Women In Corporate

Olawunmi Brigue

Despite comprising half the workforce, women continue to face significant underrepresentation in leadership. This podcast is dedicated to closing this gap by amplifying the voices of women who are redefining success and leaving their mark on the corporate world. We offer a refreshing dose of authenticity, delving deep into the inspiring journeys of these women as they navigate career challenges, develop leadership strategies, and ultimately shape the future of business. Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and equipped with actionable insights to propel your own path to impact.

  1. 05/20/2025

    #19 The Road Less Traveled: How Dr. Njideka Sanya Found the Courage to Discover and Follow Her True Calling

    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

    32 min
  2. 05/13/2025

    #18 A Doctorate in Determination: How Dr. Esther Solomon Edun’s Unwavering Resilience Forged a Path to a Thriving and Impactful Career

    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

    40 min
  3. 05/06/2025

    #17 The Courage to Choose Differently with Joy Akinwonmi

    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

    39 min
  4. 04/29/2025

    #16 From Stay-at-Home Mum to Corporate Leader: Ifeoma Ngwudike’s Workforce Reentry After a 10-Year Break

    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

    48 min
  5. 04/22/2025

    #15 Shattering Self-Limits: How Ulari Dike Leveraged Personal Transformation to Reinvent Her Career

    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

    1h 1m
  6. 04/15/2025

    #14 Mastering the Art of Networking for Accelerated Career Growth with Nadine Asiedu-Dankwa

    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

    35 min
  7. 04/08/2025

    #13 Vision, Confidence, and the Power of Affirmations with Charlotte Adeyemi

    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

    47 min

About

Despite comprising half the workforce, women continue to face significant underrepresentation in leadership. This podcast is dedicated to closing this gap by amplifying the voices of women who are redefining success and leaving their mark on the corporate world. We offer a refreshing dose of authenticity, delving deep into the inspiring journeys of these women as they navigate career challenges, develop leadership strategies, and ultimately shape the future of business. Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and equipped with actionable insights to propel your own path to impact.