Mubo Olasoko on Gender Equality, Work-Life Balance, and the Power of Representation
In celebration of International Women’s Month, we had the privilege of sitting down with Mubo Olasoko, Director at Meristem Finance Limited, whose insights on leadership, gender equality, and work-life harmony offer a blueprint for professional women navigating today’s corporate landscape. Her journey reveals how intentionality, resilience, and authentic representation can reshape industries while maintaining personal fulfillment.
When discussing this year’s International Women’s Day theme – “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality” – Mubo cuts straight to the heart of the matter. “Inclusion starts with creating a culture of respect and openness,” she explains, describing Meristem’s flat hierarchy where every voice matters. This philosophy transcends corporate policies, addressing the deeper need for environments where women’s perspectives fundamentally shape business strategy. Her approach demonstrates how organizations can move beyond performative diversity metrics to cultivate genuine belonging.
Mubo’s perspective on overcoming gender barriers resonates with quiet power. “I’ve always believed in leading by example,” she shares, reflecting on moments when biases threatened to limit her trajectory. Her solution? Unwavering commitment to excellence. “By staying true to my values and focusing on delivering results, I’ve been able to overcome biases and earn respect.” This hard-won wisdom offers a masterclass for aspiring leaders: obstacles may exist, but consistent performance becomes undeniable.
The conversation takes a personal turn when exploring work-life integration, that eternal challenge for high-achieving women. Mubo’s framework is refreshingly clear: “Balance is about prioritizing what matters most.” For her, faith and family form the non-negotiable foundation. “I’ve learned to manage my time effectively and set boundaries,” she reveals, acknowledging this discipline enables her to excel both professionally and personally. These insights dismantle the myth that success requires sacrifice in all other life domains.
Economic empowerment emerges as another passion point. Drawing from her mother’s entrepreneurial journey, Mubo emphasizes: “Education and access to opportunities are key.” Her advocacy extends beyond rhetoric to concrete solutions – supporting policies that advance women’s education and entrepreneurship. This perspective bridges individual achievement with systemic change, recognizing that true progress requires dismantling structural barriers.
Perhaps most compelling is Mubo’s vision for collaborative progress. “Men can contribute by being supportive colleagues and mentors,” she notes, framing gender equality as a collective responsibility rather than a women’s issue. At Meristem, this translates to open dialogues that challenge stereotypes – a model other organizations could emulate.
When reflecting on legacy, Mubo’s measure of success feels both profound and relatable: “I hope to be remembered as someone who made a positive impact on others’ lives.” Her journey, shaped by gratitude, humility, and faith, culminates in advice that transcends industries: “Stay true to your values, work hard, and trust in God’s plan.”
Through rapid-fire questions, we glimpse the person behind the professional – a leader shaped by her mother’s resilience, committed to collaborative leadership, and guided by the principle of consistent delivery without compromising core values.
Mubo Olasoko represents a new paradigm of leadership – where strategic vision coexists with compassion, and ambition walks hand-in-hand with grounded purpose. Her story doesn’t just inspire women to break glass ceilings; it redefines success as lifting others while climbing. In a world hungry for authentic leadership, Mubo’s example shines as a beacon for what’s possible when talent meets intention.
As we consider her insights, a question lingers: How might we each redefine balance in our own careers? The answer, like Mubo’s journey, promises to be as unique as it is universal.
