swediworld

SWEDIWorld took part, virtually, in the WIPO IP and Women Business Summit on 20 March 2025 at the United Nations House in Abuja. The summit is a platform for empowering women to lead, create and innovate, and for inspiring greater participation by women in intellectual property in Nigeria.

The keynote, “My Journey to Leadership and Lessons for Women in the Marketplace”, was delivered by Ms. Dupe Olusola, Founder of the Next Generation Foundation and former Managing Director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc. SWEDIWorld shared the main lessons:

Leadership and growth

  • Lead with kindness: true leadership is rooted in empathy.
  • Mentorship: mentor others and seek mentorship.
  • Personal development: invest in your growth and master your field.
  • Embrace challenges as catalysts for growth, and focus on what aligns with your core objectives.

Empowerment and confidence

  • Be bold, know your worth and stay authentic, especially through transitions.
  • Define and uphold personal values, and adapt, including by walking away from networks that no longer serve a positive purpose.

Collaboration and inclusion

  • Create opportunities for others; inclusive environments produce richer outcomes.
  • Focus on continuous improvement, not competition, and build networks through associations.

Strategic positioning and legacy

  • Show your work, be intentional and move from talk to execution.
  • Prioritise self-care, and decide how you want to be remembered.

“Ms. Olusola’s insights serve as a guiding light,” SWEDIWorld reflected. “I am glad I was in the room.”