The women that inspire me

By Chioma Mang-MD/CEO, UBA Liberia on International Women’s Day 

(This is part of a series of personal blogs from  senior women executives in UBA to celebrate women's day on March 8, 2015. The blogs will run through the month of March) 

Growing up, I wanted to be a Judge because I liked to analyze and settle issues among my mates. So, it was not surprising when I went on to study Law as my first degree. The surprise, however, is that now I am a banker.

Chioma Mang, MD/CEO, UBA Liberia

The transition from wanting to become a judge to becoming a banker is what life makes of you as you grow up from being a kid with idealistic dreams to becoming an adult with practical life choices to make.

But the transition has nonetheless been exciting. I have moved from worker to a career driven professional, mentored and mentoring others, building strong teams while taking difficult people decisions to drive productivity. I have in the process made and lost friends, celebrated and cried but in all I have enjoyed the trip and are still enthusiastic about the future.

My source of inspiration in this exciting journey has primarily been God. But I have also been inspired by other women who have raised the glass ceiling that tries to keep us down as women. 

I am inspired by women like Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance (the only person to have held the office twice in different governments in Nigeria) for her doggedness in rising to top Management level at the World bank, putting up a strong fight for the coveted position of the President of World Bank and the audacity to reposition the Finance Ministry of Nigeria and by extension the economy.

 I am also inspired by the achievements of Christine Largarde as the 1st female Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) coming from Legal educational background, but my most valued inspiration came from my late father who with no formal education achieved great international business success and was able to read and write. He thought me the "can do" spirit and gave me the best educational exposure.

I must admit that as a woman in the corporate world, you face unique challenges in your bid to rise on the corporate ladder. Work life balance is always a major issue. It is often difficult to be the best wife and Mum at home while still delivering on your expectations in the work place. You must therefore have passion for your work and strong organizational skills, and ability to absorb disappointments.

However, if you have a passion for success, and are rightly focused you can go anywhere your drive takes you. If you believe in yourself, you will become fearless and be able to take up challenges and succeed even where men fail.

My advice to women in the corporate world would be “Be positive in all things and you can achieve anything.”