Guest: Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of African Civil Aviation Commission

In this episode, we have a super conversation with lawyer and aviation expert, Adefunke Adeyemi, to discuss open skies in Africa's aviation industry.

She outlines signifiicant progress made on the continent towards full implementation of the ambitious Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Adefunke also reveals how she views flying: it's not just about getting from point A to point B, it is integral to life. We meet on the sidelines of Nigeria's inaugural Aviation Aquisition and Investment Summit, and Adefunke tells the audience about her twin passions: the law and aviation. As a long time aviation player, Adefunke is upbeat about where Nigeria is today and is optimistic that the recent improvements will not be easily upended if a new administration comes to power in next year's elections.

I ask how she has risen to senior positions in aviation - which is very much a male-dominated sector - and she outlines the strategy of the "7 Cs."

Character, Courage, Confidence, Competence,Capital, Commitment and Charisma.

🌟 The 7 Cs for Women in Leadership - by Adefunke Adeyemi

Funke has devised a strategy over her 25-year career that breaks down the essential attributes every woman needs to lead effectively, especially in male-dominated sectors:

CHARACTER: Your integrity and values. It’s what keeps you in the room once your competence gets you there.

COURAGE: The bravery to challenge the status quo and push through the "infamous" delays in policy implementation.

CONFIDENCE: Owning your space and silencing the inner critic.

COMPETENCE: The technical "price of entry." You must be a subject matter expert to command respect.

CAPITAL: Not about money, this is social capital. How do you present to the world? Who do people say you are? The ability to build strategic networks

COMMITMENT: As women we need to battle through what can be quite challenging physical times - we still need to show up.

CHARISMA: That magnetic quality that inspires others to follow your lead and join your mission. The ability to articulate a vision and tell a story that moves people to action.

🌍 Discussion Highlights

The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC): Understanding its role as a specialized agency of the African Union.

Agenda 2063: Why connecting Africa via air is a top priority for the continent’s future.

The Yamoussoukro Decision: Navigating the binding agreement that connects 44 (and counting) African states.

The Pace of Progress: Why 38 countries have now committed to "accelerated implementation" and what that means for travelers and businesses.

🔑 Key Takeaway

"It's about more than just aviation; it's about the leadership required to unite 55 nations under one sky."

📱 Connect & Follow

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Comment below: Which of the 7 Cs are you working on this year?

Learn more about SAATM: [Link to AFCAC/AU Resources]

#WomenInLeadership #FunkeAdeyemi #Aviation #7Cs #Charisma #AfricanUnion #SAATM #LeadershipDevelopment

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