The Future Rewards Those Who Dare to Show Up – Yetunde Oni

Leadership is often associated with confidence, but according to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of Nigeria, Yetunde B. Oni, confidence is rarely what comes first. Instead, she believes courage, preparation and the willingness to embrace opportunities despite uncertainty are the qualities that shape successful leaders.

In this thought-provoking reflection, Oni argues that many capable individuals delay pursuing opportunities because they are waiting to feel completely ready. However, she contends that confidence is usually the product of experience rather than its prerequisite.

Drawing from her own leadership journey in the banking industry, she encourages professionals to embrace opportunities even when they feel uncertain.

“Apply for the role. Compete for the opportunity. Go through the process,” she advises, explaining that even unsuccessful attempts provide valuable lessons, strengthen capabilities and prepare individuals for future success.

Leadership Through Example

Oni emphasises that leadership extends beyond occupying a position of authority. According to her, organisational culture is shaped by the everyday actions, decisions and behaviours of leaders.

She notes that employees observe not only what leaders say, but also what they reward, tolerate and demonstrate under pressure. Consequently, she argues that organisations seeking innovation, accountability and integrity must intentionally cultivate environments where such values are consistently modelled.

Central to this is the creation of psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable expressing ideas, asking questions, providing feedback and learning from mistakes without fear of humiliation or retaliation.

She observes that organisations lose valuable ideas when employees remain silent because they do not feel safe to speak.

The Value of Honest Feedback

Oni also advocates for a workplace culture where candid and respectful feedback is encouraged rather than avoided.

She cautions against workplace cultures where concerns are discussed privately but never communicated constructively to those who can address them.

According to her, corrective conversations, queries and constructive criticism should not automatically be viewed as punitive measures but as opportunities for personal and professional growth.

She adds that leaders have a responsibility to demonstrate through their actions that honest feedback is welcomed and fairly considered.

Integrity Above Competence

Reflecting on the qualities that define effective leadership, Oni identifies integrity and ethics as the foundation upon which sustainable leadership is built.

While acknowledging the importance of technical competence, she maintains that character ultimately determines how competence is applied.

She argues that trust remains the most valuable currency of leadership, noting that while professional skills can be developed over time, damaged trust is significantly more difficult to restore.

According to her, dependable leaders are those who consistently honour their commitments, act honestly and recognise leadership as a responsibility rather than a source of personal power.

A Broader Definition of Success

Oni explains that her understanding of success has evolved over the course of her career.

Although professional accomplishments remain important, she now places equal value on family, meaningful relationships, personal wellbeing and the opportunity to positively impact others.

She encourages professionals not to postpone happiness while pursuing career milestones, stressing that fulfilment should be found throughout the journey rather than only at its destination.

Similarly, she advocates healthy work-life boundaries, describing rest, asking for help and knowing when to decline additional responsibilities as signs of sustainable leadership rather than weakness.

Empowering Women to Lead

The Union Bank CEO also reflects on discussions held through weHub, the bank’s women employee network, where she encouraged greater participation and leadership among women.

She notes that creating opportunities for women extends beyond ensuring representation; it requires fostering environments where women feel confident to contribute ideas, ask questions and pursue leadership opportunities.

She believes leaders have a responsibility to identify potential, mentor emerging talent and encourage individuals who may underestimate their own abilities.

For women experiencing self-doubt, her advice is straightforward: never eliminate yourself from opportunities before the selection process even begins.

Building a Lasting Legacy

Looking ahead, Oni says the legacy she hopes to leave at Union Bank is not defined solely by financial achievements but by helping to build an institution where employees feel trusted, empowered, supported and accountable.

She envisions a workplace where people are encouraged to speak honestly, learn continuously and contribute meaningfully to organisational success.

Concluding her reflection, she reiterates that the future belongs to those willing to step forward despite uncertainty.

Rather than waiting until every doubt disappears, she encourages individuals to prepare diligently, lead with integrity, support others and find the courage to begin before they feel entirely ready.

For Oni, leadership is ultimately less about certainty than about the willingness to show up, embrace responsibility and grow through every opportunity encountered.