On February 15, 2021, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made history by being sworn in as the first African and Female Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
This was a hotly contested role by many top global contenders. According to The Guardian a UK Publication, “The World Trade Organization has chosen Nigeria’s former finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its first female and first African leader, handing her the task of restoring trust in a rules-based global trading system.
As of today, 1st of March 2021, Dr. Okonjo Iweala is to begin her duties as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation; Lagosmums is really happy for her on this new career journey.
This inside perspective was documented by Udo Okonjo, her sister-in-law, for posterity, especially for the younger generation of female leaders and for families to reflect on how they choose to raise their children.
Here are 10 leadership lessons from Dr. Okonjo Iweala’s journey to the WTO.
Your Parents Matter
The Earliest and Biggest Influence and Cheerleader was her Father, HRM Obi Professor Chukuka Okonjo. He literally told Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala – “Go for the Nations! That’s your inheritance!” Where are the fathers today cheering their daughters to dream and Go Mega? This is such an important part of the success equation.
When people talk about glass ceilings, it’s important to recognize that some women don’t see it because of their upbringing. They weren’t treated as girls; they were treated as leaders from early on. Sadly it’s not the same for every woman.
He was unequivocal in his belief that women are as great leaders if not better and he demonstrated it in every way. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala always came back to him for advice and guidance even at the height of her leadership roles as two time Minister and Coordinating Minister of The Economy in Nigeria in particular.
He was the true wind behind her sail. Many don’t have fathers but there is a God who never fails and who is asking all daughters and sons- today to be courageous in their dreaming and doing.
“Only Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance. (Psalm 2:8).
Values
Early foundational values shape leaders. If you trace Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s values, you’ll find most if not all are grounded solidly in her family values. Simplicity. Service. Strength of Character. Courage. Loyalty. Knowledge. Education! Oh gosh, Education. Do a family trace and you’ll be blown away by even the grandchildren.
What are your family values? It’s not too late to determine what truly matters. What will guide your life?
Importance of Vision
If you aren’t clear where you want to go and how far you want to go, chances are you will never get very far in life; public service, business, or whatever endeavor. Your vision starts being shaped by who you see around you.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s dad retired as a high profile Director of the United Nations; continued contributing to the development of the educational sector in both Nigeria and Ghana. She has a rock-solid vision of contributing to Nigeria and the World.
Importance of Family
It takes a Family. When Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala resigned as a Foreign Minister under former President Obasanjo; or when former President Jonathan lost the election and they had to pack up, with some initial attacks, amongst other situations; family was always the rallying point for encouragement and regrouping. The world will always be there to cheer when the going is great, but tougher times require family.
Being Intentional about Success
Dr. Okonjo Iweala shows that great levels of success are attainable, regardless of race, or gender. This appointment of her as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation shows a great deal of hard work and long-time dedication. This is what is being celebrated all around the nations.
Nigerians are also celebrating her recent appointment with the #BeLikeNgoziChallenge trend on Twitter; with both women and men dressing in Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s trademark Ankara, head-tie, and glasses.
Most notable was that of a wonderful 4-year-old girl, named Muna, her look depicted that of her role model so perfectly. This was so beautiful that made Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala herself quote a tweet on her from LagosMums.
Read Also [Do you know your Child’s Role Model?]
Knowing Your Worth
Many people aren’t able to stand out because they have no clear area of expertise or mastery.
To play at the sort of mega level where you become sought after across various fields, industries and countries; you’ve got to be a Master at something.
Mastery is like a Magnet and attracts a premium. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is an Economist and Development Expert first, and a leader in that field. Her foundation as an MIT economist graduate and a Harvard graduate all led to landing her at the World Bank. This was the starting point and main platform for her Leadership and Mastery of all things Economics and Development.
Everything else is anchored and grows from that foundation.
If you want to play at the top, be wise about your foundation and mastery. Be known for something specific and build up from there. It’s this leverage of expertise and experience that led to her appointment on numerous boards including Twitter, Gavi, Standard Chartered to name a few.
All these companies pay a premium to have her on their boards. It’s this Mastery, expertise, experience across diverse areas that led her to show up and declare the now-famous- “I AM THE WOMAN FOR THE JOB.”
How you Show Up Matters
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s father forever insisted on using their Nigerian names. Even when they introduced friends and other in-laws he’d ask for their Nigerian name insisting that “we aren’t white”.
The scarf and Ankara are only a reflection of the confidence, pride, and core values that reflect and represent her story; “I am African and proud”.
As a female leader she is showing us that she can’t spend all her energy figuring out what to wear. By choosing a signature look and style, she takes out the guesswork and can focus on bigger matters.
The scarf and outfit also define her defiance of labels!
Rise to the Challenges
Raise your standards, your sight, and your stage! This came home especially after President Jonathan lost the elections, there seemed to be this attempt to try and sully her, malign her character. People have such short memories. People don’t realize or recognize the trauma families go through with rumor mongering. But the reality is that you’ve gotta take the good with the not-so-great. It comes with the territory.
Make sure your outlook, mission field, is GLOBAL! Don’t limit yourself especially in today’s world to a local stage. Think Global. Don’t allow the limitations of your local environment cage you.
Be a Courageous Leader
Many people idolize the concept of leadership, especially stand-out leaders. They think it looks fun, attractive, or easy because they see the show but not the drama. They don’t see the gritty back side tough work that sometimes makes you question your decision to serve.
Leadership requires sometimes accepting that your family will pay the price of your decisions.
Udo Okonjo stated that her mother in laws kidnapping many years ago is proof that if you fear intimidation, if you lack courage, leadership isn’t for you. The kidnapping was a warning and a threat as she details in her book – Fighting Corruption is Dangerous. Be ready to pay a price.
Have Fun
Leaders laugh out loud, have hobbies, and leave the door open. You must have seen Dr. Okonjo Iweala dance many times, whether it’s on the now-famous TedX stage, or at her only daughter’s wedding, or family events- oh she loves to dance.
Udo Okonjo shares that her sister in law, lives dancing such as to their local band, playing and singing her name, “Ngozi, Ngozi, Ngozi….” You’d think all the seriousness of world economics would make her uptight.
One of the best ways to be everywhere, to share your thoughts, lessons, and journey is through writing a book. Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iwaela has done this by co-authoring a book with Julia Gillard called Women and Leadership; Real Lives, Real Lessons. Leaders must think of Legacy, in their areas of passion.
So many lessons to pick up from this intimate detail of the life lessons.
LagosMums recognizes the fact that because you are born with the potential to be a parent does not mean that you will be a great parent. Great parenting is learned, it is a skill.
You can get a copy of the Leadership Lessons from the life of Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala here.
