What do you do when your entire future has already been decided for you—and you know it’s not the life you want?

In this episode, we meet Joy—a woman who defied cultural expectations, family pressure, and conventional wisdom to build a career on her own terms.

When she told her father she wanted to study French instead of law, he was stunned. Who makes it in life with a degree in French?

But Joy wasn’t trying to make a statement. She was trying to stay true to herself.

So much so that she intentionally failed her JAMB exams—two years in a row—just to avoid being pushed into law school.

That same quiet resilience would become her edge.

Because years later, when she stepped into corporate spaces, she didn’t just show up. She stood out.

Today, Joy is a leader in the organisational design space, helping companies rethink how they work, lead, and grow.

But her journey started long before the boardroom.

It started with one decision: to trust her voice—louder than tradition, louder than fear.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to choose a path that didn’t feel like yours, this episode will show you what’s possible when you don’t back down.

[01:12] – Joy’s Early Career Journey

[02:40] – Teaching French and Overcoming Challenges

[06:08] – Pursuing Higher Education and Family Expectations

[11:16] – Navigating Career Opportunities and NYSC Experience

[14:19] – Entrepreneurial Ventures During NYSC

[18:14] – Post-NYSC Decisions and Family Dynamics

[19:41] – Father’s Disapproval and Career Struggles

[20:34] – Pursuing a Master’s Degree

[21:33] – Navigating the Job Market During a Recession

[22:02] – Volunteering and Starting a Family

[23:35] – Breaking into Organisational Development

[24:07] – Support from Husband and Professional Growth

[24:38] – Achieving a Distinction at Cambridge

[24:58] – Transitioning into Management Consulting

[27:03] – The Importance of Dreams and Persistence

[31:44] – Overcoming Setbacks and Finding Support

[36:01] – Future Aspirations and Family Time

[37:22] – Final Thoughts and Encouragement For Listeners Facing Struggles 

Olawunmi Brigue, host of Women in Corporate podcast, is a certified executive and transformational life coach, and the founder of TheLuminousGlobal.com, a results-driven personal growth company for ambitious women ready to rise—in life and leadership. Learn more at ⁠www.theluminousglobal.com