Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Oyeyimika Adeboye’s Journey to Success

Oyeyimika Adeboye, Managing Director/CEO of Cadbury Nigeria, is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. As one of the few female CEOs in Nigeria’s male-dominated manufacturing industry, Adeboye’s journey to success is a testament to her hard work, determination, and resilience.

In a recent webinar interview with Dr. Tope-Philip Aikhuemelo, Adeboye shared her insights on work-life balance, self-doubt, and the importance of embracing one’s role as a leader. Her responses offered a glimpse into the life of a woman who has broken through the glass ceiling and is now paving the way for others.

For Adeboye, work-life balance is not just about juggling multiple responsibilities, but also about prioritizing what’s truly important. “I’ve learned to set my priorities early in my career,” she said. “I’ve also learned to focus on what I want to do and how I want to do it.”

Adeboye’s approach to self-doubt is equally inspiring. “I handle self-doubt with my faith and my husband, who is my biggest cheerleader,” she said. “He reminds me of my abilities and helps me to rationalize my thoughts and behaviors.”

As a leader, Adeboye has learned to embrace her role and the responsibilities that come with it. “I’ve learned to let go of myself and my personal preferences,” she said. “I’ve also learned to be part of a bigger family, the work environment.”

Adeboye’s advice to her younger self is a testament to her growth and self-awareness. “If I were to give myself advice, I would say maybe I could have started earlier,” she said. “But beyond that, I’m happy with how things have turned out.”

Adeboye’s journey to success is a reminder that breaking the glass ceiling requires hard work, determination, and resilience. Her story is an inspiration to women everywhere, and a testament to the power of embracing one’s role as a leader.

As Adeboye so eloquently put it, “I’m not sure what advice I would give to my younger self, but I’m happy with how things have turned out.” Her story is a reminder that success is not just about achieving one’s goals, but also about embracing the journey and learning from one’s experiences.

On achiving work-life balance, Oyeyimika Adeboye responds: “I set my priorities early in my career, focusing on family, work, and personal life. I’ve learned to delegate tasks, relying on my support system, including my husband, mother, and relatives. Effective time management and self-care are also crucial.”

But how did she overcome self-doubt and break through the glass ceiling being one of the few female MD/CEOs in Nigeria’s male-dominated manufacturing industry? When asked what advice she would gibe to women striving for leadership roles, she responds: “Don’t let being a woman be an excuse. Focus on doing your job well and delivering results. I’ve learned to let my performance speak for itself, rather than relying on quotas or special treatment.”

On Handling Self-Doubt, she had this to say: “I handle self-doubt with my faith and the support of my husband, who reminds me of my abilities and helps me rationalize my thoughts and behaviors.”

On Embracing Leadership and Letting Go, Oyeyimika Adeboye says: “As a leader, I’ve learned to let go of my personal preferences and priorities. I’ve also learned to embrace my role as part of a bigger family – the work environment. I’ve come to understand that I’m not just responsible for myself, but for many stakeholders, including colleagues, shareholders, and regulators.”

Her Advice to Her Younger Self: “I’m happy with how things have turned out. If I were to give myself advice, I might say that I could have started earlier. However, I wouldn’t change my career choices or major life decisions. I’m content with who I’ve become and the path I’ve taken.”

Background: About our Woman Crush Wednesday

Mrs Oyeyimika Adeboye is the First Female MD/CEO Cadbury Nigeria PLC, the Makers of Bournvita.

She’s also the Director in Charge of West Africa for Mondelez International, the Parent Company of Cadbury Worldwide.

She’s a Daughter of Nigeria’s Foremost Industrialist & Pioneer President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN), Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola,
An Ijebu Born Billionaire. He was one of Africa’s Wealthiest Men in his Lifetime.

Mrs Adeboye was Appointed MD/CEO in April 2019. She was Previously the Director of Finance & Strategy of Company, a position she Held Since 2018 when she joined Cadbury.

Prior to joining Cadbury, she was the director of finance/chief finance officer at Nigeria Bottling Company PLC.

She earlier worked with Arthur Andersen & Co as well as Midgely & Snelling Accoutants in the United Kingdom.

She has a degree in economics & and social studies from the University College Cardiff &
Executive Management Education Certification from the Institute of Management & Development, Lausanne Switzerland.

She’s a Chartered Accountant, fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria as well as Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales.

She sits as director on the board of Cadbury Ghana Ltd.

She’s one of the most respected women executives in Africa given her track record of dedication & excellence.

She’s a Christian and married with grown up children.

She’s an exemplary Nigerian woman shattering glass ceilings.