Precious Imuwahen Ajoonu, renowned author of The Hero Inside: A Holistic Approach to Life Skills and Values-based Education, and a leading figure in learning and development, recently shared her insights on the critical need for greater female participation in leadership roles. As a seasoned expert in education technology, leadership development, and a pioneer in creating the Jobberman Soft Skills Curriculum, Ajoonu has been actively involved in empowering women to step into leadership positions, both in the private and public sectors.
Reflecting on her recent work, Ajoonu revealed her involvement in helping a visionary female leader establish an organization aimed at increasing women’s presence in decision-making spaces. “Women must be in every single room where decisions are made,” the visionary leader passionately argued, a sentiment Ajoonu wholeheartedly echoed.
Ajoonu emphasized the urgent need for more women to cross over from the private sector into public service and vice versa, arguing that such cross-sector collaboration is essential for fostering holistic leadership. Drawing from her own experience working in both sectors, she highlighted the invaluable lessons that female leaders can glean from navigating these diverse environments. “The lessons you learn cannot be quantified,” she noted, underscoring the importance of consciously creating opportunities for women in leadership to collaborate across sectors.
According to Ajoonu, the intersection between public and private sector female leadership has never been more critical. Women leaders, she pointed out, are not only breaking barriers in their respective fields but also bridging the gap between these sectors. By bringing diverse perspectives, innovation, and resilience to the table, female leaders are driving significant change. In the public sector, they champion policies that promote equity and societal well-being, while in the private sector, they lead with a vision that accelerates growth and fosters inclusive cultures.
Ajoonu called for greater synergy between female leaders in both sectors, arguing that this collaboration can strengthen both business and society. “By learning from each other’s experiences—public sector adaptability and private sector agility—we can create a powerful synergy that empowers the next generation of women leaders across all fields,” she said. Ajoonu believes that this cross-sector exchange of ideas and expertise can create a more dynamic and equitable future, where women’s leadership transcends industry boundaries.
Her vision extends beyond individual success stories, aiming for systemic change that positions female leaders as key drivers of innovation, growth, and societal progress. As Ajoonu passionately concluded, “Leadership is not defined by industry, but by the courage, vision, and impact we bring to the table.” Through her work, she continues to advocate for a future where women leaders are at the forefront of decision-making across both public and private sectors, forging a path for the next generation of trailblazers.
Anthony Emeka Nwosu