Ozofu Latunde Ogiemudia has encouraged women to confront impostor syndrome and focus on building excellence in their personal and professional lives.
Ozofu, the Deputy Managing Partner of Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, plays a pivotal role in the firm’s corporate advisory, private equity, and mergers and acquisitions practice.
Speaking on the conference theme, “The Power of Her Voice: Influence, Impact, Inspire, she emphasized the importance of recognizing and overcoming impostor syndrome, a challenge faced by women across the world.
“I came across a book on impostor syndrome and was amazed,” she said. “I had thought I was the only one who felt that way, but women in America, Asia, and Africa all struggle with impostor syndrome.”
She shared some of the self-doubting questions she kept asking herself: “Do I really deserve this position I have been offered? Did I truly earn it? Can I do it?”
Ozofu urged women to rise above these doubts by embracing excellence and remaining focused in everything they do. According to her, recognition naturally follows those who commit to mastering their craft.
“For us as women, let’s focus on building excellence in what we do. You can’t be a master of everything, so let’s concentrate on mastering our craft and seeking recognition. Recognition will come, and it comes with excellence,” she said.
Reflecting on her career journey, she highlighted how her commitment to excellence has shaped her professional growth and helped her stand out.
“In my experience, if I am excellent in what I do, whether it is a paid job or volunteer work, recognition will come. So I would rather focus on being excellent,” she added.
She further encouraged women to aspire to leadership positions, speak up confidently, and contribute meaningfully in their workplaces.
“Even as young professionals, you can be the one through whom great ideas come into your organization. Those contributions will help you stand out,” she noted.
Ozofu concluded by urging women to be bold, seek help when needed, and remain humble enough to accept support.
