The article highlights the journey and insights of Mayowa Olaniyan, the Group Managing Director of Chams HoldCo plc, a company contributing significantly to Nigeria's economic growth. Personal Journey: Mayowa shares her background, emphasizing that she didn't come from a privileged family. She started a small business at 14 and taught herself accounting. After initially failing English in school, she returned to improve her grades, which set a pattern for her career of addressing weaknesses head-on. Over 30 years, she worked her way up in various roles, eventually becoming the first female Group Managing Director at Chams. Diversity and Inclusion: Mayowa believes diversity is crucial for business success. She argues that a diverse team makes better decisions and that women should not be overlooked in leadership roles. At Chams, she promotes giving employees responsibility early in their careers. Talent Development: She focuses on hiring people who show initiative and invests in their growth by giving them real responsibilities. Mayowa encourages honesty about weaknesses to help the team improve and emphasizes the importance of having strong leaders at all levels. Chams HoldCo's Unique Position: Chams has been in Nigeria's digital ecosystem for over 40 years and offers a range of services, including payments and cybersecurity, which allows them to serve clients comprehensively. They recently reported significant revenue growth and raised funds for expansion. Challenges: Operating in Nigeria comes with challenges like currency fluctuations and slow payments from government clients. Chams has responded by diversifying its services and tightening financial discipline, which has helped them maintain growth despite economic difficulties. Future Vision: In five years, Mayowa envisions Chams evolving into a leading company in fintech and technology across Africa, focusing on innovative products and strong financial health, while also nurturing future leaders within the organization. Overall, the article showcases Mayowa Olaniyan as a determined leader advocating for diversity, talent development, and resilience in business.
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