In a world that often tells us to shrink our dreams, Ibukun Awosika is on a mission to remind women of their limitless potential. At the 2025 International Women’s Leadership Conference (TIWLC) in Dubai, she didn’t just deliver inspiring speeches—she sparked real, tangible change.
Dreams Turned into Action
On the second day of the conference, something powerful unfolded. Women took the stage—not to boast about their achievements, but to voice their unmet needs. And in that room, magic happened. One woman walked away with $10,000 to fund her MBA. Another secured investment for her start up. Every single attendee who spoke left with the resources to chase their dreams.
This wasn’t just luck—it was the result of Awosika’s unwavering belief in action over words. For her, leadership isn’t about personal glory; it’s about creating opportunities for others to shine.
Leading with Authenticity
“When you were young, you could dream of anything. Nobody told you it was too big,” Awosika reminded the crowd in her opening speech. Her message? Reclaim that fearless, childlike audacity.
She challenged the traditional, often rigid, definitions of leadership:
– “It’s okay to cry while you’re leading.”
– “It’s okay to be colorful—don’t dull yourself down to fit in.”
In a world that often rewards aggression, Awosika champions a different path—one where kindness, compassion, and authenticity drive change.
More Than a Conference—A Movement
Beyond funding dreams, Awosika used the TIWLC stage to amplify causes close to her heart. After hearing Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, speak, she pledged a generous donation—inspiring others in the room to do the same.
Her generosity wasn’t just about money; it was a testament to her belief that real leadership lifts others as you climb.
The Ripple Effect of Women Rising
This year’s conference, themed “Women in Leadership: Living the Dream,” brought together over 600 women from 15 countries. From executives to entrepreneurs, each left with a renewed sense of purpose—and the tools to turn their visions into reality.
As Awosika powerfully stated:
“We are 50% of the world. What we permit is what we have. What we do is what will cause the change.”
And if this conference was any indication, that change is already underway.
So, dear reader, what’s your dream? And more importantly—what’s stopping you from chasing it?
Inspired? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
