For far too long, society has equated femininity with weakness, prompting many women to feel pressured to adopt traditionally masculine traits to thrive in today’s fast paced professional environment. However, I believe the true power of women lies not in abandoning our feminine qualities but in fully embracing them—what I call “womanity.” The ability to stay authentic while navigating complex challenges is one of the greatest strengths we can wield in our careers.
Throughout my professional journey, I’ve faced moments when I had to choose between conforming to external expectations or redefining success on my own terms. By staying grounded in who I am, I’ve come to realize that “womanity” isn’t about merely fitting into spaces dominated by masculine norms—it’s about thriving within them without sacrificing the core of who we are as women.
In this article, I’ll share how I’ve used my womanity to rise to new challenges and grow both professionally and personally—and how you can harness this unique strength to do the same.
Embracing New Beginnings with Boldness
One of the first lessons I learned in my career is the importance of embracing new beginnings with boldness. Most of us find comfort in our established routines, but true growth comes from stepping into the unfamiliar, even when it feels uncomfortable. In 2011, I was redeployed to the Risk Management team—a role that was completely outside my comfort zone. The expectations were high, and the stakes even higher. However, it was in this very role that I won the prestigious Nigerian Risk Manager of the Year award—an achievement that had a profound impact on my career.
The decision was simple: I could either resist change and risk stagnation or embrace it and evolve. I chose the latter. I recognized that my unique perspective as a woman was an asset, not a liability. Over the course of my redeployment, I worked closely with many leaders across the company, which broadened my exposure and deepened my understanding of the business. I firmly believe that having a positive mindset towards these transitions played a pivotal role in my growth.
The Power of Empathy in Leadership
As women, one of the traits that sets us apart in leadership is our ability to lead with empathy. For me, understanding my team’s dynamics—knowing what motivates them, what challenges them—has been instrumental in creating an environment where collaboration thrives. This empathetic approach may sometimes be labelled as “too soft” or “too emotional,” but I’ve come to see empathy as one of the most strategic tools in my leadership arsenal.
Empathy allows me to forge genuine relationships with my team, building trust and encouraging innovation. Trust, after all, is the foundation of any successful team. It’s this quality—this deep connection with others—that enhances the effectiveness of leadership. Every woman in a leadership role should recognize the power of empathy and use it to build strong, cohesive teams.
Balancing Professional Growth with Personal Well being
Women are known for wearing many hats and this is a skill we should embrace fully, especially in our careers. To succeed at the next level, we must be intentional about continuous learning and skill development. Every time I take on a new role, I make it a point to not only give my best but also to actively seek out new knowledge and experiences that will contribute to my growth.
At the same time, it’s crucial not to neglect personal well-being. I’ve always made time for leisure to unwind from the pressures of work. For example, I started a dance class where I recruited renowned instructors in hip hop, contemporary, and salsa. This activity helped me manage stress while adding a touch of creativity and joy to my life—a practice that keeps me balanced and energized.
Resilience
Resilience is a strength that many women don’t express enough. We often face doubts and setbacks, but it is precisely in those moments that we find our capacity to grow. Every challenge I’ve faced has only strengthened my commitment to self-improvement and bolstered my confidence. I always encourage women not to shy away from setbacks, but to see them as opportunities to reflect, recalibrate, and grow stronger.
Throughout my career, I’ve had to work late nights and juggle multiple demands, yet each of these challenges was a testament to my resilience. Gender is not a barrier to excellence, no matter the industry. As women, we must demonstrate that our ability to thrive in difficult circumstances is not only possible but expected.
Bringing womanity to new challenges isn’t about rebellion or defiance—it’s about redefining strength in the workplace. Our femininity is not a hindrance but a source of innovation, empathy, and strategic insight. As I continue to evolve in my career, I encourage other women to challenge established norms, to embrace their true selves, and to approach every obstacle with confidence in their unique strengths. By doing so, we create not just a path for ourselves but a new standard for future generations of women in the workplace.
