Women professionals were urged to adopt impact-driven leadership centred on mentorship, personal growth, mental well-being, and purpose at the 2026 Sheraton Lagos Executive Women Seminar. The event, organised by Sheraton Lagos Hotel, brought together female leaders, entrepreneurs and experts to discuss leadership, financial prudence, personal branding and mental wellness. Ada Matthews, Director of Sales and Marketing at Sheraton Lagos and Project Director of the seminar, said the goal was to create a space for women to share untold stories of struggle, resilience and victory. "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.
Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of Women in Management and Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), stressed that leadership should be defined by impact, not titles. "Leadership with purpose definitely goes beyond title; whether you even have a title or not, you're a leader in your space," she said, urging women to examine their "why" and ensure it extends beyond personal gain. She highlighted the need for mentorship, saying many people abandon dreams due to lack of encouragement. Panelists including Abiola Adelana of Sterling Bank and Olufunke Adegoke of Sheraton Lagos shared how mentorship, vision and visibility shaped their careers. Dr Adedunni Olusanya, a neurologist, warned that burnout could erode professional performance.
Ada Matthews didn't just organise a seminar—she spotlighted the quiet labour behind women's advancement: storytelling, sponsorship, and staying visible without fanfare. When Olufunke Adegoke admits that working quietly in the background cost her visibility, it reveals a structural truth many women face—excellence alone isn't enough without self-advocacy. This isn't about climbing ladders; it's about building new ones that account for mental health, mentorship, and purpose beyond profit. For Nigerian women in corporate spaces, the real takeaway is not inspiration—it's infrastructure.
