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Ajibola Bolanle, a Laidlaw Scholar at Oxford Saïd Business School is driving change through her role as Mentorship Lead on the Laidlaw Women in Business Board 

I was born and raised in Nigeria, guided by the values of resilience, hard work, and service that my parents and guardians instilled in me from an early age. Their unwavering support and encouragement laid the foundation for my journey, which has been shaped by resilience, passion, and a deep vision for driving impact across Africa.​

Today, I work at the intersection of finance and development, helping to design and deliver infrastructure solutions across Africa. Over the past eight years, I have been fortunate to collaborate with governments, development finance institutions, and private investors to mobilize capital, structure blended finance transactions, and support projects that drive transformative impact.​

The Laidlaw Scholarship at Oxford is not just a scholarship for me, it’s a platform to deepen my leadership capabilities, expand my impact, and contribute meaningfully to building Africa’s future as a center of innovation, infrastructure excellence, and sustainable growth.​

What is the biggest life challenge you have overcome and what did you learn from it?

Navigating growth both personally and professionally has been my biggest life challenge. Growth is rarely linear; it demands continuous learning, humility, resilience, and the courage to take full responsibility for outcomes, whether good or bad.​
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Through career transitions, leadership roles, and life’s unexpected turns, I have learned that true growth happens outside of comfort zones. Taking ownership of my journey embracing both the successes and the setbacks has strengthened my resilience and shaped my leadership philosophy: growth is a responsibility we owe ourselves and the communities we serve.​

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What is the most useful/impactful piece of advice you have been given in your life?

My best advice is one that is faith-based:​​

"With God, all things are possible. With dedication and resilience, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel."​

This advice has taught me to approach life with perseverance and the belief that obstacles are never permanent. It reminds me that setbacks are temporary and that growth often comes through persistence and faith. This mindset has shaped not only my personal journey but also how I aspire to lead by holding onto hope, acting with resilience, and encouraging others to believe in possibilities even when the way forward seems uncertain.​

Conversely, what is the WORST piece of advice you have been given?

"Play it safe — dream smaller so you won’t be disappointed.“​

People often mean well when they say this because of the risks involved in dreaming big. But I believe dreams should be limitless dream so big it scares you, because dreams are free and nothing is impossible. It is okay not to fit the norm embrace your uniqueness fully.​

What are your top 3 leadership tips?

• Lead with empathy — understand before you act.​
• Stay resilient — every challenge is a stepping stone, not a setback.​
• Empower others — true leadership is about lifting others as you rise.​

What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar?

For me, being a Laidlaw Scholar is an incredible honour it represents a commitment to bold leadership, global impact, and building a future of inclusive, sustainable growth across Africa.​

What does it mean for you to be a member of the Laidlaw Women in Business Board?

It is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant community that champions women’s leadership, empowers diverse voices, and builds pathways for others to thrive. I am excited to contribute, connect, and drive meaningful change.​

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Which leaders inspire you the most and why?

I have been fortunate to learn from remarkable leaders starting with my family and friends, who have been instrumental in guiding my personal growth, and extending to my bosses at PwC and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), who have played a significant role in shaping my professional journey. ​

Among global figures, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stands out as a constant source of inspiration. I often refer to her as my "Beyoncé" because of her resilience, pioneering spirit, and remarkable ability to break barriers locally, across Africa, and on the global stage. Her example continually motivates me, especially during challenging times.​

Describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.

I envision an Africa that is no longer seen merely as an emerging market, but recognized as a global center of innovation, prosperity, and leadership. A continent where world-class infrastructure powers inclusive growth, and where the brightest African minds are shaping the future we all aspire to see.​
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I am passionate about building the enabling environments infrastructure, financing platforms with strong local capital mobilization, and leadership ecosystems that empower Africa’s next generation to drive transformational change. I envision a continent defined not by its challenges, but by its bold achievements, global influence, and enduring impact.​

Quick-fire Questions

📺 Currently Binging: 

Your Friends and Neighbours 

📚 My top book recommendation: 

Women and Leadership by Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala​

🎶 My anthem: 

Joy is coming by FIDO​

🎧 Current Audiobook Obsession:

Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett.​

🌈 Something that made me feel joy recently:

Spending time with loved ones and new friends at Oxford, basking in the amazing spring sunshine, and discovering new places together.​