Eugenia Chinenye Ndukwe, Ph.D., serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of XEM Consultants Ltd, where she has excelled in Nigeria’s consultancy sector. Her outstanding contributions were recently acknowledged when she received the 2023 TopFlyers magazine award, being recognized as the Businesswoman of the Year. In an exclusive interview with TopFlyers magazine international, she shares her journey in the consulting industry, inspiring women by demonstrating that women can not only match but often surpass the achievements of men.
How is your business faring?
Business is faring very well. I do understand that the economy is quite unstable, but as entrepreneurs, we also have to evolve with the business environment and the economy.
What does it feel like to be one amongst the few who were honored with the prestigious Topflyers Award?
As a matter of principle, I don’t accept awards, but, of course, as you grow in life, you find out that life is not just about you but also about the people around you. It will interest you to know that the Topflyers Award is the first I am accepting, even though I have had many, even international ones, but I declined. I often say I want those awards to be justified. I don’t want to live for the public; I want to live for myself. Over time, I began to realize that my life revolves around many people who know me and want to draw inspiration from me. So, this, for me, is like a reflection of the effort people see you make, and fortunately, the Topflyers Award happens to be the first I have received since I changed that philosophy. So it feels good to be a recipient.
Does being a woman come between you and your business? Do you think you would have done better as a man?
To succeed in anything, you have to be dynamic, which means you have to evolve with the demands of your environment and market. Consultancy business is male-dominated in Nigeria. It’s a field meant for experts in specific areas, and as a young person entering consultancy, people may doubt your capabilities due to your age. This has been one of the challenges we’ve faced over the years. However, we have consistently proved to our clients that we can and will do better. Being a woman has not hindered anything; I do not regret my gender or my choice of field. Interestingly, we have more females in our workforce, some even below 30, who are performing excellently, sometimes even better than their male counterparts.
What are the challenges that come with entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship is a field I would choose again and again. Challenges are what make it interesting and dynamic. If you enjoy taking risks and improving systems to deliver results, then entrepreneurship is for you. It’s not a venture where you can sit and relax; as the system and economy get tougher, we get tougher. Some challenges include limited access to seed capital for startups, which can be a hindrance, especially for innovative young people. However, there are successful business people and social groups providing support to such entrepreneurs. Personally, I have funded about 3 entrepreneurs I believe in. If the government doesn’t provide support, some of us will step in. Overall, challenges are part of the entrepreneurial journey.
What advice do you have for young female entrepreneurs out there?
Gender is not a limitation, so don’t let anyone tell you that because you’re a woman, you can’t enter a male-dominated business. What a man can do, a woman can do, and often even better. Secondly, women should break out of their shells and overcome any feelings of inferiority. Seek mentorship, especially if you’re entering a field you’re passionate about but not an expert in. Life is a journey, and mentorship can be a key factor in your success.
Do you have a word or two for the organizers of Topflyers Awards? What does it feel like to be one amongst the few who were honored with the prestigious Topflyers Award?
The organizers did a commendable job, pulling in a large crowd is no easy feat. Quality and exceptionality are crucial to sustaining your brand, and you must do things differently. So far, you have been doing well, but there is always room for improvement.
