Dr Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede is a Professor of Global Affairs and politics, a graduate of the United Nations Worldview Institute and Eagleton Institute of Politics. She is a Faculty member of political science at Rutgers University and Farmingdale State College where she teaches Comparative Politics, African Government and Politics, Women and Comparative Political Development, America and the World and Global Issues.
Yetunde is the CEO and founder of Yetunde Global Consulting LLC, a management consulting firm which specializes in leadership development and training, organizational management and global business strategies. She is also the founder and executive director of Young Women’s Guide, an organisation that provides mentorship opportunities and humanitarian initiatives towards women and girls development.
She was chosen as one out of thirty Most Intriguing Africans in New York by Applause Africa Magazine and also selected as Eminent Leaders Emerging Personality of the Year and #1 on a top 20 list of the Most Outstanding Nigerians by Eminent Leaders Magazine.
Yetunde is an international motivational speaker, educator, entrepreneur, TV/radio personality, author, writer, humanitarian and philanthropist.
Lilian Imoni had an interview with her conducted as part of the HIGH HEELS WITH LILIAN series, a column dedicated to profiling women in business and careers and sharing their inspiring stories, their trials and triumphs. Women who are game changers in their various field of endeavours across different sectors of the economy are featured. If you will like to be featured on this column, please call 07013105041 or contact @lilianimoni on Instagram
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
I always pray in the morning, so I talk to God to order my day
What has contributed most to your success?
My ability to believe in myself first, understanding that I have a divine assignment and purpose, surrounding my myself with people who edify and provide genuine counsel and most importantly knowing and understanding my wants and following my own path/vision…but of course God is behind it all!
The key to success in three words.
Faith, consistency and authenticity.
What is the greatest piece of wisdom you have heard?
In the words of Philosopher Osho he said, “Each person comes into this world with a specific destiny–he has something to fulfill, some message has to be delivered, some work has to be completed. You are not here accidentally–you are here meaningfully. There is a purpose behind you. The whole world intends to do something through you.” (Reminds me of my assignment and purpose in life)
And
“…We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us…” by Marianna Williamson. This reminds me to never let anyone belittle my light and nor should I shrink who I am to make anyone comfortable.
What motivates you to carry on?
Purpose, my children, my husband and the vision that I had of myself since I was a little girl.
If you were to start all over again what would you do differently?
Nothing…my life is ordered.
What has been your greatest challenge as a woman in business?
We don’t talk about it much but sometimes age causes an issues. I’ve noticed that when people have an idea of your age which for me is often inflated they feel more comfortable around me or doing business particularly for some women but once they realize I am much younger than they thought they seem to not know how to deal with it…it brings out another side which was non-existent before they knew. In this day and age, it is not abnormal to see a very confident and successful young woman. I see it all the time. Age is not a precursor to wisdom nor is it a pre-requisite to success. Age is age and it’s up to you to use your years wisely. So of course there is the dynamic of gender and age at play but to me I view it all as an advantage. Now with that being said, no business is easy but I am very thankful to have built a solid reputation where people vouch for me before I even enter the room. My work has spoken for me time and time again!
What keeps you awake at night?
Reflections about life, friends, family, business etc and prayers.
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is not being able to live up to my own expectations but then again I remind myself that I’m human and sometimes my expectations for self can be a little too much.
A seasoned professional, an adorable mother, a loving wife, a mentor to many. How do you strike a balance?
Thank you for your kind words, balance is a deliberate act. For me I have defined it as being able to be present in every area of your life. Not choosing one over the other. I believe that I already have the innate ability to do my best in every role that I play because if I didn’t then it would not exist. Balance to me is a mind and body thing. The two have to work together and you have to be deliberate about it. It’s up to you to really create the life that you want. Nobody can give you the balance that you seek (they may help), but ultimately you are responsible for that…and it requires hard work.
Advice to women in business
Don’t be afraid to start early. Separate your business from your “profession”. Use your job to invest in your business (try and balance the two) until you can solely depend on your business/entrepreneurial venture but even then I believe one’s profession is also important to maintain. Your profession can lead you to starting a business in the same sector. Be able to be versatile and work with others, know your field and only go into business because it’s something you want to do, a service or issue you want to provide or solve and that you have found a unique niche where you can add your own touch too.
How do you relax/unwind?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and kids, watching docu-series, pampering myself when time permits and having good convo with great people! Oh, and traveling!
