NEWISSUES
Neya is the CEO of Basecoat: a chain of Nail Salons in Nigeria and the founder of the NEWISSUES Foundation. She also sits as the Chairman of NEWISSUES, a reputable Nigerian News Organization, and Chairman of Sun Heavens Hotels and Resorts.
Apart from being a Business Executive and Entrepreneur, Neya is passionate about solving social issues especially as it relates to women. She believes in the development and empowerment of women as they are major players in national and world development.
Supporting women is crucial to Neya and you will often hear her use the phrase ‘Sister's Keeper'. This burning passion drives her work with the NEWISSUES Foundation and the OUK Foundation, contributing to the implementation and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 1-6.
Neya continues to champion courses for the development of women and has been invited to speak on platforms like the African Women in Leadership conference where she spoke on “Women's Networking and Support Systems”, and HER Summit 2022 amongst others.
In 2022, Neya was named one of the 25 most powerful women in Journalism by the Women in Journalism Africa initiative in recognition of her work as the Chairman of Sun Newspaper.
Neya is a voracious reader and lover of African literature especially written by Nigerian authors.
Neya, you have a remarkable track record as a serial entrepreneur, business executive, and philanthropist. Can you share the journey that led you from studying law, working in financial services, and now to your current roles?
Life is consistently filled with surprises. I never anticipated becoming the chairman at The Sun or owning several companies. I always envisioned myself working a 9-5 job and steadily advancing in any field I found myself in.
With your extensive experience across different industries, how have these varied roles influenced your approach to leadership and business?
I have a laid-back demeanor, as my experiences have shown me the futility of overemphasizing issues beyond my control. One advantage of working in diverse fields is that I have become well-rounded, capable of managing challenges and interacting with different individuals. These encounters have influenced me to adopt a more compassionate leadership style. While I remain resolute and assertive, given the inherent challenges of being a woman in male-dominated environments, I believe that leading with kindness is paramount for any leader, particularly in Nigeria.
As the CEO of Basecoat and Chairman of several prominent organizations, what are some of the key challenges you've faced in balancing these roles, and how do you manage to keep each venture thriving?
The primary challenge I face is time. There never seems to be adequate time to focus on the things that matter most to me. Managing disparate sectors that lack correlation can be overwhelming. However, this is the path I chose, and I strive to give my best effort, regardless of the circumstances. Additionally, a key aspect of success is hiring individuals who share the same passion for the business as I do. I acknowledge that I cannot do everything alone. I am not a one-man army when it comes to business.
What drives your entrepreneurial spirit, and how do you stay motivated in the face of challenges and setbacks?
I hail from a family of entrepreneurs. While I don't believe it was predetermined, being immersed in an environment where my relatives flourished by pursuing their passions served as a significant source of inspiration for me to seek the same fulfillment. A more apparent reason is that my family originates from Aba, renowned as the hub of serial entrepreneurs – Nwa Aba.
Your work with the NEWISSUES Foundation and the OUK Foundation highlights your commitment to women's empowerment. What inspired this passion, and what specific initiatives have you been a part of?
These foundations hold great significance for me. Initially, I embarked on initiatives with the OUK Foundation, primarily operating in the Eastern region of Nigeria. Approximately a decade ago, I established The NEWISSUES Foundation, with a primary focus on supporting women and children by providing essential amenities. More recently, our efforts have shifted towards healthcare, offering assistance to individuals who cannot afford medical treatment and providing aid to those detained in hospitals due to financial constraints.
How do you define the phrase “Sister's Keeper,” and how does it manifest in your philanthropic work and daily life?
This statement truly resonates with me, which is why my foundation primarily directs its efforts toward supporting women and children. There is no better way for me to demonstrate my solidarity than by aiding my less fortunate sisters. I have consistently made anonymous contributions to society, as I prefer not to seek attention or applause. I only recently formalized the foundation's registration because I now understand that I cannot support my sisters single-handedly. I recognize the importance of public assistance in fulfilling all the aspirations I have for these individuals.
Let's talk about mental health. Mental health is a crucial aspect of well-being, especially for entrepreneurs. How do you prioritize and manage your mental health while handling multiple high-stakes roles?
Mental health is a matter of great importance to me. I believe that in Nigeria and across Africa, we do not address these issues with the necessary attention. The increasing number of suicides linked to mental health concerns is alarming. Often, a simple conversation with someone can make a significant difference for those struggling. Earlier this year, I experienced a severe downturn in my mental well-being. Despite my efforts to perform at my best across my various businesses, I found myself unable to cope. I am far from perfect, and the pressures sometimes take a toll on me, both physically and mentally. For months, I felt paralyzed and couldn't bring myself to go to the office or engage in any work-related activities. I reached a breaking point, a perilous place to be. I have since taken a step back because it is crucial for me to prioritize my own well-being. Beyond my business ventures and the legacy I aim to build, my own self-care is paramount. This is a lesson I constantly remind myself of. The demands can become overwhelming at times, and we often overlook the challenging business environment in Nigeria. It is essential to recognize when it is time to take a break. Being overworked and undervalued is a dangerous combination, especially given the current economic climate. It can lead to a diminished version of oneself. There is no shame in struggling with mental health. I am open about my struggles this year because, above all, I am human. Unfortunately, there are limited organizations providing support to young people and individuals of all ages facing similar challenges. I urge anyone going through such difficulties to reach out and talk to someone, anyone.
How do you think the landscape for female entrepreneurs is evolving, and what additional support or changes would you like to see for women in business?
I am of the belief that women account for the highest percentage of entrepreneurs in Nigeria, a fact that speaks volumes in itself. I wish for more substantial support from agencies and the government to be extended to female entrepreneurs. Facilitating the ease of operations for small and medium-sized businesses is paramount. In other countries, there are specific measures in place, ranging from support from financial institutions to streamlined government processes, that foster business growth. Whether it is a woman owning a PR agency or one selling plantains by the roadside, it is crucial that we recognize and applaud the contributions women are making to society, regardless of the scale.
Share a personal mantra or piece of advice that has guided you throughout your career.
I believe that at times we have been misled, and influenced by self-help books and social media therapists who constantly urge us to keep going without pausing. While there is merit in such advice, I think it is equally essential to postpone tasks for another day when necessary. If you are unable to do so, then rest. The significance of slowing down is often overlooked. I recently wrote a LinkedIn article, titled “Overdo No Good”, giving all accolades to that one Nigérian that shared the same exact sentiments as me.
In a rapidly evolving world, how do you see the role of women in entrepreneurship and philanthropy changing in the next decade?
I have often expressed my belief that the future is female, and I consider my superpower to be my identity as a woman. Women are truly coming into their own. Decades ago, there were women who were ahead of their time. Today, the women I observe and have the privilege of knowing are also ahead of their time. If only we were provided with more opportunities to exhibit our talents and, most importantly, to hold positions where we can demonstrate the intelligence within our minds, I am certain that we would be unstoppable.
•Culled from Her Network Magazine
