IE Business School and WIMBIZ Prepare Nigerian Women for the Boardroom

Madrid,14th April, 2015- In partnership with the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) organization in Nigeria, the Women on Boards program prepares female Nigerian executives for positions on Boards by harness sing both their soft and hard skills and unleashing their leadership potential.

The panel discussion focused on status quo and trends in female leadership around the world, as well Board dynamics and the qualities and experience women bring to the boardroom.  Participants recounted their own personal experiences on Boards and gave recommendations for women leaders who are interested in pursuing Board positions.

“First, you have to physically get yourself into the boardroom. For example presenting to the Board can be good training ground for being part of one,” said panelist Isabella Gaha Namodi, an IE Business School MBA student and vice president of the School’s student-run Africa Club.

Other panelists included Marijo Bos, President of NMP Global; Morten Huse, President of the European Academy of Management and Ana Muñoz, founding partner at Megamcapital. The discussion was moderated by Margarita Alonso Alvarez, Director General of Fundación IE.

Based on his research, Morten Huse stated that women not only bring gender diversity to a Board but also influence other aspects of the firm, such as creativity.

“WIMBIZ partnered with IE Business School because of its innovative approach to training, strong content, as well as its commitment to gender equity. The program in Lagos and Madrid has significantly impacted the pioneer class and they are not only positioned to effectively serve on Boards, they have also become advocates!” says Mosun Layode Executive DirectoWomen in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ)

About IE Business School

IE Business School shapes leaders that promote innovation and change in organizations, equipping managers with an entrepreneurial mind-set that generates employment, wealth, and social wellbeing. Recognized as one of the world’s leading business schools, IE Business School has an urban campus in Madrid and a faculty of more than 400 professors who teach students from approximately 90 countries in its master, PhD, and executive education programs. IE Business School students use innovative online and presential learning formats, including the IE Communities platform where they exchange knowledge and experiences with the plus 40,000 IE graduates that currently hold management positions in more than 100 countries.

About WIMBIZ

Women in Management, Business, & Public Service  (WIMBIZ), is a non-profit organization formed in 2002 by 14 individuals (13 women and one man) with an overriding  vision “to be the catalyst that elevates the status and influence of women and their contribution to nation building”. WIMBIZ is also the Nigerian Hub of the African Business women’s Network (ABWM); the continental umbrella organization for business women. WIMBIZ offers a variety of programs throughout the year, which are focused on developing the leadership capacity of women and building value added business relationships. Through its programs, WIMBIZ has reached over 16,000 women and in turn, these women are making giant strides in their careers and businesses. Today, their successes are translating into business growth and employment creation; thereby contributing to economic and national development.