JAYNE AUGOYE
Toyin Sanni
Her career spans various areas in the public service, academia and the financial sector. There is no gainsaying the fact that the Group CEO, United Capital Trustees Limited, Toyin Sanni, is a consummate professional.
A trained lawyer, chartered secretary and stockbroker, her foray into the male- dominated and competitive world of financial services is a lesson in tenacity, commitment, and ultimately, hard work.
From a young age, her brilliance did not go unnoticed by her dotting father who encouraged her to excel. She recalls, “I was admitted into the then University of Ife at the age of 15 and I graduated when I turned 18. Thereafter, I proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was called to the bar in 1985. In addition to my first degree, I have a master’s degree in Law from the University of Lagos.
“ I knew I was very good with words and would be a lawyer. While in the university, I became fascinated with business law and related courses. Coupled with my interest in figures, I realised I could specialise in financial law and so I majored in secured credit transactions, international economic law at master’s level. ”
Currently tasked with the responsibility of lending leadership directions in various areas of the business including investment banking, asset management, trustee and securities services as well as life insurance through an affiliate business, the business executive speaks of how she rose above certain gender stereotypes.
“I cannot say my career has been totally free of all types of gender discrimination but I am grateful to God for courage and wisdom to tackle issues as they arise and for supportive colleagues and superiors, male and female, who have lightened this burden by giving me opportunities to prove my mettle and sponsoring and supporting me at different stages of my career.
“I believe no woman (or man for that matter) should permit themselves to be intimidated or oppressed in the work place. You should not feel intimidated by or inferior to a colleague simply because they are male and you are female,” she states.
While for most women, the journey to the top is oftentimes laced with scandals, challenges and even envy, thankfully for Sanni, this was not so.
“By the grace of God, I have been spared the experience of being an object of scandal. Certainly, anyone that achieves anything worthwhile will experience envy so,yes; I know what it is like to be the target of envy and unjustified criticism and opposition. I don’t listen to gossip and I ensure that I keep a clear conscience and that when I look in the mirror, I like the person I see. That way, I can ignore the envy and baseless criticism.
“Transparency is also important. I carry my executives along in decisions I make and leave no room for speculation. I also observe the biblical injunction to flee from every appearance of evil and I prioritise my spiritual and family life. That way, it’s difficult for any allegation to hold water.”
Going down memory lane, the Ogun State-born professional recalls her childhood.
“With five brothers and a big sister, not to mention resident cousins, aunts and uncles, it was a full and lively house indeed. As the youngest female child, I was loved but not pampered. My mother was a disciplinarian while my father, Chief Rotimi Adeboye, was an educationist. He encouraged my love for literature and poetry and took it upon himself to teach me Mathematics.”
Still reliving her early years, she continues. “My earliest memories include living in the treasurer’s residence within the treasury cash office; my father was a treasurer with the old Western State. We had access to the governor’s guest house in Abeokuta.”
Even though she loves to look good, she is not enslaved by trends. “I am in control of my style and dress to suit the occasion. I am not a slave to fashion but I am guided by my love for simplicity, clean lines and primary colours like black, red, white and royal blue. Even though I like to wear skirts, I can’t be found wearing short skirts. I enjoy suits and formal dresses for work and business events. I eagerly don caftans and jeans at weekends. I prefer to wear my hair long.”
Highlighting her fashion fetish, she breaks into a smile and reels them out. “My daughters will say bags and scarves, but I can’t deny my fixation with bags. I also love unusual pieces of jewellery.”
Married to a banker and pastor, she considers herself blessed to have an understanding partner. She says, “We have three amazing children – a son and two daughters. My son is 24 and has taken after me by obtaining a masters degree in Law whilst the girls are studying Accounting & Finance and Biological Sciences respectfully.”
The ability to combine her roles as a wife, mother and professional is not an easy task she confesses. She notes, “It takes the grace of God to manage all three and also function as a minister of God. I could not possibly do it without His grace. It takes determination and a realisation that each role is important and a key part of God’s plan for my life. I also have an understanding spouse and fiercely independent children who are keen to prove they can handle responsibilities with the right guidance. I have fantastic assistants at work and at home. The support I receive from them is critical to my ability to balance these roles effectively.”
Armed with a thriving career that has lasted two decades and still counting, she is well-positioned to offer women tips that will steer them to the zenith. “They must choose a career they enjoy and find fulfillment. Next to these, it is important to acquire all the skills and knowledge needed to excel. They should remember learning is a non-stop process. Be pleasant, respectful and supportive of your colleagues’ goals. That way, they will also accommodate yours. Never rely on feminine wiles to get ahead in your career as it will haunt you when you least expect it to. Work very hard and trust in God to bring your career objectives to pass in due season.”
source: PUNCH.
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