Olanike Jagun is a versatile and innovative leader with over 20 years of experience across ICT, healthcare, insurance, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications. Until recently, she served as Head of Channel Development at MTN Nigeria. Today, she plays an active role as Treasurer and Investment Committee Member at Rising Tide Africa, an all-female angel network that empowers women entrepreneurs to grow and scale their businesses.
In addition to sitting on the advisory board of Rising Tide investee companies, she also serves as a non-executive director for several organizations. A qualified trainer, Olanike has conducted leadership and professional development programs for MTN Nigeria and Afara Leadership Center, a subsidiary of the Lagos Business School.
In an exclusive conversation with Just4WomenAfrica, Olanike shared her perspectives on women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and investment.
Women and Aggression in Business
Olanike highlighted a key difference she has observed between male and female entrepreneurs: women are often less aggressive than men when it comes to pursuing opportunities or negotiating for investment.
She stressed that women must learn to ask for more. “I’ve seen situations where female founders undervalue themselves and their businesses,” she explained. “Meanwhile, male founders in the same room will confidently ask for double the amount. If women want to play on the same level, they must learn to raise their expectations.”
Exploring Untapped Industries
While women entrepreneurs in Africa often dominate the cosmetics, fashion, and haircare sectors, Olanike believes there are huge opportunities beyond these industries.
Drawing from her own investment experience, she shared examples of companies she has supported, including:
- Emergency Response Africa – a healthcare startup providing emergency medical services.
- Shuttle – a transportation solution designed for safer, more efficient commuting.
“These are industries that men typically dominate, but they hold enormous potential for women who are willing to step in, innovate, and take risks,” she said.
Women, Risk, and Failure
According to Olanike, many female founders are reluctant to take the same risks as their male counterparts. “Women don’t want to fail. They feel a strong responsibility to repay what they borrow. While this makes them more disciplined, it also means they often miss out on high-growth opportunities,” she explained.
Habits Behind Her Success
When asked about the personal routines that have shaped her career, Olanike emphasized one in particular: research.
“Before I invest in any venture, I take time to study, research, and deeply understand the business model, customer demand, and financial viability,” she said. “That discipline has saved me from costly mistakes.”
Advice for Women Seeking Investment
For women looking to secure investment, Olanike was clear: master the fundamentals. She urged entrepreneurs to build strong capabilities in:
- Customer acquisition
- Sales
- Finance
- Market knowledge
“These are the pillars that give investors confidence,” she explained. “When a woman founder can clearly articulate how she will find and retain customers, manage her numbers, and grow her market, investors are more likely to trust her with their money.”
Final Thoughts
Olanike Jagun’s message is both practical and inspiring: African women must step outside traditional industries, embrace risk, and confidently ask for more. Her own career and investment journey prove that with research, discipline, and courage, women can lead in any sector.
As she put it, “The opportunities are out there — but women must be bold enough to claim them.”
