Awunli Eghosasere: Success is to unlock potential and realise the different versions of self

A woman who discovered her purpose and is living it is a blessing to her world. Awunli Eghosasere is a clear example. She is an experienced research writer and women's empowerment trainer. She is also the Founder of HapiWify, an initiative geared at helping mothers attain work-life balance.

 In a world where the gender gap exists, Awunli is a woman empowerment advocate. She believes every woman should be given a chance to be the best she can be. Having trained over 1000 women to develop their confidence and personal skills, Awunli is a beacon of hope in this generation.

Omote Ro Dhe went scouting for women who were fulfilling their purpose. In her usual fashion, we spotted Awunli carrying out her mission to empower women. The relationship was further strengthened knowing that we had similar values and belief systems. It took a LinkedIn request for the collaboration to be solidified. 

In a chat, Awunli opened up about her career path, personal branding, role models and more. Read excerpts from this explosive interview below:

Can you share a bit about your journey into becoming a research writer and women's empowerment trainer? What inspired you to pursue these paths?  

After getting married and starting a family, my life took an unexpected turn. Balancing motherhood with my career aspirations became a constant challenge. As our family grew to two children, a deep sense of emptiness settled in, and I yearned to unlock my full potential.

I started out offering soft-skill training services, hoping to bridge the gap between motherhood and career. After landing a few gigs, I decided to close shop and try other options. In 2016, I ventured into a different direction and started a blog. The creative outlet was exciting, but maintaining consistent updates proved difficult.

And then I stumbled upon She Leads Africa's call for contributors. Applying and being accepted to write for their platform ignited a passion for writing and research I hadn't known existed. Devouring online resources and learning from their editorial guidance wasn't just about creating content; it was about honing my skills. This experience not only opened doors to freelance writing opportunities but more importantly, laid the foundation for my current work as a women's empowerment trainer. It was a transformative experience that empowered me to empower others.

That foundation became crucial when I was invited to speak on work-life balance at a women's conference. As a stay-at-home mom, I understood the challenges, but my research revealed the stark realities faced by working mothers. The 'behemoth of challenges' they encountered to achieve success, compared to my own struggles, truly shook me. It ignited a passion to empower other women to navigate these complexities.

In your experience, what are some essential soft skills that women should focus on developing to succeed in their personal and professional lives?

In my experience, strong soft skills are essential for career and personal growth, regardless of gender. These include the art of negotiation, communication, and conflict management. While many women excel at communication in personal settings, the workplace environment might present additional challenges for some in properly expressing themselves or communicating their values. The good news is that these skills can be learned and developed through workshops or online resources.

Can you list some women who have influenced you into the woman you have become and what endeared you to them?

Two women have profoundly shaped my journey. The first is Jane Egerton-Idehen, CEO of NIGCOMSAT. As a stay-at-home mom at the time, she provided me with the opportunity to intern at her non-profit organisation, Women & Career. Working for Women & Career also paved the way for me to secure some of my current foreign clients! Jane's ability to rise from humble beginnings in Ajegunle to become a successful business leader and C-suite executive continues to inspire me every day.

Pastor Vivian Atenaga, my spiritual mentor, has also been instrumental. Her unique approach to ministry, evident in our mind-transforming church services and programs, has been a great source of empowerment for me. 

Others who inspire me every day are Bobbie Houston, Sarah Jakes-Robert, Chidi Koldsweat, Arese Ugwu, Debola-Deji Kurunmi, Dupe Akinsiun, Ifeoma Chuks-Aduize, Bella Disu, and Udo Okonjo.

Can you share a memorable success story or transformational moment from your work in women's empowerment training?

Everything I have achieved comes from self-belief, something I lacked for a long time. Failing consistently in a particular area for ten years definitely made me unsure of myself. Without self-confidence, your dreams remain just that: dreams on a vision board or notepad, not lived realities. That's why witnessing women gain confidence in my empowerment sessions is so rewarding. One woman, in particular, comes to mind. Initially very timid, she launched her dream business and even began speaking out publicly. Moments like this make me proud of the work I do.

What role do you believe personal branding plays in women's empowerment, especially in today's digital age?

In today's digital age, personal branding is a powerful tool for women's empowerment. Traditionally, women haven't always been comfortable actively promoting themselves. Personal branding allows them to overcome this social conditioning by creating a strong online presence that showcases their skills and expertise. This can lead to increased visibility, attract new opportunities, and establish them as thought leaders in their field. While personal branding goes beyond the digital sphere, online platforms offer a powerful way to connect with a wider audience and build a strong reputation.

Success is relative. What does it mean to you? 

It means that what is success for one person may not mean so for another. For example, one woman may label material wealth or financial independence as success. For another, it may be raising well-rounded children. For me, it is the ability to unlock my potential and realise the different versions of myself as I go through life. So don't allow what one woman coined (defined) as success to make you feel like you are not an achiever on your own path.

What advice do you have for younger girls pursuing purpose?

At a recent conference, I heard something that really resonated with me: "The principle of growth is attention." It means that the things you focus on are the things that will grow. You're on a fantastic journey pursuing your purpose! It's exciting, but it can also be challenging to stay focused. 

Remember, focusing your attention is like watering a seed. The more attention you give your purpose, the faster it will grow and blossom. To stay focused, try time blocking: schedule specific times in your day to work on your purpose. 

Having an accountability partner (someone who holds you accountable) with a friend who is also pursuing their purpose can be a great motivator. Don't forget to celebrate your wins, whether big or small. Celebrating boosts your confidence to go further.