Leading with Heart: Adeolu Adewumi-Zer Of ZER Consulting Africa On The Power of Authentic Women’s Leadership
An Interview With Pirie Jones Grossman
“No one is irreplaceable.” A senior colleague took the time to explain this to me very early in my career. Now that I’m the senior colleague, this realization liberates me to lead without the fear of losing control. It empowers me to delegate effectively, trust my team, and foster a culture of shared responsibility. For example, when I traveled recently for two weeks, I had initially planned to cancel our daily team meetings as I knew that I wouldn’t be able to attend most of them. However, I decided to leave the team to manage these themselves, and was proud to see how they stepped up, took ownership, and thrived in my absence. This allows me to lead with confidence and empower my team, rather than feeling the need to control every aspect.
In today’s dynamic world, the concept of leadership is continuously evolving. While traditional leadership models have often been male-dominated, there is a growing recognition of the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to these roles. This series aims to explore how women can become more effective leaders by authentically embracing their femininity and innate strengths, rather than conforming to traditional male leadership styles. In this series, we are talking to successful women leaders, coaches, authors, and experts who can provide insights and personal stories on how embracing their inherent feminine qualities has enhanced their leadership abilities. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Adeolu Adewumi-Zer.
Adeolu Adewumi-Zer is a renowned Afro-optimist, global strategist, and the author of “Afro-Optimism Unleashed: Scaling African Excellence to the Global Stage.” With dual honors degrees from The Pennsylvania State University in the USA, her 25-year career spans four continents and two multinational corporations. Having spearheaded strategic growth initiatives across Africa and led a major financial institution in Nigeria, Adeolu’s strategic insights and commitment to African excellence are widely recognized.
This commitment is evident in her founding of ZER Consulting Africa (ZER), a purpose-driven Pan-African strategy and management consulting firm. At ZER, Adeolu leverages her global expertise in leadership development and strategic planning to empower leaders and businesses across the continent to achieve sustainable growth and impact along their SCALE framework. She further extends this passion for empowering African leaders through her book, “Afro-Optimism Unleashed,” which provides wider access to her practical roadmap for achieving sustainable growth and global impact.
Adeolu is also a strong advocate for financial inclusion, gender equality, and quality education, holding influential board positions and advisory roles focused on social impact. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, she addresses international audiences on corporate governance, executive leadership, gender empowerment, and social impact.
Beyond her professional achievements, Adeolu is a mother of two and an avid runner, reader, and cultural explorer. Her Afro-optimism is not just a philosophy but a way of life, driving her to inspire and empower others to build a new narrative for Africa.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about authentic, feminine leadership, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
Thanks for having me!
My journey to becoming an “Afro-optimist” began in an unlikely place: rural Pennsylvania. However, growing up in a college town, our home was a melting pot of international students, exposing me to the richness of different cultures from a young age. This experience broadened my worldview and sparked a deep curiosity about the world beyond my immediate surroundings.
In college, I was further immersed in a diverse community, interacting with students from all walks of life. This solidified my passion for embracing different perspectives and fueled my desire to make a meaningful contribution to Africa’s growth.
Despite facing challenges and rejections along the way, I remained determined to return to my roots. My journey eventually led me to Munich, which served as a stepping stone to my long-awaited homecoming to Africa and, ultimately, Nigeria. From here, I now leverage my global experience to empower African leaders and businesses through my company, ZER Consulting Africa (ZER).
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One memorable story involves my time in Nairobi, where I worked with a group of young Kenyans. They were incredibly proud of their culture and confidently declared that tilapia was the best fish in the world. Amused by their conviction, I decided to challenge their perspective.
I invited them to Seven Seafood & Grill, a renowned seafood restaurant in Nairobi, and treated them to a diverse selection of seafood dishes, including octopus, which they had never tried before. Their initial hesitation quickly transformed into curiosity as they cautiously sampled the unfamiliar delicacies. One of the youngest colleagues, initially reluctant to try the octopus, was eventually persuaded by his peers. To my surprise, his expression lit up with delight after the first bite, and he proceeded to devour the entire portion. He even requested more!
This experience served as a powerful reminder of the importance of stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing new experiences. It also highlighted the value of diversity and the richness that different perspectives bring to our lives.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
At ZER Consulting Africa, we believe in going beyond the traditional consulting approach. We don’t just deliver presentations and reports; we build genuine relationships with our clients and become deeply invested in their success. Our clients often commend us for our dedication and willingness to go the extra mile to support them.
For instance, one client recently expressed his appreciation for our commitment, saying, “ZER consistently demonstrates a genuine care for our success and mission.” This reflects our core value of building long-lasting partnerships with our clients and becoming an integral part of their journey.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Three character traits have been instrumental to my success: Purpose, Discipline, and Persistence.
Purpose has been my guiding star. Even as a young child, when my parents emigrated with me from Nigeria to the USA, I knew I wanted to return to my roots. That early sense of purpose, though perhaps vague at the time, grew into a burning desire to make a difference in Africa. It’s a purpose that continues to evolve, but it ultimately led me back home after 40 years, providing the direction I needed to navigate my journey.
Discipline is the fuel that drives me towards excellence. People often ask how I’ve achieved what I have, and the answer, beyond any inherent advantages, is discipline. It’s the discipline to wake up at 4:30 am every morning to work out, to dedicate weekends to building my business, and even the discipline to prioritize my mental health by scheduling regular breaks, whether it’s a Friday night in with Netflix and chocolate or a pre-scheduled quarterly getaway.
Persistence is my ability to navigate challenges and adapt to change. Like a basketball player pivoting on the court to find a new path, I’ve learned to pivot in life, embracing the unexpected and finding opportunities in adversity. This resilience is something I explore in my book, “Afro-Optimism Unleashed,” where I emphasize the importance of always having a “Plan B.” I believe in the power of adaptability and finding the hidden “reason for everything,” even in the face of setbacks.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader? I’m curious to understand how these challenges have shaped your leadership.
One of the most challenging decisions I had to make as a leader was implementing a redundancy program during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a newly appointed CEO, I was faced with the difficult task of ensuring the company’s survival while also prioritizing the well-being of our employees.
We approached this situation with empathy and transparency, communicating openly with our team about the financial challenges we faced. We offered a generous severance package, outplacement services, and partnered with local businesses to provide potential job opportunities for those leaving. We also invested in reskilling and upskilling programs for the remaining team to equip them with the skills needed to navigate the post-COVID world.
This experience taught me the importance of balancing empathy with the responsibility of making tough decisions for the long-term health of the company. It reinforced my belief that true leadership involves considering the well-being of all stakeholders, even in challenging times.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a personal experience where embracing your unique leadership style, which might not align with traditional expectations, led to a significant positive impact in your organization or team?
My leadership style is often described as a blend of servant leadership, coaching, and empowerment. I believe in fostering a culture of trust, open communication, and mutual respect. This approach sometimes deviates from traditional expectations, but I’ve found it to be incredibly effective in creating a highly engaged and motivated team.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I made the bold decision to formalize a flexible work-from-anywhere policy for all employees, despite management directives to return to the office. This decision was driven by my understanding of the challenges faced by our employees, many of whom juggled family commitments and long commutes.
By offering this flexibility, we empowered our team to achieve a better work-life balance, which ultimately led to increased productivity and morale. We also invested heavily in training and development programs to ensure our team had the skills needed to thrive in the post-COVID world.
Our efforts were recognized in 2022 when we received the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria’s (CIPM) HR Best Practice Awards. This prestigious award validated our commitment to employee well-being and solidified our reputation as an employer of choice.
This experience taught me that building a dedicated team isn’t about imposing rigid rules and expectations. It’s about empowering employees, offering flexibility, and investing in their well-being.
In your journey as a leader, how have you balanced demonstrating resilience, often seen as a masculine trait, with showing vulnerability, which is equally powerful, but typically feminine? Can you give an example where this balance created a meaningful difference?
I disagree with the notion that resilience is a masculine trait. In my experience, women, especially working mothers, are incredibly resilient. They constantly juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, navigating challenges with grace and determination. There’s a reason I often declare that working moms are the real superheroes.
As a leader, I strive to balance resilience with vulnerability. I believe in being open and honest about my own struggles and challenges, which creates a safe space for others to do the same. This fosters a culture of trust and allows for deeper connections within the team.
For example, I recently shared my experience of dealing with a health challenge within my family with my team. By being vulnerable and sharing my story, I create an environment where others feel comfortable opening up about their own challenges. This leads to a more supportive and understanding team dynamic, where everyone feels empowered to seek help and support when needed.
As a woman in leadership, how have you navigated and challenged gender stereotypes, especially in situations where traditional male-dominated approaches are the norm? What strategies have you employed to remain authentic to your style?
One of the most liberating aspects of reaching my 40s has been the freedom to embrace my authentic self, regardless of external expectations. Navigating gender stereotypes in male-dominated spaces can be challenging, but I’ve learned to stay true to my unique leadership style. I don’t try to fit into a mold or adopt traditionally masculine approaches. Instead, I leverage my strengths and bring my whole self to the table.
This involves being confident and assertive in my communication, expressing my opinions freely, and advocating for what I believe in. It also means building strong relationships with colleagues and creating a supportive network.
A colleague once aptly described me as a “dichotomy,” with an American accent, a German mind, and a Nigerian heart. This blend of cultural influences has shaped my leadership style and enabled me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ultimately, my authenticity stems from a deep sense of purpose, pride in my Nigerian heritage, and the confidence that comes with age and experience. As I declared in my first-ever podcast interview, “Take me as I am.” This is a mantra I continue to live by.
How do you utilize emotional intelligence and active listening to create an inclusive environment in your team or organization? Could you share a specific instance where these qualities particularly enhanced team dynamics or performance?”
People often tell me I’m a good listener. Perhaps it’s because I’m naturally more introverted and prefer listening to talking. I find that people appreciate being truly heard, without judgment. It allows them to open up and share their thoughts and feelings, which strengthens relationships and fosters a sense of connection.
What role has mentorship played in developing your authentic leadership style, and how do you communicate authentically to inspire and empower both your mentors and mentees?
I believe in continuous learning and growth, and I’m always open to absorbing wisdom from everyone I encounter, regardless of their age or experience. My mantra is “learn something new every day,” and I’m fortunate to have a network of mentors and advisors who have generously shared their insights and support throughout my journey.
One of the most fulfilling ways I pay this forward is again through mentorship. I enjoy sharing my experiences, both the triumphs and the challenges, with others. I believe that being open about my vulnerabilities can inspire others and normalize the inevitable setbacks that come with pursuing one’s goals.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways Leading Authentically As A Woman Will Affect Your Leadership”?
1 . “No one is irreplaceable.” A senior colleague took the time to explain this to me very early in my career. Now that I’m the senior colleague, this realization liberates me to lead without the fear of losing control. It empowers me to delegate effectively, trust my team, and foster a culture of shared responsibility. For example, when I traveled recently for two weeks, I had initially planned to cancel our daily team meetings as I knew that I wouldn’t be able to attend most of them. However, I decided to leave the team to manage these themselves, and was proud to see how they stepped up, took ownership, and thrived in my absence. This allows me to lead with confidence and empower my team, rather than feeling the need to control every aspect.
2 . “Work-life integration, not work-life balance.” For me, work and life are not separate entities but intertwined aspects of my existence. So, I prioritize what truly matters and set healthy boundaries. For example, I get up extra early to integrate my passion for running into my very full work schedule. It also means that I block an hour for lunch time with my husband and stop work at 6pm to spend quality time with my children. Integrating my personal and professional life allows me to bring my whole self to work and lead with greater empathy and understanding.
3 . “The price of excellence is discipline”. This emphasizes the importance of consistent effort, dedication, and self-control in achieving your goals. It encourages you to cultivate discipline in all areas of your life, from your morning routine to your work habits. My commitment to waking up early for workouts and dedicating weekends to my business reflects this principle.
4 . “‘No’ is a complete sentence.” This empowers me to set boundaries and prioritize my well-being. I say no to requests that don’t align with my values or goals, without feeling guilty or obligated. For example, I was recently asked to support an initiative that, while worthwhile, would have required a significant time commitment that conflicted with both my business and family priorities. I politely declined, knowing that it wasn’t the right fit for me at this stage. I’ve also learned to say no to commitments that would overwhelm me or compromise my priorities.
5 . “Take me as I am.” Embracing my authentic self, with all my strengths and imperfections, has been a guiding principle throughout my career, especially now in my 40s. This has allowed me to build genuine connections with others and lead my team with greater empathy and understanding.
Are there potential pitfalls or challenges associated with being an empathetic leader? How can these be addressed?
The biggest challenge, particularly for women, is setting boundaries and saying no. Societal expectations often condition us to prioritize others’ needs, making it difficult to assert ourselves and protect our time and energy. However, setting clear boundaries is essential for effective leadership and preventing burnout.
For example, I used to struggle with saying no to requests to take on additional tasks, even when I was already overloaded. In my “good girl” need to be liked by everyone, I felt obligated to help and feared disappointing others. However, by observing my manager at the time, I realized that no one can be liked by everyone. I started practicing saying no more often, using “I” statements to explain my limitations and offering alternatives when possible.
Prioritizing self-care is also crucial. When we’re well-rested and recharged, we’re better equipped to set boundaries and make decisions that align with our values and goals. This might involve scheduling regular breaks, engaging in activities that bring me joy, such as running, watching Netflix or playing solitaire, or seeking support (even paid) from others.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I’ve already initiated the Afro-optimism movement with my book, “Afro-Optimism Unleashed.” This movement aims to shift the narrative about Africa from one of poverty and despair to one of abundance and opportunity. It’s about empowering Africans to take ownership of our future and contribute to global progress.
This movement is gaining momentum, connecting the continent and its diaspora, and creating a powerful ecosystem for growth. I believe that by fostering a mindset of Afro-optimism, we can unleash the immense potential of Africa and inspire a new generation of leaders to create a brighter future for all.
How can our readers further follow you online?
I invite everyone, especially fellow entrepreneurs, CEOs, and Afro-optimists, to join the #ZERnation movement by grabbing a copy of my book on Amazon.com, and connecting with me online:
Website:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeoluadewumi/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/zerconsulting/
Instagram:
@adeoluadewumizer
@zerconsult
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Leading with Heart: Adeolu Adewumi-Zer Of ZER Consulting Africa On The Power of Authentic Women’s… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.