By Joan Odafe
Experts in corporate, creative and health sectors have urged women professionals to embrace impact-driven leadership by prioritising mentorship, personal growth, strong character and mental well-being.
They said these are essential tools for shaping society and empowering others.
The call was made at the just-concluded 2026 Sheraton Lagos Executive Women Seminar, where speakers emphasised that leadership should not be defined by titles or positions but by measurable impact, support for others.
The seminar, organised by Sheraton Lagos Hotel, brought together female leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals from various industries to create a platform for dialogue.
The platform was also for networking and knowledge sharing around leadership, entrepreneurship, personal branding, financial prudence and mental wellness.
The initiative, conceived and led by Ada Matthews, Director of Sales and Marketing at Sheraton Lagos, and Project Director of the Executive Women Seminar, reflects the organisation’s commitment to building a credible platform that nurtures purposeful female leadership and collaboration.
Speaking on the seminar, Matthews said the goal was to encourage women to share their experiences, strengthen networks and prioritise well-being while building meaningful careers and leadership influence.
“I have always believed in the power of the untold story, every woman carries a journey shaped by struggles, resilience, and victories that can inspire others when shared,” she said.
She also highlighted the need for financial prudence and intentional well-being to sustain long-term success.
The leadership conversation was further reinforced by the Executive Director of Women in Management and Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, who challenged women professionals to redefine leadership around purpose and impact.
According to Akingbohungbe, titles may command respect but true leadership is measured by the difference made in the lives of others.
“Leadership with purpose definitely goes beyond title; whether you even have a title or not, you’re a leader in your space,” she said.
She explained that impact-driven leadership begins with a clear understanding of one’s “why”.
She emphasised that leadership must go beyond personal ambition to create value and opportunities for others.
“When you are writing your why, review it properly. Is it just about you because the moment it is just about you, you’re not on that journey to lead,” she said.
Akingbohungbe further emphasised mentorship and support systems as critical elements of leadership.
She noted that many people failed to achieve their dreams due to lack of encouragement.
“I know so many people that did not follow through on their dream or purpose just because nobody told them go ahead.
“Just that validating statement is what so many people need,” she said.
She added that leaders must deliberately mentor, mention and mobilise others for opportunities, including sponsoring them for programmes and supporting their growth, noting that fulfilment comes from giving and tracking impact.
Panelists at the seminar reinforced the importance of personal branding, skills development and character as practical pathways to leadership impact.
Head of Tourism Business at Sterling Bank, Abiola Adelana, said balancing ambition with societal and family expectations was one of her early career challenges.
Adelana, however, said staying focused on her vision and surrounding herself with mentors helped her grow.
“I was very stubborn about my vision. I surrounded myself with people that are better than me or people that are doing great things that I want to do,” she said.
She added that enrolling in public speaking classes helped her build confidence and prepare for leadership roles.
Director of Finance at Sheraton Lagos, Olufunke Adegoke, said working quietly in the background initially limited her visibility, teaching her the importance of speaking up and promoting one’s work.
“No matter how much work you do, as long as you remain in the background, you’re not going to be seen; you need to sing your own praises sometimes,” she said.
Founder of Jyraes Motion Pictures, Busola Komolafe emphasised the importance of personal branding and clarity of purpose, noting that professionals must intentionally shape their narratives.
“Clarity of what exactly, who am I, what story am I telling, because if you are not intentional about the story you’re telling, people will tell the story for you,” she said.
Komolafe added that staying focused on one’s purpose often required discipline and difficult choices.
“Staying on purpose is very expensive, different paths will be calling your name but you must stay with what you know is your calling,” she said.
Beyond leadership and career growth, the seminar also highlighted mental health as a key factor in sustaining impact.
Consultant Physician and Neurologist, Dr Adedunni Olusanya of Brain Health Haven, warned that stress and burnout could undermine professional effectiveness.
Olusanya said symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, memory loss and irritability could be underlying medical conditions rather than ordinary stress, urging professionals to seek medical attention early.
She recommended healthy lifestyle habits such as proper diet, adequate sleep, exercise, rest and strong support systems, noting that good mental health was essential for professionals to remain productive and effective in leadership roles.
The seminar concluded with a shared understanding that impact-driven leadership among women professionals required mentorship, strong character, personal branding, continuous skills development, soft skills and mental wellbeing.
It also reinforced the need to lead with purpose while empowering others and sustaining personal growth. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
