaking into male-dominated industries and balancing work-life commitments to advocating for equal pay, women can overcome these obstacles by implementing effective strategies. Here are the top 10 strategies for women to overcome career challenges and achieve professional growth.

1. Embrace Continuous Learning

The professional landscape is constantly evolving. To stay ahead, it’s crucial to invest in continuous learning. This could mean enrolling in online courses, attending workshops, or obtaining certifications in your field. Keeping your skills updated not only enhances your expertise but also boosts your confidence in navigating career challenges.

2. Build a Strong Support Network

Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and allies who can provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback. A strong support network can offer invaluable advice, open doors to new opportunities, and provide the encouragement needed to persevere through difficult times.

3. Set Clear Career Goals

Having a clear vision of your career aspirations helps in creating a focused path. Set short-term and long-term goals and develop a strategic plan to achieve them. Regularly review and adjust your goals to ensure you remain on track and motivated.

4. Develop Negotiation Skills

Negotiation is a critical skill, especially when it comes to salary discussions, promotions, and project opportunities. Practice and refine your negotiation skills to confidently advocate for your worth and secure the resources and recognition you deserve.

5. Seek Out Mentorship

Mentorship can play a pivotal role in career advancement. Seek out mentors who have experience and insights in your industry. They can offer guidance, share valuable knowledge, and help you navigate complex career decisions.

6. Cultivate Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and persist in the face of adversity. Cultivate resilience by maintaining a positive mindset, learning from failures, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. This mindset will empower you to tackle obstacles head-on.

7. Enhance Your Personal Brand

Your personal brand is how you present yourself to the world. It encompasses your skills, values, and professional presence. Enhance your personal brand by showcasing your achievements, building a strong online presence, and consistently demonstrating your expertise and professionalism.

8. Advocate for Yourself

Don’t wait for others to recognize your accomplishments. Be proactive in advocating for yourself. Highlight your achievements, share your ideas, and express your career aspirations to your supervisors and peers. Self-advocacy is essential for career growth and recognition.

9. Balance Work and Personal Life

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term success and well-being. Set boundaries, prioritize tasks, and make time for activities that recharge you. A balanced life helps you maintain focus, productivity, and overall happiness.

10. Stay Informed and Connected

Stay informed about industry trends, company developments, and potential career opportunities. Join professional associations, attend industry conferences, and engage with thought leaders in your field. Staying connected ensures you remain relevant and aware of the latest advancements.

Conclusion

Overcoming career challenges requires a proactive and strategic approach. By embracing continuous learning, building a support network, setting clear goals, developing negotiation skills, seeking mentorship, cultivating resilience, enhancing your personal brand, advocating for yourself, balancing work and personal life, and staying informed and connected, women can navigate their careers with confidence and achieve their professional aspirations. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth and success.

Image source:  pexels.com

Many women across the globe are harnessing their passions and talents to create thriving businesses and pursue fulfilling careers. Every day, more women are turning their passion projects into profitable ventures that not only generate income but also drive economic growth and empowerment. This article explores how women can transform their passion projects into profitable careers, drawing on real-life examples and practical advice.

1. Identifying Your Passion

The first step in turning a passion project into a profitable career is identifying what you’re passionate about. Whether it’s fashion design, food entrepreneurship, or social activism, your passion should be the driving force behind your business venture. Take the time to reflect on your interests, skills, and values to identify a niche that aligns with your passions and has the potential for profitability.

2. Developing Your Skills and Expertise

Once you’ve identified your passion, invest in developing your skills and expertise in your chosen field. Take advantage of training programs, workshops, and online courses to acquire the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. Whether it’s learning new techniques in your craft or mastering business management principles, continuous learning and skill development are essential for building a successful career from your passion project.

3. Creating a Solid Business Plan

A solid business plan is essential for turning your passion project into a profitable career. Outline your business goals, target market, competitive analysis, and marketing strategy to guide your business growth and development. A well-thought-out business plan not only helps you clarify your vision but also serves as a roadmap for achieving your goals and securing financing if needed.

4. Building Your Brand

Building a strong brand is key to standing out in a competitive market and attracting customers to your passion project-turned-business. Define your brand identity, including your brand values, personality, and visual elements such as logo and packaging. Establishing a strong brand presence across your chosen social media channels, websites, and offline promotions helps to build brand awareness and loyalty among your target audience.

5. Leveraging Technology and Digital Tools

In today’s digital age, embracing digital tools and platforms that can help you showcase your products or services, manage your finances, and connect with customers online is crucial. Utilizing e-commerce platforms, social media, and digital marketing strategies can significantly expand your reach and enhance your business operations.

6. Seeking Mentorship and Networking Opportunities

Mentorship and networking are invaluable resources for women entrepreneurs looking to turn their passion projects into profitable careers. Connect with experienced mentors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs who can offer guidance, advice, and support along your entrepreneurial journey. Joining networking groups, attending industry events, and participating in entrepreneurship programs can help you expand your network and access new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

With determination, creativity, and strategic planning, women can achieve success in their entrepreneurial pursuits and create a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. By transforming their passion projects into profitable careers, women are not only achieving personal fulfillment but also contributing to the broader economic and social landscape.

The Women of Rubies Sip and Network event held on February 25th, 2024, at the prestigious Naijajollof Downtown Toronto Event Center, was met with resounding success.  The event brought together a diverse group of remarkable business owners from across Ontario for an evening of inspiration, networking, and empowerment.

The event featured esteemed speakers including Nkechi Ahanor-Wilson, Funmi Ayowole, and Chichi Okichie, who captivated the audience with their insights and expertise. Funmi Ayowole, as the first speaker, delved into the importance of emotional wellness for women, the significance of maintaining a healthy routine, and the practice of mindfulness in daily life. Chichi Okichie shared invaluable insights on the underutilized potential of Facebook for business owners, emphasizing its role in enhancing media visibility and brand recognition.

Sip and Network
Nkechi-Ahanor WIlson speaking

Nkechi Ahanor-Wilson, the founder of the successful hair brand Cacosa Hair, shared her journey of transforming pain into passion and profit, highlighting the importance of setting healthy boundaries as business owners to foster growth and prevent exploitation.

Sip and Network Toronto

The event also featured an enlightening interview conducted by Esther Ijewere, the founder of Women of Rubies, with Beauty Obasuyi, the founder of Naijajollof and a real estate expert. Beauty shared the inspiration behind her business, which began in 2018 and has since expanded to six locations across Canada. She also revealed the motivations behind her Guinness World Record attempt for the longest cooking hours, which lasted for an impressive 18 days.

Sip and Network

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in networking sessions, facilitating connections and knowledge sharing among participants. Nike  Kay -Okunubi expressed her newfound understanding of the importance of boundaries and intentionality in networking, while Julia Biebem of Grandieu Event felt inspired by Nkechi’s session and aims to apply the lessons learned to enhance her business endeavours. Angela Ikogho of Wraptuckmore stressed the significance of assertiveness and the ability to say no in navigating business challenges. 

The event, expertly compered by Blessing Timidi Digha, a community development advocate and content creator, was attended by notable business owners and entrepreneurs who left feeling empowered and motivated to pursue their goals.

Esther Ijewere, the convener of the event, expressed her delight at the overwhelming success of the inaugural live event in Canada, affirming the Sip and Network movement’s commitment to empowering women to embrace their uniqueness. She looks forward to future events that promise to be impactful and value-driven.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: event@womenofrubies.com

To learn more about our activities, join our Rubies Collective Community; womenofrubies.com/Rubiescommunity

To be one of the first to receive news about our next event, join our mailing list here

Elevate your media presence and enhance your brand visibility by registering for the Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp 3.0. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and strategies from industry experts. Grab your earlybird ticket to our Media Visibility Bootcamp here

See more photos from the event below;

Sip and network

 

Esther Ijewere and Nkechi Ahanor-Wilson

Nigeran women in canada

Women of Rubies Inc

Women of Rubies Inc.

Women of Rubies event

Sip and network

Sip and Network event

Sip and Network event

Within the ever-evolving tapestry of the modern workplace, the concept of working from home has emerged as a transformative force, offering women a unique avenue to harmonize their professional ambitions with the rhythms of a flexible lifestyle. Here are seven enriching career options that women can explore from the comfort of their homes:

  1. Freelance Writing or Content Creation

    • Unleash your creativity and writing prowess by stepping into the world of freelance writing or content creation. Numerous businesses and online platforms are in constant need of engaging and informative content for their websites, blogs, and social media channels.
  2. Virtual Assistance

    • Embrace the role of a virtual assistant, offering administrative support services remotely. Manage emails, schedules, and customer interactions for multiple clients, all while enjoying the freedom of working from home.
  3. Online Tutoring or Teaching

    • Share your knowledge and expertise by becoming an online tutor or teacher. Platforms like VIPKid and Chegg Tutors connect educators with students seeking assistance in various subjects, providing a fulfilling way to contribute to education from home.
  4. Digital Marketing

    • Dive into the world of digital marketing, assisting businesses in creating and executing online marketing strategies. This can include managing social media accounts, crafting compelling content, and optimizing websites for search engines.
  5. Graphic Design

    • If you possess graphic design skills, consider offering your services remotely. Design captivating visuals for websites, social media, marketing materials, and more, contributing to the visual appeal of various brands and projects.
  6. E-commerce Entrepreneurship

    • Unleash your entrepreneurial spirit by venturing into e-commerce. Platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon provide opportunities for women to start their own online businesses, selling handcrafted items, unique designs, or curated products.
  7. Remote Healthcare Professions

    • Explore remote opportunities in healthcare, such as telemedicine or medical transcription. The increasing demand for virtual consultations and medical support services offers women the chance to make a difference in the healthcare sector from the comfort of their homes.

5 Platforms for Women Pursuing Work-From-Home Careers

Here are five websites where women can explore and find opportunities for work-from-home careers:

  1. Upwork (www.upwork.com):

    • Upwork is a leading platform that connects freelancers with clients looking for various skills, including writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, and more.
  2. FlexJobs (www.flexjobs.com):

    • FlexJobs is a job search platform that focuses on remote and flexible work opportunities. It curates a wide range of jobs, making it easier for individuals to find legitimate work-from-home positions.
  3. Remote OK (www.remoteok.io):

    • Remote OK is a job board specifically dedicated to remote opportunities. It features jobs in various categories, allowing users to filter by skill set and find remote positions that match their expertise.
  4. LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com):

    • LinkedIn is not just a professional networking platform but also a hub for job seekers. Many companies post remote job opportunities, and users can set their preferences to receive notifications about remote job openings.
  5. Virtual Vocations (www.virtualvocations.com):

    • Virtual Vocation is a platform dedicated to telecommuting jobs. It provides a curated list of remote opportunities, making it easier for individuals to find legitimate work-from-home positions in various industries.

Remember to thoroughly research each platform, create a compelling profile, and tailor your applications to showcase your skills and experiences effectively.

As the professional landscape continues to evolve, working from home presents a plethora of opportunities for women to carve out fulfilling and meaningful careers. Whether you choose to explore your creative side, delve into the world of digital entrepreneurship, or contribute to the realm of education and healthcare, the key lies in identifying your skills and interests and pursuing a path that aligns with your professional and personal goals. The journey to a successful work-from-home career begins with seizing the opportunities that resonate with your passions and talents.

Cherice Williams, a driven individual with a knack for math during high school, naturally gravitated towards pursuing an accounting degree in university, setting her sights on becoming a Financial Analyst. “That was my passion,” Williams affirms.

However, life took an unexpected turn. Financial constraints forced her to halt her studies in her home country of Jamaica. Determined to reclaim her education, she ventured to the US in 2016 in search of work.

After two years of working as a housekeeper and waitress, Cherice found herself unable to afford her return to school. Not only was her situation stagnant, but her health was deteriorating as well. “I was experiencing hair thinning. I put on a lot of weight in my stomach area, and my menstrual cycles were not regular.”

In 2018, a medical diagnosis revealed she had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder with various implications. Despite the setback, Cherice decided to address her manageable symptoms, like her hair loss. This small act inadvertently paved the way for her to establish a thriving multi-million-dollar hair business—Blaq Luxury.

Taking the Initiative Cherice delved into research to find solutions for her hair concerns. Drawing from the popularity of Jamaican Black Castor Oil in the West Indies, she began concocting mixtures of various oils and ingredients renowned for promoting hair growth. Soon, she noticed a significant reduction in hair shedding.

Motivated to assist other women facing similar challenges, Cherice started offering her elixir to fellow sufferers. Sharing her product within a Facebook group dedicated to PCOS-related discussions garnered steady interest. This marked the turning point as Cherice inadvertently embarked on her entrepreneurial journey.

From Concoction to Commerce As her product gained traction within the Facebook group, Cherice recognized the potential for business growth. Despite financial constraints, she took the risk of investing more time and effort into her venture. A crucial step was reaching a wider audience, which led her to explore collaboration with influencers.

The Shade Room, a prominent social media account, responded positively to her request for promotion. Cherice, believing in her product’s market potential, invested her rent money into a promotion with them. In an incredible twist of fate, she recouped her investment within 24 hours of the post going live.

Cherice’s resourcefulness continued to propel her business. She repeatedly invested in promotions and steadily gained organic growth through word of mouth and returning customers.

Navigating Challenges and Expansion

Cherice’s determination to expand her business led her to approach local beauty supply stores. Although many attempts yielded no success, her tenacity paid off when a fellow businesswoman expressed interest in featuring Blaq Luxury in her store.

This experience taught Cherice the complexities of entering stores, including adhering to packaging regulations and revising formulas to meet industry standards. After significant effort, Blaq Luxury now graces the shelves of over 500 beauty supply stores, with forthcoming launches in well-known retailers.

Lessons in Patience and Perseverance

Cherice’s entrepreneurial journey taught her patience and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. “Everything is a process,” she reflects. The experience of growing Blaq Luxury has imbued her with the ability to look beyond challenging days and focus on a brighter future. She believes that despite industry giants, small companies can also thrive with dedication and hard work.

Future Ventures and Encouragement

Looking ahead, Cherice envisions expanding into the mass retail market, making Blaq Luxury accessible to a wider audience. She also plans to donate a portion of her company’s profits to PCOS organizations. Although her career trajectory shifted away from becoming a Financial Analyst, Cherice still intends to complete her degree once her business stabilizes.

Cherice’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is resounding: “If you believe that you have a great product or service to offer and you think it is in demand, and you can make a difference, my advice is to go for it. Put your all into it because you never know where it will take you until you try.”

Source: Bauce Mag

Women of Rubies, a pioneering platform dedicated to celebrating and empowering women’s accomplishments, is elated to announce the upcoming launch of its highly anticipated event – the Media Visibility BootCamp. This exclusive event is meticulously crafted to arm female business owners and emerging influencers with the essential tools and strategies required to elevate their media presence and create a profound impact within their respective fields.

The Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp transcends a traditional learning experience; it’s a transformative odyssey designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to amplify their voices, elevate their personal brand, and create an enduring impression. The program seamlessly integrates expert-led guidance, interactive exercises, and a nurturing community to ensure attendees achieve their maximum potential for growth.

“Excitement fills the air as we prepare to host the Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp, an exceptional event aimed at empowering and uplifting women in the realm of business,” announced Esther Ijewere, the visionary Founder of Women of Rubies. “Our objective is to provide participants with knowledge and resources that will empower them to magnify their voices and attain their pinnacle potential. It’s time for women to shine brightly and leave their indelible mark on the media landscape!”

Scheduled to unfold virtually on August 11th and 12th, the BootCamp offers limited slots, urging participants to secure their place promptly at this transformative event by registering at womenofrubies.com/bootcamp. The agenda boasts a stellar lineup of six trailblazing thought leaders and experts hailing from the media, marketing, and business domains.

The distinguished panel includes Tosin Ajibade, Esther Ijewere, Nora Agbakhamen, Brenda Okorogba, Chichi Uchendu, and Gusi Tobby. Attendees will be granted the unique privilege of learning directly from these accomplished professionals, gleaning priceless insights and pragmatic advice to enhance their brand visibility and influence.

Concluding the BootCamp is a captivating fireside chat featuring luminous speakers: Ariyike Akinbobola, Maryam Muritala, Funmi Ayowole, and Nikki Porcher. For more details about this event and to discover the complete agenda, kindly visit womenofrubies.com.

For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or further information about the event, please reach out to:

Email: Info@womenofrubies.com

 The buzzwords going around this first month of the year are Goals and Goal-Setting! Throughout the media, Internet and even in the Board Rooms, Goal setting is BIG. It’s everywhere and everyone is talking about how important it is to set your goals.

Before now goal setting was considered a masculine activity. Women relish in their ability to multi-task and get loads of things done at the same time and quickly too, so they shy away from setting clear, specific and meaningful goals. Many female entrepreneurs still have not realised the power of setting effective business goals.

To be a female entrepreneur without business goals is like getting in the car and driving around town without a clear direction of where you are going!

It is impossible to really know if your daily activities and strategies are moving you in the right direction if you do not set business goals.

Can you imagine getting in the car to go shopping without knowing what market or shop you want to go to or where they are located? That is precisely what you do when you begin your business year without a goal in mind.

Not only should you set goals for your business, you should also map out strategies on how you will achieve each goal and set deadlines. Goals should be written down and reviewed over time to ensure you are hitting your targets. Here are a few tips to help you set achievable goals in 2017.

Identify What You Want

The first real step to an effective goal setting is knowing what you want in life. As simple as that may sound if you ask many people what they want and where they would realistically want to be in a year, two years or five years, they do not have a clue. Speak to employers of labour, I’m sure they can relate!

So sit down and work out what you truly want in life, business, family, career and even leisure. There is an excellent tool you can use as guide called ‘The Wheel of Life’.

Make Your Goals Holistic

Set goals in every area of your life – Social, Family, Business, Relationships, Leisure, Spiritual and Financial Goals.

Write Your Goals Down

Write down your goals as often as you can. Our brain cannot keep a tab on all our thoughts so, Write Them Down! Remember, The faintest ink is more powerful than the strongest memory!

Keep It Simple

Do not overwhelm yourself with too many goals. You cannot change everything in a day. And everything you want in life cannot be achieved in one single year. So keep it real, keep it simple!! Take consistent action and over time, you will get to where you want to be

One Step At A Time

Don’t get overwhelmed with goals that seem too far-fetched and unrealistic. They should be realistic and achievable. For example if you are a jewelry maker and you currently make 10 jewelry sets a week. Would it make sense to increase to 100 a week from 10? A more realistic goal would be 15-20 a week and when you achieve that you can increase again to 25 -30. In other words, set incremental goals and build the momentum. This way your Goals Will Be Achievable Or Doable.

Record Your Milestones

Track your progress and list your accomplishments as you go along. This is important because when you hit setbacks and get frustrated, your achievement so far will help you stay encouraged and focused.

Reward Yourself

Whenever you have achieved a set goal, reward yourself. This helps you to stay motivated.Clearly, from these few tips, goal setting is definitely not as complex and scary as it sometimes appears. Setting goals is only designed to help stretch you and make you grow.

Nonetheless after following these steps, if you don’t take action to execute all you have put down, your goals will be nothing but dreams or a mere wish and that doesn’t take you anywhere but leaves you worse than the person who didn’t write at all! So, take charge of your goals and focus on achieving great results. You can do it!

Funmi Omo is the first female CEO/MD of African Alliance Plc.  She joined African Alliance about 28 years ago, and has become the first CEO to champion the unveiling of a new corporate identity.

An innovative and transformational leader, ‘Funmilayo Omo brings over 25 years of experience and a proven track record of success into her role as the Managing Director of African Alliance Plc.

She began her professional career in 1991 at African Alliance, before it was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, as the Head of Department, Individual Business. Her drive and penchant for excellence led to her promotion to the position, Head of Technical, Insurance Operations, where she successfully led the retail marketing team to expand the business volume by over 1000%. Following that, she rose to the position of the Chief Operating Officer in 2006, where she was solely responsible for providing strategic direction for the company’s business operations.

In 2012, Funmilayo resumed the position of Executive Director, Operations at African Alliance Plc, overseeing an 80-staff team comprising of three departments. There, she doubled the gross premium income of the company within 3 years. During the period, she pioneered the design of the annuity products of the company boosting the annuity product range of African Alliance Plc to become a top-3 market player in the industry. She was credited for championing the design of the life administration application and supervising the transition of African Alliance Plc from semi-automated application usage to fully automated management; a change that saved the company countless man hours, thereby improving efficiency and turnaround time.

As an innovative leader with a keen insight into the insurance market terrain, Funmilayo pioneered the design, modelling and marketing of Takaful in African Alliance Plc as the pioneer family Takaful Office in Nigeria. She also developed and successfully launched micro insurance as a Strategic Business Unit in African Alliance Plc.

In addition to her BSc. (Hons.) degree in Insurance from the University of Lagos, Funmilayo is an Associate Member of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Insurance, London, an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and an Associate Member of the Certified Pensions Institute of Nigeria. She is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School and the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS).

Funmilayo served on the Board of Trustees, Ajaokuta Steel Complex, Axiom Air and National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) until 2016. She currently serves on the board of Frenchies Food, as well as on the board of PAL Pensions Alliance, an associate of African Alliance Plc.

She is also a passionate philanthropist committed to taking young children off the streets and has so far impacted the lives of several disadvantaged children in her local community.

 

 

Culled from funmiomo.com