Women In Corporate

In this episode of the Women in Corporate podcast, host Olawunmi Brigue chats with Dr. Njideka Sanya, a healthcare researcher and advocate for public health education. Njideka shares her journey from being steered into medical school, aspiring to become a pediatrician, to discovering her passion for public health. 

Despite initial reluctance, her experiences as a young doctor treating patients with limited health literacy led her to pursue public health rigorously. Njideka delves into how her career path zigzagged through various roles, including a quality care manager, research assistant, and now research coordinator in Canada. 

Throughout the conversation, Njideka emphasises the importance of taking action steps towards clarity, trusting in one’s unique path, and staying true to one's inherent passions, despite societal and career pressures. Her story exemplifies the critical role of courage, faith, and self-confidence in carving out a fulfilling career path. 

00:20 Meet Dr. Njideka Sanya

01:14 Njideka's Early Career Journey

02:48 Transition to Public Health

06:00 Challenges and Decisions 

10:44 Discovering Quality Care Management

19:23 Pursuing Further Education and Relocation

21:22 Current Role and 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 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 Education

04:05 University Challenges and Realizations

09:12 Entering the Corporate World

13:51 Navigating Corporate Challenges

17:48 Facing Corporate Rejection and Starting Anew

18:22 Building a Business and Family Decisions

19:03 Pursuing Higher Education and Relocation Challenges

20:03 Discovering a New Path in Cybersecurity

21:29 Overcoming PhD Hurdles and Financial Struggles

24:05 Landing a Job and Battling Imposter Syndrome

26:30 Navigating Corporate Culture and Personal Growth

35:06 Reflecting on Career Shifts and 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

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 Background

02:14 Early Life and Leadership

04:15 Boarding School Experiences

11:42 University and Career Beginnings

16:44 Meeting Her Husband

22:48 Marriage and Moving to Italy

24:13 Facing Societal Expectations and Personal Choices

25:52 Navigating Cultural Challenges in Italy

30:01 The Decision to Move to Canada

32:50 Adjusting to Life in Canada

33:29 Reentering the Workforce

37:48 Overcoming Barriers and Achieving Career Success

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 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 Life

05:11 Cultural Shocks and Adjustments in the US

08:02 Navigating College and Career Choices

15:19 Internal Struggles and Self-Discovery

23:12 Making a Quality Decision for Change

28:32 First Steps Towards Personal Development

30:29 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Small Wins

31:15 The Power of Taking the Next Small Step

33:37 Deciding to Pursue Nursing

34:51 Facing Challenges and Finding Support

38:01 Starting Nursing School at 40

42:03 Excelling in Nursing School

44:28 Entering the Emergency Room

46:05 Transitioning to Management

50:58 Becoming a Certified Life Coach

52:06 The Importance of Personal Development

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, 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 Aspirations

03:52 Discovering a Passion for Consulting

08:25 Breaking into the Consulting Industry

17:51 Networking and Career Advancement Tips

24:36 Challenges and Rewards in Consulting

26:33 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

28:24 Key Challenges for Small Businesses

31:24 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, 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 Journey

05:43 Facing Rejections and Overcoming Challenges

09:25 The Power of Purpose and Positive Affirmation

19:40 Discovering Dyslexia and Academic Success

23:51 Reflecting on Gratitude and Upbringing

24:22 Facing Rejection and Returning to Nigeria

27:08 Starting a Career in Nigeria

27:52 Maximising Opportunities and Self-Talk

31:34 Navigating Career Changes During COVID

36:26 A Surprising Job Offer

39:48 Embracing Purpose and Impact

44:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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 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