167. Bridging the Age Gap: Folawe and Funmi Overcoming Respect

Women Emerging Podcast

In this final episode of the Bridging the Age Gap Series, Julia invited Funmi Adeyemi and Folawe Omikunle, two women are deeply committed to transforming education and equity in Nigeria and they bring distinct generational experiences to this conversation, but with a shared conviction.

They speak openly about the quiet tensions that can exist between senior and younger leaders: the hesitation to give feedback, the fear that sets in when one drops the ball, and the 'who's first to shake hands'. But what surfaces just as strongly is mutual trust, and a shared belief that leading can evolve when we reframe hierarchy.

“When you're too much about hierarchy and titles, you lose your ability to be creative, to be spontaneous, to be innovative, you know, to be open, to really be your genuine self,” said Folawe.

This closing episode invites more open dialogue across generations so that together, we can move towards a new normal of leading.

About the Guests:

Folawe Omikunle is a social entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in education, international development, non-profit leadership, and sustainability. A Tutu Fellow and finalist for the Africa Education Medal, she has been recognised as one of Nigeria’s most inspiring women. Folawe serves on multiple boards and is deeply committed to unlocking Africa’s potential through investments in human capital.

Funmi is deeply invested in supporting women and girls to lead with confidence in their communities and across diverse spaces. She is the Expedition Director at Women Emerging, where she leads the global delivery of the Expeditions, and the founder of EquitED– the award-winning initiative working to shift gender norms in Nigerian schools. Her work combines strategy, communication, and community building to inspire bold, inclusive change.