The Power of Balance: A Woman’s Journey of Leading, Learning, and Empowering Change

In 2019, I began my official tenure with ArewaCotton, a cotton ginning company in Nigeria, where I am responsible for addressing child labour, implementing gender mainstreaming, and undertaking special projects. My role in management has contributed to establishing an organisational culture that promotes gender equality, empowerment, respect, inclusivity, and knowledge-sharing. This has been achieved through flexible work arrangements and equal access to training and leadership opportunities.

Child labour remains a significant challenge in agriculture, primarily due to its ambiguous definition. While children often assist their parents on farms, it is crucial to define the specific activities they can engage in, ensure adequate protection, determine the appropriate amount of time spent on the farm, and ascertain whether these children attend school and understand the benefits of education. 

Additionally, the availability of schools within the community needs to be considered. Our training teams emphasize the importance of school attendance for children and outline suitable age-appropriate farm activities.

Special projects aim to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by focusing on education, skill acquisition, health, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives. Recently, these projects have also included biodiversity, soil health, and zero chemical farming practices.

Collaborating with others has motivated me to seek knowledge that enhances results, fills gaps, and improves my performance. 

The online MBA has shifted my mindset on leadership, showing me that it is a skill that can be learned. I now recognize the value of ethical and servant leadership, not only in the workplace but also at home and in a multicultural society. Effective leadership starts with self-awareness and management, then extends to leading teams and networks, fostering dynamic and productive relationships. 

One key tool I utilised was The Change Cycle, which provided valuable insights into navigating transitions effectively. Dr. Baralou, who taught the course “Leading People and Organisations”, significantly improved my writing by refining my referencing and resource navigation skills. In reflections, she strengthened my presentation abilities and facilitated a simulation exercise that highlighted the importance of credibility, networking, and strategic decision-making. Key lessons from the course included change management, securing early management support, transparent communication (using the Johari window), expert guidance, hands-on action, training, pilot programs, and timely recognition of efforts, each crucial depending on the urgency of change. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from her; her clear delivery and leadership have expanded my perspectives and experiences.

Discipline and planning have significantly improved my work-life balance. Through the course “Production and Operation Management”, taught by Mrs. A. Marinopoulou, I incorporated the Plan-Do-Check-Act approach, enhancing efficiency and adaptability. Key takeaways include leveraging a strong team, embracing rotational leadership, and responding to national culture by deliberately reducing power distance. By fostering trust, minimizing bureaucracy, encouraging creativity, embracing quick learning from failures, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, I have been able to drive more effective and sustainable outcomes.

My advice to women in leadership is that change starts with you. Know yourself, have a clear vision, and express your goals confidently. Remember that processes can be changed strategically through long-term thinking and patience. Embrace a culture of continuous improvement in every aspect of your life, constantly learning, adapting, and growing to create lasting impact.