March | 2025

A Global Analysis
The Economic Impact of
Women in Leadership 2025

Beyond Representa on
Measuring the True Influence of
Women in Leadership 2025

The 10 Most
Inspiring
Women
Leaders
to Follow in
2025
 Breaking Barriers

I n a world that is rapidly evolving, leadership is being redefined

by the remarkable women who are breaking barriers, driving
change, and inspiring future generations. Chief Women Leaders
latest edition of The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in
2025 is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and leadership across
industries.

This edition highlights trailblazers who have turned challenges into

opportunities, proving that leadership is not just about holding a
position of power but about making a meaningful impact. These
women are pioneers in technology, finance, healthcare,
entrepreneurship, and social activism—leading with vision, purpose,
and unwavering determination. Their stories reflect not only personal
success but also a commitment to empowering others.

As we step into 2025, their journeys remind us that leadership is

about adaptability, courage, and an unyielding belief in one’s
mission. From advocating for diversity and inclusion to reshaping
industries with disruptive ideas, each leader profiled in this edition
exemplifies the qualities that define true inspiration.

At a time when the world needs bold, empathetic, and visionary

leadership, these women stand as beacons of hope and progress. May
their stories inspire you to embrace challenges, lead with
authenticity, and create a legacy that transcends boundaries.

Happy reading!

Michael Wayne
 Profiles

08
CONTENTS

Alice Ruhweza
Connector and Advocate for People-Cantered
and Locally-led Sustainable Development

16

Dr. Arijana Trkulja’s

The Visionary Force Behind Cybersecurity
20

The Vision of
Inyang E m
Leading with Integrity

Articles

12
A Global Analysis
The Economic Impact of
Women in Leadership 2025

26
Beyond Representa on
Measuring the True Influence of
Women in Leadership 2025
 FOLLOW US ON Editor-in-Chief Merry D'Souza
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March, 2025 Database Management Stella Andrew
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 Featured Person Company Name Brief
Alice is a global thought leader with expertise in sustainable
Alice Ruhweza AGRA development, systems thinking, and environmental finance,
President agra.org advocating inclusive agri-food systems and community-
driven conservation.

Arijana Trkulja Arijana is a cybersecurity expert focused on developing

Ingram Micro strategic frameworks and innovative solutions to enhance
Head of Cyber Security ingrammicro.com
Center of Excellence organizational resilience against evolving cyber threats.

Diane Karusisi Diane is an economics expert driving financial inclusion and

Bank of Kigali Plc
Chief Executive innovation, with a passion for leveraging data to improve
bk.rw
Officer access to banking services.

Hannah Sadiki Hannah is advocate for digital transformation in banking,

Bidvest Insurance Group emphasizing customer experience and technological
Chief Executive
bidvestfs.co.za innovation to redefine financial services.
Officer

Inyang Etim Inyang specializes in retail compliance, leveraging deep

Access Bank PLC.
Head, Retail knowledge of regulatory frameworks to ensure operational
accessbankplc.com
Compliance integrity and risk management in financial services.

Old Mutual Personal Land is focused on advancing strategic initiatives in business

Kerrin Land
Finance management while fostering growth through operational
Managing Director
oldmutual.co.za excellence and stakeholder collaboration.

Nasim Devji Nasim is a visionary strategist with decades of experience in

Group CEO & Diamond Trust Bank financial services, championing corporate governance and
Managing Director dtbafrica.com sustainable growth.

Nneka is a known for her dynamic leadership in banking,

Nneka Onyeali-Ikp Fidelity Bank PLC fostering innovation and customer-centric solutions to drive
MD/CEO fidelitybank.ng institutional success.

Miano is a transformative leader with a strong focus on

Rebecca Miano KenGen Kenya
energy policy, sustainability, and empowering communities
Managing Director kengen.co.ke
through infrastructure development.

Yolisa Phahle Yolisa is a creative industry leader dedicated to transforming

MultiChoice Group entertainment through diverse storytelling and innovative
CEO: General
multichoice.com content strategies.
Entertainment
 Alice Alice Ruhweza
Connector and Advocate for People-Cantered
and Locally-led Sustainable Development

S
ustainable development has transitioned from a niche Sustainable Development Thought Leader and
concern to a critical global priority, influencing how Practitioner
societies balance economic development with
sustainability. The severe consequences of climate change Alice Ruhweza, who was recently appointed President of
and environmental degradation threaten the lives and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), a
livelihoods of billions worldwide. Despite these challenges, role she will take on from March 1, 2025, brings nearly
significant strides have been made in combating nature loss three decades of experience as a thought leader, systems
and addressing climate change. Landmark international thinker, and sustainable development practitioner. Her 28-
agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Kunming- year career spans leadership and board roles across
Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, endorsed by Government, the private sector, the United Nations, and
nearly 200 nations, exemplify this progress. We now have a major international NGOs.
remarkable opportunity to mobilize global action among
key stakeholders to halt and reverse climate change and Previously serving as the Senior Director for Policy
biodiversity loss by 2030 while tackling the root causes of Influence and Engagement Alice has been instrumental in
environmental degradation. establishing a policy influence and engagement hub and
fostering a community of practice. Her efforts aim to
Alice Ruhweza is a visionary leader whose dedication to strengthen the capacity of country offices and regional
inclusive and sustainable development has profoundly teams to shape and influence sustainable development
influenced the field. Growing up with a father deeply agendas at both national and regional levels.
committed to conservation and a mother devoted to
community development, Alice witnessed the critical need Alice’s achievements include mobilizing funding for
for harmony between nature and people early on. This groundbreaking initiatives that prioritize amplifying
upbringing shaped her path and inspired a career focused on marginalized voices—women, youth, Indigenous Peoples,
the intersection of environmental, economic, and social and local communities—while creating stronger national
development. Much of her work has been rooted in the and regional policy contexts for inclusive conservation. At a
Global South, where she has earned a reputation for pivotal moment when the world looks to organizations
fostering cross-cultural collaboration. Guided by her advance localization and elevate perspectives from the
unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Global South, Alice has been at the forefront of driving
Alice firmly believes that meaningful and lasting meaningful progress in these critical areas.
sustainable development can only be achieved when
women, youth, indigenous and local communities are in the Alice Ruhweza has also been an influential voice for
lead as primary architects and implementers of their various global platforms, including participating in the
solutions. European Commission's mandated high-level expert group
on scaling finance for low- and middle-income countries. In
this capacity, she was selected to present the group’s final

March 2025 8 Chief Women Leaders

e
recommendations to Finance Ministers
alongside the Executive Director of the IMF.
Additionally, Alice serves as a member of the
World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on
the Future of Nature and Security, where she was recently
appointed Co-Chair; and an Advisory member of the
Global Foresight Network. Through her involvement in
these forums, Alice has brought invaluable insights from
the field, ensuring that global strategies and positions are
informed by the realities and perspectives of countries and
local communities. “In Africa, Alice advocates for
Alice has also held the Team Leader and Technical Adviser flexible and adaptable
position at the United Nations Development Programme approaches to the continent's
(UNDP)’s Global Environmental Finance Unit. In this role, diverse challenges.”

March 2025 9 Chief Women Leaders

 “
she led a team of technical advisors supporting 44 countries
in mobilizing over US $1 billion in public and private
financing for sustainable development priorities, including
climate mitigation and adaptation, sustainable finance, “Alice experienced first-hand,
sustainable energy, and nature-based solutions. at a very young age, the
importance of a world where
Earlier in her career, Alice worked as a Regional nature and people must live in
Coordinator for the Africa Katoomba Group at Forest
Trends. This network brought together global experts to harmony.”
advance markets and Payments for Ecosystem Services
(PES) across Africa.
2. Recipient of the Africa Green Champion Award
(2022) by the Eleven Twelve Foundation.
Her extensive experience also includes consulting for
prominent organizations such as the UNFCCC (Bonn), the
3. Alice is a contributing author to the landmark publication
World Bank Environment Department (Washington, D.C.),
on the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB).
the Foundation for International Law and Development
(UK), and the Institute for European Environmental Policy
Her remarkable contributions inspire progress in sustainable
((Brussels), among others. These roles allowed Alice to
development and inclusive leadership globally.
contribute her expertise to critical global initiatives in
environmental policy, sustainable development, and
Insights on Sustainable Development in Africa
ecosystem services, further solidifying her reputation as a
thought leader.
Alice Ruhweza acknowledges Africa's progress toward the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African
Alice Ruhweza holds a Bachelors and Master’s degrees in
Union’s Agenda 2063, noting an average score of 53.82
Economics, as well as prestigious leadership certifications
across all African member states in 2020—slightly higher
from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, IMD
than in 2019. However, she emphasizes that progress is not
Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Oxford
at the scale or speed needed to meet the 2030 targets. After
University's Saïd Business School. Additionally, she has
six years of SDG implementation, Africa is only halfway
completed the United Nations System Mastermind in
toward achieving its goals. Challenges such as high poverty
Sustainable Development Leadership program.
levels, climate change, and biodiversity loss, compounded
by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-
Alice’s extensive board and advisory roles reflect her global
Ukraine conflict, threaten current and future well-being,
influence. She serves on the Board of the Consultative
disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) a
consortium of 15 centers working to address major global
Despite these challenges, Alice identifies significant
challenges threatening the sustainability of food, land, and
opportunities for the continent. Africa’s young,
water systems, and their transformation to achieve the
entrepreneurial, and increasingly educated population is a
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
vital asset. As the fastest urbanizing continent, Africa can
build modern, green energy infrastructure without
Alice has contributed significantly to advancing sustainable
dismantling fossil fuel systems. With abundant solar and
development initiatives as a Senior Fellow of the Aspen
hydroelectric potential, Africa can lead a green energy
Institute’s New Voices Program, a Henry Arnhold
transition. The rapid growth of digital technologies, such as
Conservation Fellow, a Forest Trends Fellow, and a
mobile payments and fintech, offers innovative solutions
Salzburg Global Seminar Fellow. She is also an
tailored to local conditions.
International UN Gender Champion, a member of the
UNCCD Gender Caucus, and a dedicated advocate for
Alice reflects on the transformative potential of achieving
gender, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
the SDGs, which could unlock $12 trillion in market
opportunities and generate 380 million jobs by 2030.
Awards and Recognition:
She also highlights the African Continental Free Trade Area
(AfCFTA) as a critical avenue to advance the SDGs and
1. Named among the Top 50 Most Influential Women in
Agenda 2063.
Africa (2024).

March 2025 10 Chief Women Leaders

While acknowledging the challenges, Alice remains populations in decision-making and resource management
optimistic about Africa’s ability to achieve sustainable fosters a stronger sense of ownership and investment in the
development. She stresses that successful environmental success of these efforts. When communities see tangible
solutions must be tailored to local contexts, ensuring their benefits—such as improved livelihoods, access to
relevance and practicality for the communities involved. resources, or economic opportunities—they are more
Alice advocates for building strong partnerships, motivated to engage in sustainable practices that protect
emphasizing that collective efforts across sectors and their natural environment.
stakeholders often more effectively address complex
environmental challenges. These rights-based, community-driven approaches
transform conservation from a narrow focus on preserving
She underscores the importance of incorporating local, nature in isolation to a broader vision of sustainable
national, and regional perspectives into global policy development. By balancing the needs of people and
discussions., Alice insists that the voices of those most ecosystems, these methods pave the way for long-term,
affected by environmental issues must not be overlooked harmonious sustainability across Africa’s landscapes. Alice
when crafting international strategies. believes this inclusive approach sets a promising precedent
for conservation efforts' future, ensuring that nature and
Alice also underscores the importance of aligning financial communities can thrive together.
resources with environmental goals, stressing the need for
investment opportunities that foster sustainability while Values-Based Leadership: A Journey to Antarctica and
bolstering vulnerable countries' economies. Alice advocates Beyond
for ensuring financial and technical resources reach the
most underserved populations and those who need them In 2018, Alice embarked on a transformative journey with
most. Homeward Bound, a group of 80 women from around the
globe, to Antarctica. The mission was to empower women
Moreover, she champions flexible and adaptable approaches by helping them connect their values to their leadership
to Africa’s diverse challenges, drawing on her extensive approach in the workplace. Unlike many leadership courses
experience. Alice believes coordinated efforts across sectors focusing on "what" to do, this voyage concentrated on
are essential for achieving the SDGs. Her vision is rooted in "why" women should lead. Research highlights that
leveraging Africa's resources, youthful population, and “structured reflection”—dedicated time for introspection
technological advancements to create a sustainable and and self-examination—plays a key role in leadership
inclusive future for the continent. development. As the only African woman on the trip, Alice
returned with a renewed appreciation for her parents'
Prioritizing Rights-Based Approaches investment in her education and the values they instilled in
her: humility, empathy, courage, and a determination to
Alice stresses the growing recognition of integrating human advocate for girls' education and women in leadership.
rights into conservation and development efforts.
Historically, conservation initiatives have sometimes Reflecting on her last two years as Senior Director at WWF
prioritized nature preservation at the expense of local International, Alice emphasizes how those same core
communities. However, Alice observes a critical shift values—humility, empathy, and courage—have shaped her
toward inclusive strategies that place the rights and well- approach to policy influence and engagement. Alice
being of local populations at the center of conservation believes that creating sound policies is not enough;
planning. policymakers must also deeply understand the human
experience and address the needs of local communities.
This change reflects an evolving understanding of the When these values are embedded in policymaking, she
interconnectedness between communities and ecosystems. argues, better outcomes can be achieved for the
Thriving communities often lead to more effective environment and the people who depend on it.
stewardship of natural resources, which enhances the
protection of wildlife and habitats.

Alice also underscores the significance of community

participation in conservation projects. Involving local

March 2025 11 Chief Women Leaders

 The Economic
Impact of Women
in Leadership 2025

T he economic landscape of 2025 is

increasingly shaped by the growing
influence of women in leadership roles.
From corporate boardrooms to political offices,
women leaders are driving transformative changes
that enhance global economic performance,
promote equity, and foster innovation. Despite
persistent challenges, their contributions are
proving indispensable for sustainable development
and societal progress.

Global Trends in Women’s Leadership

Women’s representation in leadership positions has

seen gradual improvement over the years. As of
2023, women held 28.2% of managerial roles
globally, with this figure projected to rise modestly
to 28% by 2050. However, regional disparities
persist. For instance:

• Central and Southern Asia is expected to see

significant growth, with women’s share in
managerial positions increasing from 14% in
2023 to 19% by 2050.
• Sub-Saharan Africa will also experience
growth, with a projected increase of four
percentage points during the same period.

Income levels play a critical role in shaping these

trends. Low-income countries (LICs) are
forecasted to see the greatest growth, from 25% in
2023 to nearly 30% by mid-century. This progress
underscores the importance of targeted
interventions in regions where gender gaps are
most pronounced.

Economic Benefits of Women in Leadership

The presence of women in leadership roles is not

just a matter of representation; it has tangible
economic benefits.

March 2025 12 Chief Women Leaders

 A Global Analysis

A
r
t
i
c
l
e

March 2025 13 Chief Women Leaders

Studies reveal that companies with at least 30% women in In politics, the gender gap remains stark. Women hold only
leadership roles enjoy higher net profit margins compared 26.5% of parliamentary seats globally—a disparity that
to those with fewer or no women leaders. This correlation limits their ability to influence policies that drive equitable
highlights how gender-diverse leadership enhances economic growth. Without structural changes at both
organizational performance through: organizational and societal levels, these challenges will
continue to impede progress.
• Inclusive Decision-Making: Women leaders bring
diverse perspectives and innovative problem-solving Strategies for Supporting Women Leaders
approaches, leading to more comprehensive strategies.
• Improved Productivity: Teams led by women often To unlock the full potential of women’s leadership,
exhibit better collaboration and efficiency. deliberate actions are necessary:

Moreover, female political leaders also contribute 1. Policy Interventions: Governments must implement
significantly to economic growth. A 10-percentage-point gender-equal labor policies such as pay transparency and
increase in women’s parliamentary representation is parental leave. Countries with higher female political
associated with a 0.7% increase in GDP growth. Countries representation have demonstrated faster progress in closing
with higher female political representation tend to gender gaps.
implement policies that promote gender equity in labor
markets, such as paid family leave and childcare support, 2. Corporate Initiatives: Organizations should prioritize
which boost workforce participation and productivity. gender diversity through mentorship programs, equitable
hiring practices, and leadership training.
Case Studies: Women Driving Economic
Transformation 3. Cultural Shifts: Addressing societal stereotypes through
education campaigns can help normalize women’s presence
Several case studies illustrate the transformative impact of in leadership roles.
female leadership:
Conclusion
• Judith McKenna at Walmart International: As
CEO, McKenna leveraged AI-driven analytics to The economic impact of women in leadership is
personalize customer experiences, improving retention undeniable. Their contributions drive innovation, enhance
and operational efficiency. productivity, and promote inclusive policies that benefit
• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the WTO: Her appointment society as a whole. While progress has been made,
as Director-General marked a milestone for women’s achieving gender parity requires sustained efforts across all
rights and influenced global trade policies that sectors. By investing in structural reforms and fostering
prioritize inclusivity and fairness. supportive environments for women leaders, the global
economy can unlock unparalleled growth potential—a
These examples underscore how visionary leadership can future where equity fuels prosperity for all.
address complex challenges while fostering economic
innovation.

Challenges Faced by Women Leaders

Despite their achievements, women leaders encounter

significant barriers:

• Gender Bias: Persistent stereotypes undermine their

authority and subject them to harsher scrutiny
compared to male counterparts.
• Structural Inequalities: Limited access to mentorship
opportunities and unequal pay further restrict their
career progression.

March 2025 14 Chief Women Leaders

 Dr. Arijana Trkulja
Ingram Micro
Head of the Cyber Security
Center of Excellence

March 2025 16 Chief Women Leaders

 Dr. Arijana
Trkulja’s The Visionary Force
Behind Cybersecurity

"Cybersecurity is much more than a matter of IT." — cybersecurity challenges across diverse cultural and
Stephane Nappo regional landscapes, making her a global force in the field.
Her tenure with prestigious consulting firms, including the

I n an age where digital threats evolve at an

unprecedented pace, Dr. Arijana Trkulja emerges as a
steadfast leader in cybersecurity, blending technical
acumen with visionary leadership. As the Head of the
Cyber Security Center of Excellence at Ingram Micro,
Big 4, has honed her skills in security governance,
compliance, and risk management, positioning her as an
influential leader at Ingram Micro.

Leading Cybersecurity Excellence at Ingram Micro

she has dedicated over 18 years to fortifying global
cybersecurity across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle Dr. Trkulja leads a team of 54 cybersecurity professionals
East. across GCC, KSA, Egypt, Levant, and North Africa. This
team, comprising pre-sales and post-sales experts, auditors,
Her influence extends far beyond corporate security trainers, and consultants, delivers cutting-edge
frameworks—Dr. Trkulja is a champion of cybersecurity cybersecurity solutions to vendors, partners, and end
education and a vocal advocate for women in technology. customers. Her leadership fosters a culture of innovation,
She not only engineer’s cutting-edge solutions but also pushing boundaries to set new industry standards.
nurtures the next generation of cybersecurity leaders,
shaping a safer digital world for all. Her contributions extend beyond operational
leadership—Dr. Trkulja is an esteemed thought leader in
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Trkulja is a cybersecurity. She has published research papers on topics
passionate advocate for cybersecurity education and women like CarpeDiem and GreenOpp and frequently speaks at
in technology. She has not only developed cutting-edge global conferences such as GITEX, GISEC, and Black Hat,
cybersecurity solutions but has also played a pivotal role in sharing insights on emerging threats and security best
mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. Her practices.
influence extends beyond corporate success, shaping the
future of digital security on a global scale. Recognitions and Accolades

A Journey into Cybersecurity Leadership Dr. Trkulja’s contributions to cybersecurity have been
widely recognized through prestigious awards, including:
Dr. Trkulja’s career in cybersecurity began with a deep-
rooted curiosity about cyber threats and their impact on • Information Security SuperWomen of the Year 2019
global security. “Studying at Università degli Studi di – Middle East, Turkey, and Africa.
Roma 'Tor Vergata,' I quickly realized that cybersecurity • CISO 50 Award (2019, Dubai) – Recognizing her
goes beyond just protecting networks—it safeguards innovative approach to cybersecurity.
businesses, individuals, and entire economies.” • Channel Middle East Training Provider of the Year
(2019) – Honoring her contributions to cybersecurity
Holding a PhD in Information Security, she has built a education.
career that bridges technical expertise with strategic
leadership. Fluent in seven languages, she navigates

March 2025 17 Chief Women Leaders

 “
The Evolution of Passion in Cybersecurity

Dr. Trkulja’s passion for cybersecurity has evolved into a

Studying at Università mission to develop resilient security frameworks that not
degli Studi di Roma only prevent breaches but also educate organizations on
'Tor Vergata,' I quickly proactive risk management. Her expertise spans risk
assessment, incident response, and security policy
realized that development, ensuring that businesses are well-equipped to
cybersecurity goes handle emerging cyber threats.
beyond just protecting “I believe that cybersecurity is not just about technology
networks—it but about fostering a culture where security is ingrained in
safeguards businesses, every aspect of an organization’s operations. My vision
aligns seamlessly with Ingram Micro’s commitment to
individuals, and entire helping enterprises navigate cybersecurity challenges with
economies. confidence, empowering them with the knowledge and tools

“
necessary to build a secure digital future.”

Integrating Cybersecurity Consulting with Ingram

Micro’s Mission
• Cyber Security Woman of the Year Finalist (2022,
London & Las Vegas) – Selected from hundreds of
As the head of cybersecurity, Dr. Trkulja ensures that every
nominees.
project delivers strategic value. “I work closely with
• Top 50 Influential Women in the META Region
businesses to cultivate a culture of security awareness,
(2022).
reinforcing compliance with industry standards and
• Certified CCISO Hall of Fame Award (2023, Dubai,
strengthening organizational defenses.” By leveraging her
UAE).
extensive experience, she helps organizations develop
• Cybersecurity Influencer Award at CSG Awards
customized cybersecurity strategies tailored to their unique
(2024, Dubai).
risks and industry regulations.
Advocacy for Women in Cybersecurity
Her consulting approach goes beyond traditional security
measures, incorporating best practices in governance, risk
Beyond her corporate achievements, Dr. Trkulja actively
management, and compliance to create holistic security
champions women in cybersecurity. She is an integral
programs. Her role extends to strategic consulting at an
member of influential organizations such as:
executive level across multiple regions, emphasizing that
cybersecurity is not just about technology but also about
• Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC)
people, policies, and business strategies.
• Top 100 Women of the Future
• Women in Cyber Security Middle East
Accountability and Excellence in Cybersecurity Services
• Cyber4WomenME & Cyber4Women Europe
• Women in Technology (WIT Europe)
Ensuring accountability in cybersecurity is one of the
• Chartered Institute of Information Security
biggest challenges in the industry. Dr. Trkulja instills a
(Accredited Member)
culture of responsibility in her team by setting clear
• Riyadh Cyber Security Council (Steering
objectives, implementing rigorous quality control measures,
Committee Member)
and promoting continuous learning. She fosters an
environment where security professionals take ownership of
Her mentorship and advocacy empower women to break
their roles, ensuring that security solutions are robust,
barriers and excel in cybersecurity, fostering diversity and
reliable, and adaptive to evolving threats.
inclusion in the industry.
“Regular training, cross-functional collaboration, and
feedback loops enhance accountability, ensuring that

March 2025 18 Chief Women Leaders

Ingram Micro’s cybersecurity solutions remain industry- at Ingram Micro is more than just providing cybersecurity
leading and highly reliable. My leadership ensures that solutions—it is about fostering a culture of prevention,
cybersecurity is not just reactive but proactive, anticipating awareness, and resilience.
threats before they become critical risks and continually
improving security operations through innovation and best She works closely with leadership teams to align security
practices.” strategies with business goals, ensuring that security is an
enabler of innovation rather than a roadblock. Through her
Personal Values Driving Professional Growth unwavering dedication, she continues to shape a
cybersecurity-first mindset that empowers businesses to
Dr. Trkulja’s leadership is driven by core values of grow with confidence.
innovation, integrity, and resilience. She believes in a
proactive approach to cybersecurity, staying ahead of Mentorship and the Future of Cybersecurity Talent
emerging threats while fostering transparency and ethical
leadership. Her advocacy for diversity and mentorship in As a mentor and advocate, Dr. Trkulja is committed to
cybersecurity further reflects her commitment to building a shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
stronger, more inclusive industry. She actively promotes She actively supports initiatives that train and mentor
equal opportunities for women in cybersecurity and aspiring cybersecurity experts, ensuring that the industry
supports initiatives that encourage young professionals to continues to evolve with skilled and passionate individuals.
enter the field. By championing a culture of learning and Through guest lectures, mentorship programs, and public
professional development, she ensures that her team is speaking engagements, she shares her insights and expertise
always at the forefront of technological advancements, with young professionals and students eager to make their
equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to mark in cybersecurity.
address the most pressing security challenges of today and
tomorrow. Her impact on cybersecurity is profound, shaping not only
corporate security strategies but also inspiring a new wave
Emerging Technologies and the Future of Cybersecurity of leaders dedicated to protecting the digital world. With
her relentless drive and innovative vision, Dr. Trkulja is
Looking ahead, Dr. Trkulja is excited about integrating paving the way for a more secure and resilient future in
artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into cybersecurity, ensuring that the next generation is well-
cybersecurity frameworks. “These technologies enhance equipped to handle the challenges ahead.
threat detection, automate responses, and provide
predictive analytics to prevent cyberattacks before they
occur. The future depends upon AI-driven security systems
that can adapt in real time, identifying vulnerabilities and
mitigating threats with minimal human intervention.”

She also sees blockchain as a game-changer in data

security, offering robust protection for digital transactions
and identification. As cybercriminals become more
sophisticated, these technologies will play a crucial role in
shaping the future of cybersecurity, helping organizations
build resilient defenses against evolving threats and
securing digital ecosystems on a global scale.

Personal Drive and Alignment with Ingram Micro’s

Vision

Dr. Trkulja is driven by her mission to stay ahead of cyber

threats and develop robust security models that educate and
empower organizations. She believes that cybersecurity is
not just about defense but also about enabling businesses to
operate securely in an increasingly digital world. Her work

March 2025 19 Chief Women Leaders

 Inyang E m
Head of Retail Compliance
Access Bank PLC

March 2025 20 Chief Women Leaders

 The Vision of
Inyang Etim Leading with Integrity

“Compliance is not just about following rules; it’s about To overcome this, Inyang focused on building strong
building trust and shaping a sustainable future." relationships with key stakeholders and regulators,
obtaining approvals in advance, and working closely with

I nyang Etim, Head of Retail Compliance at Access

Bank PLC, has dedicated her career to driving
excellence in banking and compliance. With over 25
years of experience, she has been playing a pivotal role in
ensuring regulatory adherence, fostering ethical leadership,
legal, procurement, and operations teams to streamline
compliance processes.

Building a Strong Compliance Culture

and navigating large-scale transformations, including the Inyang emphasizes that the most critical aspect of an
historic 2019 merger of Diamond Bank and Access Bank. effective compliance program is the Tone at the Top. Strong
engagement from the Board, Executive, and Senior
Her leadership philosophy centers on adaptability, Management is essential in actively supporting and
innovation, and mentorship, shaping a new generation of promoting compliance initiatives.
banking professionals. As she continues to champion
compliance and governance, her vision for Access Bank Integrating compliance into the company’s core values and
remains clear—leveraging technology, financial inclusion, decision-making processes ensures a culture of
and strategic growth to reinforce its position as a leading accountability. This includes establishing clear, accessible,
financial institution in Africa. and enforceable policies that align with industry
regulations, laws, and best practices.
Embracing Change in Banking
Fostering Compliance Awareness Across Teams
Inyang reflects on a remarkable 25-year journey in banking,
driven by the excitement of new opportunities. She Inyang understands the importance of consistent
emphasizes that banking is a dynamic field, offering growth communication in cultivating a strong compliance culture
beyond traditional finance backgrounds. across multi-disciplinary and multicultural teams. She
conducts daily checkpoint calls with her Team Leads to
After her National Youth Service, she transitioned from reinforce compliance expectations and establish an ethical
microbiology to Treasury Operations and began as an tone. Localized, role-specific training ensures relevance
Executive Trainee. She has since evolved into a seasoned across diverse teams.
leader. Her experience underscores the importance of
adaptability, continuous learning, and limitless potential Employees are encouraged to engage through monthly
within the financial sector. training sessions, service reviews, and ongoing
communication via emails and video messages, fostering an
She shares insights into the most significant challenges inclusive and proactive compliance environment.
faced while implementing large-scale turnkey projects. The
primary challenge was time delays, often caused by Balancing Organizational and Team Needs
compliance issues, which could harm the organization's
credibility with investors, partners, and regulatory bodies. She believes that effective leadership requires balancing
organizational priorities with team well-being.

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 By proactively adapting compliance processes, she ensures
that Access Bank remains ahead of evolving regulations,
minimizing the risk of non-compliance.

Leading with Integrity and Authenticity

Inyang highlights the Inyang attributes her leadership style to the core values of
importance of adaptability integrity and authenticity. She believes that trust is the
and networking, as foundation of success in banking and compliance.
collaboration and diverse Upholding transparency, honesty, and ethical decision-
making has helped her build credibility and foster a culture
perspectives play a key role of accountability.
in professional growth and
long-term success By being genuine in her actions, she has strengthened
in the field. relationships, encouraged open communication, and
cultivated trust among her team, colleagues, and
stakeholders.

Leveraging Technology for Compliance Excellence

She emphasizes the pivotal role of technology in optimizing

She fosters cross-functional collaboration to create a shared business processes and strengthening compliance within the
sense of purpose, helping team members understand their banking sector. Advanced Compliance Monitoring Systems
role in the company’s success. automate the continuous tracking of regulatory
requirements, including AML regulations, KYC
By involving employees in decision-making, especially compliance, and transaction monitoring.
when changes directly impact them, she promotes a sense
of ownership. This approach not only builds trust but also By reducing manual workload, technology enhances the
drives results and inspires long-term loyalty across teams. speed and accuracy of compliance checks while enabling
real-time monitoring of suspicious activities, ensuring a
Achieving Work-Life Balance in Leadership more efficient and proactive compliance framework.

She maintains a healthy work-life balance by prioritizing A Defining Moment in Leadership

tasks based on urgency and impact, ensuring focus on
critical responsibilities. Effective delegation not only She considers the 2019 merger between Diamond Bank and
manages workload but also empowers team growth. Access Bank a pivotal moment in her career. Integrating
systems, structures, and organizational culture across 500+
Keeping communication lines open about workload and branches, 36 million customers, seven subsidiaries, and four
potential adjustments fosters transparency. Additionally, a representative offices was an unparalleled challenge.
strong family support system enables her to balance
professional demands with personal well-being, ensuring As part of the leadership team, Inyang played a key role in
sustained effectiveness in both areas. aligning diverse teams with a unified vision, driving one of
the most significant and successful mergers in the bank’s
Staying Ahead in Compliance history.

Inyang takes a multifaceted approach to staying updated on Guidance for Future Banking Leaders
regulatory changes. She subscribes to regulatory update
services, attends industry conferences, collaborates with Inyang advises young professionals aspiring to build a
key stakeholders, and leverages automated tools to monitor career in banking and compliance to embrace continuous
new requirements at both national and international levels. learning. With the industry constantly evolving through new
regulations and technologies, staying informed through

March 2025 23 Chief Women Leaders

 Inyang attributes her
leadership style to the
core values of integrity
and authenticity.
in the field.

formal education, certifications, and self-study is

crucial. She also highlights the importance of
adaptability and networking, as collaboration and
diverse perspectives play a key role in
professional growth and long-term success in the
field.

Shaping the Future of Banking

Inyang envisions a future of continuous growth,

leadership, and meaningful impact in the
banking and compliance sectors. Her
aspirations include enhancing expertise,
mentoring emerging professionals, and
driving excellence in risk management,
governance, and regulatory compliance
while fostering a culture of integrity and
inclusion.

For Access Bank, she foresees its continued rise

as a leading financial institution in Africa, guided
by the vision to become the world’s most
respected African bank. By leveraging digital
innovation, expanding strategic partnerships, and
prioritizing sustainability and financial inclusion,
Access Bank is poised to strengthen its industry
leadership, drive economic growth, and empower
businesses and communities across the region.

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 Beyond Representa on

Measuring the True

Inuence of Women
in Leadership 2025

T he year 2025 marks significant milestones and challenges in

understanding the true influence of women in leadership. Despite
notable progress, women continue to encounter systemic barriers
across business, politics, and entrepreneurship. However, their growing
presence in leadership roles demonstrates resilience, innovation, and a
transformative impact on organizational and societal outcomes.

Progress in Representation

Over the past few decades, women have made strides in leadership
representation. In 2023, women accounted for 10.4% of Fortune 500
CEOs—a stark contrast to zero representation in 1995. Similarly, women
now hold 30.4% of board member positions in major corporations.
Political representation has also seen gradual improvement; as of 2025,
women occupy 27.2% of parliamentary seats globally, although this
marks only a fractional increase from previous years.

In addition to breaking barriers in traditional roles, women are

increasingly taking entrepreneurial paths. Female-owned businesses have
grown at a remarkable rate, with a year-over-year growth of 41% from
2023 to 2024. This rise reflects not only professional competence but also
adaptability and innovation in the face of adversity.

Impact on Organizational Performance

Research consistently shows that organizations with women in leadership

roles outperform their counterparts. Companies with at least 30% female
executives are 12 times more likely to rank among the top performers
financially. Women leaders are also associated with collaborative and
participative leadership styles, fostering inclusivity and consensus-
building within teams.

Moreover, diversity at the executive level enhances decision-making and

drives innovation. Studies reveal that female leaders excel across all
management levels and age groups when compared to their male
counterparts. Their ability to lead effectively underlines the importance of
gender-balanced leadership for organizational success.

March 2025 27 Chief Women Leaders

Barriers to Equality Their ventures exemplify purpose-driven leadership that
prioritizes inclusivity and societal impact over mere profit.
Despite these achievements, women still face significant
obstacles. They represent 58.4% of the U.S. workforce but Call for Action
hold only 35% of senior leadership positions. Women of
color face even greater disparities; less than 1% of Fortune While progress is evident, achieving true gender equality
500 CEOs are women of color. In politics, men outnumber requires decisive action. As Sima Bahous of UN Women
women by more than threefold in executive and legislative emphasized during the 30th anniversary of the Beijing
positions globally. Declaration: "The time for half-measures is over—it is time
for governments to act now". Solutions such as quotas,
Systemic challenges such as gender bias, lack of mentorship programs, and workplace reforms are essential
mentorship opportunities, and societal expectations to dismantle systemic barriers.
continue to hinder women's progress. Many women leaders
are pressured to conform to communal leadership styles Moreover, men must actively participate in fostering gender
while navigating stereotypes that undermine their authority. equality by supporting inclusive policies and challenging
These barriers highlight the need for structural reforms, biases within organizations. Collaborative efforts can
including quotas and electoral changes, to ensure equal accelerate progress toward balanced representation across
representation. all sectors.

Leadership Styles and Resilience Conclusion

Women leaders often adopt democratic and participative The influence of women in leadership is undeniable—not
approaches that emphasize collaboration and collective only as agents of change within organizations but also as
decision-making. This contrasts with more autocratic styles symbols of modernity and future-oriented governance.
often associated with male leaders. Such inclusive methods Their rise reflects resilience against systemic barriers and an
not only build stronger teams but also align with ability to lead with empathy and vision. However, much
contemporary values of equity and empathy. work remains to close the gender gap entirely.

Resilience is another defining trait of female leadership. As we move forward in 2025, it is crucial to celebrate
Women navigate career challenges while balancing women's achievements while addressing persistent
personal responsibilities such as parenting or caregiving. inequalities. By ensuring equal representation at every table
Their ability to persevere through setbacks demonstrates where power is exercised, society can unlock the full
remarkable strength and determination. potential of female leadership—building a more inclusive
and equitable world for all.
Entrepreneurship: A Growing Force

Entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful avenue for

women to redefine leadership. Female entrepreneurs are
driving innovation across industries such as technology,
healthcare, education, and fashion. Many integrate social
missions into their ventures—advocating for sustainability,
wellness, or social justice—while creating jobs and
fostering economic growth.

The entrepreneurial success of women is not just about

building businesses; it’s about shaping a better world for
future generations.

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