Bashirat Odunewu was appointed Group Executive, Energy & Infrastructure, Corporate Banking in 2019. Until this appointment, she was Group Executive, International Banking Group, where she was in charge of the First Bank African Subsidiaries and China Rep. Office. With over 28 years’ experience across institutional banking, corporate banking, commercial banking, investment banking and treasury in various financial institutions, Bashirat brings her deep market-facing experience to bear on the Corporate Banking Group.
She was the recipient of the 2010 FirstBank CEO’s Annual Merit Award for “The Best Business Development Manager”. Bashirat has a Bsc. in Chemistry from the University of Manchester and Master’s degree from Imperial College, University of London. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and has attended several executive programmes in Harvard Business School and Columbia Business School. She is married with children and is passionate about mentoring.
With over 28 years’ experience, Bashirat says she has been the most fortunate to have experienced practically, all the key departments and roles that any seasoned market facing executive banker could wish to have passed through.
As a leader, she was asked what leadership means to her and her response was brilliantly expressed.
For her, leadership can be described as being in the position of authority to influence others to accomplish objectives in line with organisational focus. “It means inspiring my team members to believe in me and be well motivated to wholeheartedly follow my directions and guidance whereby, the team thus collectively surpasses the goals we set out to achieve.” Bashirat stated.
She further adds that, a true leader, irrespective of gender, should be authentic and demonstrate empathy and sincerity in dealings with all stakeholders.
Passionate about inspiring women, she advises young ladies that firstly, it’s important to have a career plan in mind ab-initio and visualise where you would like to be in your career in the short, medium and long term.
Secondly, she advises that you open yourself up to opportunities and be on the lookout for it. Even if you do not think you are qualified enough for an opportunity, be ready to ask for help, but be bold and put up your hands to be considered.
“This also means you should keep improving your knowledge base, your skills, your qualifications and all.” Said Odunewu.
Thirdly, she advises you to surround yourself with people that you can learn from, those that can add value to your aspirations and those who encourage you to be the best version of yourself.
Finally, she says “Never feel limited by your gender, or believe your success is constrained in any way by it or by your culture and society norms. Your watchword should be “No Limits”.
