With more than ten years of experience in the financial industry, Omolola Olanrewaju has become known not only as a skilled professional but also as a leader who blends strategy with heart. Her path, from the fast-paced banking environment in Nigeria to global professional opportunities, highlights her strength, flexibility, and clear sense of mission. We had the opportunity to speak with Omolola about her career, leadership insights, and the values that continue to shape her work.
Q: Omolola, you’ve had a rich career in banking. What initially drew you to financial services?
Omolola Olanrewaju: I’ve always been naturally inclined toward order, logic, and numbers. What pulled me in deeper was the ability to apply those skills to systems that directly affect people’s lives. Finance, at its best, is about creating structure that people can depend on. I saw a space where I could improve how financial systems work for everyone involved, and that has kept me engaged ever since.
Q: What were some accomplishments from your time at First Bank Nigeria Ltd that you’re particularly proud of?
Omolola Olanrewaju: There are a few that stand out. As Head of the Financial Transaction Unit, I led initiatives that maintained ATM availability at 98 percent and helped reduce in-branch wait times by nearly half. Earlier in my career, I contributed to boosting customer satisfaction scores by 40 percent in non-financial transactions. Each success wasn’t just a number. It reflected a better experience for the people we served.
Q: You’ve received awards recognizing your performance and service. How do you view those moments of recognition?
Omolola Olanrewaju: I see them as a reflection of dedication over time. It’s not just about hitting goals, but about the care you bring into your work every day. When your efforts positively affect your team and the people you serve, and that gets acknowledged, it’s incredibly rewarding. It reminds me that doing the right things consistently will eventually make an impact others can see and appreciate.
Q: How has your background in finance influenced your approach to leadership today?
Omolola Olanrewaju: Working in finance taught me how to lead with precision and accountability. It gave me the discipline to align systems and people toward clear objectives. I still use those skills in leadership roles across sectors. I focus on being intentional, compliant, and results-oriented while keeping people at the center.
Q: You’ve worked across different countries and cultures. What has that international experience taught you?
Omolola Olanrewaju: It’s shown me the value of adaptability and cultural intelligence. Every environment has its own rhythm, but the core principles of leadership and integrity remain the same. My global experience has strengthened my ability to listen first, adapt quickly, and lead with empathy and respect.
Q: Mentorship seems to be an important part of your professional journey. Why is that?
Omolola Olanrewaju: Because someone believed in me when I didn’t fully believe in myself. I’ve had mentors who opened doors and gave me clarity when I needed it most. Now I try to do the same for others. Mentorship is a long-term investment in people. It’s about making sure the path gets easier for the next person coming behind you.
Q: What advice would you give to women and young professionals starting out in finance?
Omolola Olanrewaju: Ask questions, stay eager to learn, and never feel the need to shrink yourself. The finance world needs new perspectives and different leadership voices. Be professional, be ethical, but most importantly, be yourself. And remember, empathy can be a powerful leadership tool.
Q: What’s next for you? What are you most excited about going forward?
Omolola Olanrewaju: I’m looking forward to continuing work that merges financial strategy with social impact. I want to help build systems that are inclusive and people-focused, especially where finance intersects with public policy. Expanding this kind of work internationally, including in the United States, is something I’m deeply committed to.
It’s never too late to improve heart health!(Opens in a new browser tab)
As Omolola’s journey continues across industries and continents, she serves as a reminder that leadership is about purpose, not just position. Her story is a clear example that lasting success comes from empowering others along the way.
