International Women’s Day: Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace Limited.

 

In line with the international women’s day today, Sunday March 8, mamaj aviation blog is celebrating some leading women holding her own in the Aviation industry in Nigeria, whose story will inspire women out there…These are women who are the power behind the scenes, pushing boundaries and leaving a mark!

The International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.  The campaign theme for 2020, is #EachforEqual.

Meet the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace Limited.

Please introduce yourself, your name, where are you from, background and current position in your organisation.

My name is Oluwatoyin Olajide (Mrs), a native of Ogun State and by the grace of God I am the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace Limited. I have a BSC degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos and have several certifications from the prestigious Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, Harvard Business School, USA and Sheffield School of Aeronautics, USA. I have multifarious certifications in aviation related disciplines and am licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States. Apart from aviation, I have taken stabs at Banking and Marketing. A lot of people do not know this, but I actually started my career in banking. I worked in various departments before I decided to take a huge step to follow my passion which is to make the air transportation safer and more efficient and this spurred me to further educate and develop myself. I have worked with other airlines in Nigeria before I finally joined Air Peace. I am a result-driven person, who believes in creating solutions to problems.

What inspired you to venture into this male dominated career?

At first, I never saw it as a male dominated career because my background is engineering and I’m a very optimistic person who hardly sees any obstacle in a situation. I have always believed that I could work with men easily to achieve a common purpose. I have never limited myself in any way and I believe in breaking bounds. If I believe in a cause, nothing can stop me. My journey into the aviation industry was borne out of the desire to make a difference in the Aviation industry. To contribute greatly to revolutionizing the industry and make air transportation safer and more efficient.

Your role no doubt is very strategic and quite demanding, what strategy have you adopted to help you cope with the demands of the job?

At this stage it is imperative to know that as a woman in my position, you have to sometimes work twice as hard. However, the strategy I have adopted is bringing my whole self to work, leading with integrity, honesty and compassion. Delegation of responsibilities as well as finding time to reflect. Striving for excellence and seeking opportunities for continuous growth and development.

What is your most memorable moment?

My most memorable moment was on the 5th of July, 2018 when we had our all-female crew flight. It was a moment of triumph for Air Peace and I felt elated to be part of the process. It was an epoch making event and I am proud that Air Peace was able to achieve it within a short time of starting scheduled flight operations in a very challenging industry.

How have you been able to balance your work and your family?

A lot has been said that a career woman cannot have a home but I thank God for making it possible for me to have a career and a beautiful home.

For a woman to successfully be able to combine a home and a career, some factors must be present because it can be very challenging. Firstly, she must have a strong support system to ensure that the home front does not suffer. I am very lucky to have an understanding husband who is very supportive and understands my responsibilities at work. He is always there whenever I cannot. Another factor which has been beneficial to me is that once I get home, I become a loving wife and a caring mother. My being a Chief Operating Officer extends only to official duties, while at home I am a different person. I give my all to my family and this has helped keep my home together.  I’ve intentionally set strategic, as well as realistic career and personal goals that work together to create a healthy lifestyle for me and my family. I also have an understanding Chairman. When your husband and boss understand, it’s easier for you to plan well and achieve some semblance of work-home balance.

What challenges have you encountered on the job on your journey to the top especially as female?

As a female in such a position that I am in the aviation industry, you can bet I have faced a lot of challenges. I can’t even begin to tell you how many challenges I have faced and surmounted. But as a very determined woman, very optimistic and goal oriented, I try not to see challenges or difficulties in any situation but rather opportunities. One thing has helped me all through, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”. Staying true to myself and playing to my strengths have helped me greatly to succeed on my journey to the top.

Where you are seemed impossible 10 years past. So far, you have indeed proved that women can do it. What advice do you have for young women who may wish to tow your line?

Firstly, there is no impossibility in my dictionary. I have always believed that with God, All things are possible and I could achieve whatever I set my mind to achieve. Young women should be focused, determined and goal oriented. “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” Never give up and do not allow anyone to make you feel inferior because you are unique and have special talents. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. Don’t let anyone or one setback derail your career success.  I charge any woman who wants to have a career in the aviation sector and indeed any sector to by all means go for it. Determination is key to success. Times will come when you will feel like giving up but just hold on to your dreams, chase it, work towards it and one day it will pay off. Remember, Women are the Future. We are Special and Reshaping the world.

Where do you see yourself next five years?

In the next five years by the grace of God, I see myself doing more exploits. Leading our organisation to become the preferred International carrier out of Africa. I sincerely hope that in the next five years, the Nigerian aviation sector will be more developed and of International Standard than it is presently and that I will be even more of a key player and stakeholder in it than I am presently.