Everybody needs a good Nigerian friend – Lucy Quist

Managing Director and Head of Transformation for Global Transaction Banking at Barclays, Lucy Quist, has shared a compelling personal anecdote in a playfully yet pointedly advising to attendees of this year’s International Woman Leadership Conference.

The renowned Ghanaian business leader and former CEO of Airtel Ghana, who delivered a speech at the leadership forum, shared the positive impact of a friend who propelled her to the top, stating, “If you’re not from Nigeria in this room and you don’t have a good friend who’s Nigerian, get yourself a Nigerian friend.”

Ms Quist’s remarks were during a heartfelt reflection on a pivotal moment in her career when her aspirations to rise to the top were challenged. It was at this stage that a Nigerian colleague, now CEO of MTN Benin, offered a transformative piece of advice.

“I remember so well one of my colleagues, and I will name her… some of the people who have done the biggest pushes in my life are Nigerian,” Ms Quist recounted.

She described how Uche resolutely told her not to entertain any job offers that weren’t for a CEO position, even when Ms Quist herself was hesitant.

“If a recruiter calls and it’s not a CEO job, don’t pursue the conversation… If it’s not a CEO call, we’re not picking the call.”

Ms Quist highlighted this exchange as a powerful example of the kind of audacious yet grounded encouragement she has received from her Nigerian friends.

“They [Nigerians] will tell you what time it is,” she noted, implying their directness and unwavering belief in ambition.

The experience, she revealed, was instrumental in shaping her resolve, ultimately leading to her becoming CEO in 2014.

Ms Quist used the story to underscore the importance of having individuals in one’s life who offer challenging perspectives and push one beyond self-imposed limits.

She urged the audience to “have the courage to have someone who challenges you… have the humility to say she knows something I don’t,” even if that person is a peer and not a senior.

Ms Lucy Quist, known for being the first Ghanaian woman to head a multinational telecommunications company, has consistently advocated for bold leadership and greater participation in STEM fields.

Her message at the International Woman Leadership Conference resonated with many, emphasising that true mentorship and support can come from unexpected quarters and are crucial for professional growth and breaking barriers.

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