…How Nigerian Amazons’ careers are shaped

In today’s fast-evolving professional landscape, staying relevant requires more than just skills; it demands vision, confidence, and the right guidance.

The Women In Successful Careers (WISCAR) Mentoring Programmes tailored to empower women to take charge of their career journeys, equipping them with the tools, network, and insights needed to thrive and lead in any field.

An evaluation of the top-level executive and board positions in Nigeria’s corporate organisations and leadership indicates a gloomy tale of diversity and inclusion.

In an attempt to bridge the gap for a more equal world, WISCAR introduced the mentoring programme and the testimonies speak volume.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke with BusinessDay, shared how their careers evolved for the best.

Mfon Eshett is an internationally certified Human Resource professional with over six years of progressive experience in HR, talent management, and people operations. She currently serves as the human resource manager at Crop2Cash,

“Beyond corporate HR, I‘m passionate about personal development coaching and has mentored numerous young professionals through projects and organizations such as The Growth Circle and Tritek Academy UK, impacting over 1,000 individuals,” she said, narrating her career trajectory.

Mfon came in contact with the WISCAR Mentoring Programme through a classmate from her high school.

“I saw her post about the WISCAR programme and conference on her WhatsApp status and watched how the programme transformed her life in two years.

“She is currently in an MBA programme in the US. This gave me motivation to apply for the programme while she supported me and also prepared me for the interview with the WISCAR team,” she said.

The young author explained that in the last few months of joining the mentoring programme, she has gained courage, motivation, clarity and access to resources that has helped her take the required steps to boom her career.

“I have seen my career take on a new trajectory including two industry award recognitions this year; the Iconic Brand Africa (TIBA) and the HR Excellence Awards,” she emphasised.

She highlighted the mentoring session as one that has broadened her perspective to the possibility of what her life and career can become while also empowering her with resources to make it possible.

For Mfon, the session on Networking as a Support for Career Development by Funke Amobi, stood out. “It stood out for me because I tend to be very introverted, so gaining practical insights into how to network in a productive manner pulled me out of my shell and I have seen results from taking steps to network frequently,” she noted.

She applauded Wonuola Adetayo, whom she described as a wonderful mentor. “I don’t know how WISCAR did it, but my first meeting with her felt like I was meeting with the future version on myself. She was warm, well articulated, and very hospitable during our first meeting.

“I had to come from Ibadan to Lagos to meet with her because I desired that our first meeting would be physical and it was a very enlightening session where I had great mind reset from her conversation on DISC a psychometric analysis on my strength and how to maximise them for productivity. Our engagement afterwards has been sessions of reflections, planning and tips on execution for the picture,” Mfon stated.

She would like every Nigerian woman passionate about career success to take advantage of the WISCAR Mentoring Programme.

“I had to apply twice because I didn’t make the cut in the first application so, I decided to be diligent and dedicate my time and effort into the programme seeing the result it had in the lives of other career women around me.

“So, every woman who wants to scale and thrive in their career should apply for the WISCAR programme and also take advantage of every training, opportunity and resources the programme gives,” she urges.

Lovina Utang is a credit risk officer at First Bank of Nigeria who was nominated by her organisation for the programme.

⁠“I was nominated by my organisation, I read up about the WISCAR mentoring programme, did my findings and then I applied,” she explained.
According to Lovina, the programme has impacted her in several amazing ways. “From the awesome network opportunities, to the several books and classes we’ve been exposed to, down to the impactful mentors and sessions shared. I have grown more ambitious and determined to thrive in my career and home.”
Speaking on the training that imparted her most, she said, “I would say the session on personal effectiveness. It helped me know that I was good but I could be determined to improve in areas that could boost visibility and improve performance.

“Moreso the book “Great work, Great career” speaks to the need to give your best shot, not out rightly ⁠expecting the recognition. However, by giving your very best, the recognition like a ripple effect would then follow.”

In the course of her training, Lovina singled out Folashade Adebamiro as a mentor.

“My encounter with her was so beautiful! She is very warm, receptive and she paid utmost attention to our conversation, speaking sincerely and being a guide,” she said.

She describes her experience with the WISCAR Mentoring Team as awesome, and impactful.

“It has been an awesome experience. From the several shared sessions to the networking opportunities to the book reviews to the mentor sessions.

“They have all been worthwhile. I definitely would recommend this to others,⁠ this is definitely an avenue to fan one’s inner drive aflame,” she said.
she explained that through the programme, she has found herself going above and beyond to reach and attain excellence, this has reflected in her life decisions and quality of work.

Moreover, she said, the recognition follows as the excellence of her work speaks for her.