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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025
Mamajsblog exclusive interview with Tolulope Dawodu, Seasoned Instructor/Trainer at Caverton Helicopters
1. Who is Tolulope Dawodu? Give us a brief education and career history.
The early part of my education began in the United Kingdom, I then attended Abeokuta Girls Grammar School and Obafemi Awolowo University, where i bagged a degree in English studies.
I also have a master’s in International Relations & Strategic Studies from Lagos State University.
I started my Aviation career with ADC Airlines as a Cabin Executive and grew through the ranks as purser and Head of Cabin Services. I joined Virgin Nigeria as Purser and became Line Trainer and Cabin Services Manager. I presently Facilitate Training with Caverton Helicopters.
I have attended numerous trainings/ courses home and abroad, these include British Airways, Flybee, Emirates, Luthansa, Egypt Air Training Schools. Lagos Business School {SMP 21}, Service Quality Institute, Minneapolis, and IATA Training centres etc.
2. What does your role entail as an instructor?
As an instructor my role includes
designing and creating courses and outlines that match learning goals of each subject. Selecting the course content and appropriate materials.
Creating a conducive and inclusive learning environment.
Inspire, motivate, coach and mentor learners. Facilitate learning, evaluate learners, providing the necessary feedback and encourages learners to reach their full potential.
3. How would you describe yourself
What drives you.
Tolulope is a hard working but fun loving individual. She is caring, open, honest and bold and is unafraid to say things as she sees them. She is driven by helping others achieve their goals.
4. What is your lowest and most memorable moments in your Career history?
My lowest moment in my career was at the when ADC Airlines flight ADK 086 crashed in Ejirin and all passengers died. Whilst my most memorable was when i unexpectedly got a letter of commendation from Virgin Nigeria for going above and beyond the line of duty.
5. What challenges have you encountered on the job on your journey to the top, especially as a woman?
One major challenge was old stereotype bias, As a woman in a leadership position, some men still expect that you defer to them and be submissive.
I was removed from a position of leadership at one point because I was bold enough to say i do not have the personnel to do this rather than do as told.
On a couple of occasions i had to stand my ground with Government officials (passengers) who wanted to go against Standard Operating Procedures.
6. How have you been able to balance your work and family life?
Though challenging, i am grateful to God for his support and guidance, without him i may not have made it this far.
A lot of wisdom is needed to handle this area because as a leader more is expected especially the work side. Things can go south in the twinkling of an eye. However even when this happens from time to time as it does come with the terrain.
Do everything possible to make it up to the family by creating time to create these memories, because that’s all you have at the end of the day.
7. The theme for International Women’s Day in 2025 is “Accelerate Action” what strategies do you think we need to take, to create a more equitable future for women?
It’s sad to note that according to research it will take us about a 133 years to completely erase gender inequality etc, this is completely unacceptable.
We MUST increase the pace and all hands must be on deck.
Off course we have made appreciable progress however there’s a lot more to be done. Let’s begin by leaving the big cities and go to the hinterland to create an awareness. Let’s support one another a lot more.
For our women who have shattered the glass ceiling lets be willing to encourage those coming behind even if we didn’t get that kind of support in our own individual journeys. We must continue to take bold strides to become, it’s still a man’s world in our corner here.
Encourage the young one to take advantage of the numerous empowerment programmes out there e.g. STEM etc.
Let’s get the government and corporate bodies to walk the talk. Let them not just lend their voices. It needs to be evident, there must be references/valid examples. Let’s make people accountable for their actions
8. Where you are today, seemed impossible some years back. So far, you have indeed proved that women can do it and take charge successfully. What advice do you have for the aspiring young women out there who may want to tow your line?
First thing is to be focused, it doesn’t matter what they are saying on the sidelines even if they are making fun of you face forward, Believe in yourself.
Be confident, know your onions. Be very good at what you do.
Be humble and willing to learn from others even when you are high up.
Be flexible but know where to draw the line. Be supportive of others. Don’t bear grudges, you will be offended…. jump and pass if you can or address the issue objectively if need be.
Be a good example of the believer.
