THINK GLOBAL WOMEN


GLOBAL LEADERSHIP


HOW SUSTAINABILITY CAN DRIVE GREAT BUSINESS PRACTICES About 10 years ago, Dr Ama left the corporate world and decided that she was going to concentrate on creating businesses that had sustainability at their heart. “If we can find a way to be entrepreneurs, to be


career driven, and also recognise that we are custodians of the environment and the innovative ideas that we come up with, then we can create and live sustainable,” she says. “We need to appreciate the interconnectivity of all of


these elements when we establish ourselves, whether in the business or career world, but also as global citizens and as citizens of the earth. We need to recognise that we are responsible, and we cannot compromise in the way that we make decisions, communicate, problem solve, and in the way that we collaborate.” As a passionate advocate for sustainable economic and social advancement, Dr Ama actively promotes these principles within workplaces and communities. She aligns her mission with the ethos of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), striving for ethical and equitable societal progress. “Businesses and policies should not hinder the


progress of others,” she explains. “Instead, they should foster inclusive


growth. Recognising and respecting


diversity ensures that economic and social advancements are equitable and sustainable for all particularly women and youth. When we embrace inclusivity in our business practices, we create a more balanced global ecosystem where all can thrive.”


A TRULY INTERNATIONAL CAREER Today Dr Ama works across multiple continents. While her businesses are registered in the UK and the USA, her current work is centred in Africa, where she has played a key role in helping to develop sustaining business and trading practices. It was her brother who encouraged her to explore


this path. In 2011 he called her from Nigeria, explaining the opportunities she was looking for, the change she wanted to drive, and the people she wished to serve were all in Nigeria. “Six months later, I visited for the first time in nearly


40 years. His intuition was right – I have never looked back. Upon arriving, I had two goals: to establish a business and to launch an NGO. Surprisingly, the NGO took off faster than the business. The pressing social issues affecting women – harassment, biases, gender- based violence, and unequal access to education and funding – demanded my attention. While I still engage in leadership development and coaching, my primary focus has shifted toward addressing systemic business and social inequalities and driving impactful change.” This passion for education also led her to the role


at Charterhouse, Nigeria’s first British independent school. Her involvement was initially motivated by a desire to support this ground breaking initiative to help the school to flourish, but she quickly recognised a deeper connection between education and the broader themes of diversity and inclusion. She sits on the Charterhouse


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Lagos Advisory Board and while many of the families at Charterhouse differ from the ones she works with through her NGO, the fundamental goal remains the same: making quality education accessible.


MAKING IMPACTFUL CHANGE ACROSS DIFFERENT CONTINENTS While Dr Ama is currently working in Nigeria, her businesses remain deeply rooted in the UK and the US. For example, Africa Sustainable Trade is a UK- based business, but its work is centred on the African continent. Similarly, Allied Empowerment is US-based, yet it operates both in the US and Nigeria. “One of the critical sectors I have identified for


transformation is energy,” she says. “Energy remains a significant challenge across Africa, particularly Nigeria. Identifying and harnessing sustainable energy sources is key to levelling the playing field – especially for women – by improving access to education, financial resources, and healthcare. To drive these projects forward, I need to be physically present in Nigeria, forging partnerships and building networks that align with this vision. Without being on the ground, it would be impossible to establish meaningful connections or pilot these initiatives effectively.” As the first female Chair of the British Business Group


Nigeria, her experience was eye-opening. Leading an organisation with a 50-year history and a male-dominated culture came with its challenges. “As a leader, I feel that


it is important to openly


acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses, encouraging inclusivity and collaboration. For instance, I am neurodivergent, specifically dyslexic, so I approach work with an understanding that delegation and teamwork are crucial. Rather than fixating on perfection, I focus on efficiency and progress. “For aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those passionate


about sustainability, women and youth advancement, and social impact, my advice is to be intentional about your goals,” she says. “Having a vision, building up your own resilience, and creating your own community of supporters and like-minded people is key. Don’t be afraid of failure – it is a learning experience. Cultivate relationships, because opportunities often come through connections, and keep an open mind around new relationships and sponsorships. You never know who might advocate for you in rooms you haven’t entered yet.”


Below: Dr Ama with Savvitas World Business Women at House of Lords, UK


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