Chinweugo Nwafor: “As Women, We Must Keep Aspiring and Evolving”

The International Women’s Day slogan this year is #ChooseToChallenge. What does this mean for you?

Following my understanding of this year’s slogan, I choose to seek out and celebrate the remarkable women in my life (both within and outside the HH Group) who have done nothing but inspire me to forge ahead, work hard and be the best version of myself.

Has any woman’s achievement inspired you? Who and What was it?

Oh, yes, indeed. We have all have been talking about it. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala indeed made history on February 15, 2021, when she was chosen as the first woman and the first African to become the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). What an achievement!! Not only is it inspiring, but also so well deserved.

If you were given a chance to build a superheroine, you would love to have had as a child? What would their super-powers be?

I would not mind a Captain Marvel action figure but with super intelligence, super speed and, of course, healing powers to eradicate all forms of sickness and pain. I would also want my superheroine to have the power to keep my parents and all my loved ones alive, forever spreading joy and peace across the world.

Have you encountered any related challenges in your career along the way to achieving this role? And how did you overcome them?

I recall back in 2016 or so when I was still a lead auditor seeking opportunities to become the Head of Internal Audit. I was tasked with going into an industry where I had little to no experience standardising the internal audit function and overall reporting structure. This period was also to be my first opportunity of ever engaging solely with the Board of Directors. Was I terrified? Oh yes, I was but did I think I could do it? Of course, I did.

I went straight to work by engaging key members of staff to understand the business. I also had to conduct a bit of research as internal audit in terms of value varies per industry and sector. Because no two companies are the same, I needed to bring different perspectives whilst trying to establish and standardise the function.

Following these activities, I also conducted a gap analysis that helped shape my action plan to drive the improvement of the function. Following my subsequent meeting and presentation to the Board, the feedback was what propelled me into the Head, Internal Audit role the following year.

What is one piece of advice you have for women who are doubtful of achieving more?

Sometimes I think the doubt is not about achieving more but about failing to perform at the first attempt. Most of us suffer from impostor syndrome, where self-doubt causes us to freeze and lose confidence. Rather than allowing the doubt to creep in and take hold of our dreams, we should realise that failure does not make any of us a fraud. Even the best students fail exams, and the best lawyers lose cases. Failing, losing and being wrong on occasions are all part of the job.

Thus, my advice is that as women, we must make sure we keep aspiring and evolving, for that is the only way to survive in and adapt to our ever-changing world.

What is one development you wish to see in the next few years for African women?

I would like to see an increased representation of African women in political offices and leadership. By expanding the presence of women in the areas of influence with opportunities for advancement, these actions would ensure that women voices are heard at the highest level of decision-making and governance.

What is one achievement you are incredibly proud of?

I am incredibly proud of my personal growth and transformation. Being a part of the HH family, working collaboratively with the various personalities I encounter whilst retaining my integrity, values, and instincts is indeed a remarkable feat.