Molade Adeniyi is the executive director of Teach For Nigeria. Prior to joining this organisation, she served as the Executive Director of West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE) for almost six years, focusing on equipping young people with essential skills and opportunities.
His leadership at WAVE was characterised by significant growth and the implementation of impactful initiatives.
In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Ms Adeniyi talks about her journey in leadership, the importance of mentoring and sponsorship for women, and how she is accelerating action to empower the next generation of women leaders.
PT: Can you tell us about your career path and how you became CEO?
Ms. Adeniyi:
I started my career as an oncology pharmacist, working in the NHS alongside doctors and other health professionals to manage the care of cancer patients.
As I progressed in this role, I had the opportunity to work with amazing women bosses who were mentors and coaches, allowing me to learn from them. I am very grateful to have been able to learn from their experience.
I stayed in the health and pharmacy sector for 14 years, working in different roles and always with the intention to learn. I was always offering myself for new projects or opportunities.
It didn't matter that it was a side job, I was hungry to learn, and this led me to Finance, HR, Administration, Procurement, Marketing, Communications, Public Speaking and much more (all fundamental skills to run a successful business).
I didn't realise how much knowledge I had gained simply by applying to work in these departments until after I left the sector.
Fifteen years into my career, I was approached for a position as an executive director in an NGO. I remember reading the job description and thinking of all the reasons why it was not for me: I was too young, not experienced enough, had never worked in the development sector before, etc.
I thank my husband, who encouraged me to accept the opportunity and assured me that I could do it. I remember him telling me that he hadn't even tried yet and was already writing me off. Regardless of the outcome, the experience would be valuable to me (lesson: marry someone who will support you and push you to greater things).
I got the job and, after a few months, I realised that all the learning, volunteering, teamwork and projects I had been involved in were the foundation that prepared me to succeed as an executive director.
I still had a lot to learn, but since I already had a development and growth mindset, I was ready. Six years later, with many milestones reached, challenges overcome, mistakes made and many lessons learned, the journey continues.
I currently lead Teach For Nigeria as executive director, a position for which I was again recruited. I believe that with dedication, resilience, hunger for learning and intentionality, goals can be achieved.
PT: In your opinion, how do women leaders inspire and empower others, especially other women?
Ms. Adeniyi:
I have been privileged to work with women leaders who have inspired and empowered me.
I have learned a lot from their experiences and have observed some of the ways in which they do it:
- Sharing their successes, struggles and challengesThis helps other women to identify with them.
- Being authentic and humaneeven when they make mistakes, which builds confidence.
- By exampledemonstrating leadership by actions rather than words.
- MentoringThe aim of the programme is to help other women navigate challenges and develop their careers, either individually or in groups.
- SponsorshipThe project has been a great success, supporting other women, presenting them in important spaces and recommending them for leadership positions and opportunities for growth.
PT: What do you think is unique about women in leadership roles compared to men?
Ms. Adeniyi:
I want to stress that we need both men and women in leadership. This provides a valuable balance by including different perspectives and ways of thinking.
Women tend to be more attentive to detail, to lead with compassion and to work with a special touch. Their presence in leadership helps organisations see the bigger picture and achieve success.
PT: What challenges did you face as a woman in your industry and how did you overcome them?
Ms. Adeniyi:
I have worked in the pharmaceutical and education sectors, and I must say that I have not faced unique challenges for women.
I have always been a determined person and, from a young age, I have felt comfortable in spaces with men and women, seeing opportunities rather than obstacles.
However, I remember once when I had a meeting with the CEO of an organisation, a man, and as I entered his office, he asked me where my boss was (he assumed I was the executive assistant). I walked over confidently, gave him a firm handshake and introduced myself. I could see his surprise.
She apologised and we had a great conversation. She knew what she was doing, she was competent and confident, and we achieved our goal. Today we are good friends.
Competence, confidence and maturity have always helped me to overcome any perceived challenge.
PT: What has been one of the most rewarding moments in your career that cemented your passion for leadership?
Ms. Adeniyi:
For me, leadership is the ability to help people become the best version of themselves. It is an honour and a great responsibility.
The most rewarding moments are when people I have worked with come back years later and tell me how my leadership impacted their thinking, their work and their personal growth.
This is priceless and motivates me to continue to support others in their development.
For me, leadership is the ability to support people to become the best version of themselves while I have the privilege of leading them.
PT: What advice would you give to young Nigerian women who aspire to be leaders in their fields?
Ms. Adeniyi:
The only thing holding you back is yourself.
If you tell yourself you can't do it, you probably won't do it. But if you really believe you can, work diligently, have a learning mindset, are aware of your areas of improvement, are humble enough to learn from others and learn quickly from your mistakes, then you can do it.
PT: How do you balance the demands of being a CEO with your personal life?
Ms. Adeniyi:
- A strong support system is essential. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
- Prioritisation is key. Identifying what is important and when to do it allows for better organisation.
- Self-care is non-negotiable. You need to be well rested and in a good state of mind.
- Prayer is my anchor. As a woman of faith, trusting God gives me peace and clarity.
- Learning to say "no". Not all opportunities are for you.
PT: What does this year's theme of International Women's Day, "Accelerating Action", mean to you?
Ms. Adeniyi:
I love the theme. It is a call to urgency, to act now for gender equality.
Every day I ask myself: Who am I helping to move towards leadership?
That is the objective.
This interview was conducted in collaboration with Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), a Nigerian non-profit organisation committed to the advancement and empowerment of women in leadership. Ms. Adeniyi is also a member of WIMBIZ.
Source: Premium Times 18/03/2025